Aging in place

We’re often asked by people, “Who exactly remodels?” And the answer is, “Pretty much everyone!”

That’s because there isn’t just one group of people that chooses to update their homes. People of all ages and from all walks of life dare to unlock the hidden potential in their homes.

Case in point, take the two articles from Construction Dive we recently happened upon. According to Construction Dive, aging-in-place projects are on the rise, and first-time home buyers and millennials are upping their spending on remodeling.

The first article cites a survey by the National Association of Home Builders which concluded that 80% of remodelers in the fourth quarter of 2016 reported aging-in-place work versus 68% of remodelers reporting that kind of work in 2013.

The projects driving those numbers are simple ones, such as added lighting, grab bars, non-slip floors, and widening doorways, the article says.

When it comes to millennials or first-time buyers, they are spending more money than ever before on home improvement.

According to the Houzz & Home survey, first-time buyers in 2016 spent an average of $33,800 on projects. That number is up from 22% from the year before!

So, there you have it. Two groups essentially at the opposite side of the people spectrum are making waves in the remodeling world. Now you know.

Have a good week!

When the time comes that you want to upgrade, remodel, or renovate your home or property, it is important to hire the right people to do the work. You need only do a quick Google search to read horror stories from unsuspecting property owners who did not make the right choice. Below you will find some helpful tips to assist you in selecting the right contractor for the jobs.

Jack of all trades

It is important to know the type of contractor you are needing. In these situations, a specialty contractor (professional in this area of work) is required. By determining if the contractor focuses on high end remodels or only does basic work, you will find the right fit. This also allows you to compare prices with like vendors.

Just because a contractor has a good reputation for roofing, for example, does not automatically mean they can remodel the kitchen where they will work with water, plumbing, and electricity. Consequently, just because you found a contractor with a good reputation for working with sinks, tubs, and faucets, doesn’t mean they are the right company to properly erect your backyard pub shed. Ask the contractor for references in the particular work you want to be done.

Ask for recommendations

Ask vendors who they recommend to do your renovations or remodeling. They will know the contractors in the area that purchase quality items and have a good reputation among other customers and other suppliers. Check with Pro Desks located inside your home and garden stores.

Ask family and friends, coworkers and neighbors and compile a list of potential contractors that have done business with people you know and respect.

Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau

Check and see if they have had disputes and complaints filed against them and how they resolved them. It is not impossible for even a very good contractor to have a misunderstanding with a client. But how they responded and the end results will give you an idea of their standards.

Ask for a breakdown of the quotes

You need to know how much of the money you are paying is going toward materials. If you are paying top dollar for your installation, you should be getting high-quality materials for your home.

Don’t be scammed

Check with your State Register of contractors and request certificates of insurance before you allow any work to begin. The contractor you choose should be insured, licensed and bonded. If they are not, do not hire them. This is a sure sign of a scammer or an unqualified company trying to work “off the books”.

Are they willing to work with you?

Perhaps you are purchasing a steel storage building, backyard pub shed, garage, or pole barn from a quality steel prefabricated company. You may opt to have the supplier erect the building on your property. Or, because the buildings are prefabricated, come with easy instructions, and full support from the company, you may choose to erect the building yourself. However, if you are putting in a structure to use as your man cave or pub shed, you will need a contractor to install the electric, and water for your modern sink. Ask the contractor what they are willing to do and if they have any problem with you doing part of the work yourself.

Do not buy based only on price

If someone comes in with a quote that is substantially lower than other contractors in the area for the same work, something is wrong. Either they are using substandard materials, cutting corners on the job, or they do not know how to properly determine costs of the projects. You are better off to avoid their issues.
Use caution if the contractor asks for payment of more than 50% upfront. Some states allow a contractor to only ask for ⅓ upfront. Asking for a deposit ensures that you will not cost the contractor money by delaying the job once it is scheduled. Asking for a deposit protects them. If you have done your homework and feel you have a quality and upstanding contractor, a 50% deposit is reasonable for a job up to $10,000. If the job is substantially more, make sure they have detailed invoicing and expect to pay approximately 25% upfront.

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About the author: Wendy Dessler is an outreach manager with MaestroBath, the creators of Italian modern sinks and faucets.