7 Steps for Remodeling
It all begins with a dream. Gourmet kitchen. Cathedral ceilings. Luxurious bathroom. Room-sized closets.
It's one thing to know you want to remodel; but, it's another thing to know how to do it correctly. Whether you want to make simple changes in one room of your home, or you are dreaming of transforming your entire house into a dream of a lifetime, the process can be enjoyable and trouble-free -- if you take the time to plan ahead.
Here are some suggestions on steps to take to ensure a successful remodeling experience:
1. Do your research
Advance research and knowing your budget is key to getting what you want. Peruse through and cut pictures out of magazines to get an idea of the look you want. Make a list of rooms that need to be altered and the reasons for those changes. This information will help speed the design phase of your remodel. Another way to get inspiration is to talk with other homeowners who have recently completed home renovation projects. It’s also important at this time to be up front with your budget. Know what you can afford.
2. Choose your team
After you have a general idea of what you want and you’ve listed all of the items that are important to you, acquire the names of several professional home remodeling teams and interview them. Once you’ve narrowed down the list, request a comprehensive proposal which should detail how the much the project is going to cost and what types of products will be used. It’s also a good idea at this time to call the remodeler’s previous clients and ask about their experiences w/ the remodeling team. Ultimately, make sure you choose a contractor who is insured, licensed, and a member of a professional trade association.
3. Work out a contract
Before signing a contract, read it carefully. Are you satisfied with the description of the work to be done? Does the payment schedule include holdbacks? Are the responsibilities of the renovator clearly spelled out?
4. Clear plenty of time on your calendar for the project
Careful planning can greatly minimize inconvenience of living in the midst of a renovation. Talk to your remodeler about the schedule of work to be done and how your daily routine might be affected. For instance, will the water be turned off for any length of time? Do you need to set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the home? Can major work be done in stages so you always have some liveable space? Discuss your expectations of the work crew and determine the work environment.
6. Establish a good working relationship with your design team
Mutual trust between the homeowner and the remodeler is essential. Keep lines of communication open at all times. Expect a brief report on the progress of your job at regular intervals. Be available to make decisions when they are needed so work is not held up.
7. Try to stick with your first choices
Once work is underway, changes should be kept to a minimum. The details of your project, described in the contract, down to the finishing touches, form the basis of both the price and the schedule of your job. Your renovator , however, wants you to be satisfied with the final result, and will likely attempt to accommodate any alteration in plans, as long as you accept a possible delay in completion and/or a change in price.
8. Be prepared for a Successful Outcome
Research, good planning, a professional work crew and open communication and trust -- a recipe for a home renovation that you will enjoy for years to come!
Remember, your home is often the largest investment a person or family will make. Whether you want to remodel to sell your home or simply make it more comfortable for the coming years, remodeling can be a rewarding decision.
Please visit TBA’s website at www.tbaonline.org for a list of professional qualified remodelers.
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