Tips on Making Your Remodeling Project Easier
1. Start at the Beginning:
That means writing down how your home does not meet your current needs. Don't concern yourself with the physical design. That will come later. Just write down the problems you are trying to solve. Things such as:
- We entertain more than we used to and the house gets cramped at parties.
- We're tired of going to the basement to do the laundry.
- We want a bigger kitchen with an eating area.
It is the solution to these problems that will ensure that you will be happy with your project. Professionals can help with the actual design once you have stated your needs.
2. Put Together a Budget:
This may be the least fun but the most important part of the process. Budgets give you an idea of how much you plan to spend. They also give the remodeler a starting point to provide a more accurate estimate. Everyone is different in how they go about creating their budget. Here are some suggestions that may help:
Check out the Remodeling cost vs. value reports on the internet. They can tell you how much certain remodeling jobs average in your area as as well as how much you could recoup from the remodel when selling the house. They also provide descriptions of what type of work the average amounts listed would include. While these figures will not describe your job exactly they are a good starting point to help create your budget.
You may also want to find out what the better homes in your neighborhood are selling for. The difference between the current selling price for these homes and the price you paid for your house is a good indicator of how much you could prudently spend on the project and get your money back if you had to move within the next few years. This becomes less important if you plan to stay where you are for more than three or four years.
3. Find a Contractor Who Can Do More than Build:
Even the smallest remodeling project is complex and involves a great many people - city and county inspectors and officials, tradesmen, craftsmen, vendors of all types, not to mention a bewildering array of materials, colors, and textures. Putting all of this together in a timely manner takes skill and management.
Horror stories abound about contractors who took forever to finish a project because they were "good craftsmen" but "terrible managers". The choice does not have to be between the two. At Attention to Detail, we pride ourselves on putting together a team of good craftsmen and good managers to ensure that your job will be done the way you want it - on time, within your budget, and with quality throughout. We also have Certifed Lead Carpenters and Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodelers on staff so expertise and solid management are certain.
4. Take the Time to Answer All the Questions Up Front:
Once preliminary plans and budgets have been established, there is often a tendency by all involved to rush into the construction phase. This can actually slow the process down in the long run. Take the time to specify and get firm delivery dates on all items before you begin construction wherever possible. That way you'll find out in advance if there is a long lead time on a particular item and a substitute can be incorporated into the design. At Attention to Detail, we take the time to plan and prepare so that the actual work can be done quickly. We also stay in communication with you thoughout the entire process.
5. Have Fun with the Process:
The whole idea is to improve your living space and lifestyle. The way you go about it makes all the difference in the world. Know what you want; decide on a workable budget, then stick to it; find a contractor who can manage the project and do quality work; take time up front to plan - and the rest will follow!
Contact us to achieve the results you hope for and more. |
