Aging in place

Revisiting some common remodeling mistakes

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Good remodeling advice is always worth repeating.

We stumbled across some good advice in a newspaper column by a plumber in Portland on avoiding common remodeling mistakes.

First, always set a budget. The best way to avoid paying too much money is to decide how much you are willing to spend and stick to it. A good remodeler will provide an estimate and can tell you what increasing or decreasing your budget will do to your project.

Second, consider resale value. Even if resale is many years away, remember to choose projects with universal function and appeal that have a good return on investment. Your future self will thank you.

Finally, have a plan! Remodeling isn’t something you can wing. That’s a great way to waste time and money. Meet with a remodeler and lay out your goals, budget, and ideal timeline. A good remodeler can give you a realistic assessment of the possibilities. The best of plans will allow some wiggle room for unforeseen events.

If something does go wrong, follow the lead of the couple remodeling their 1924 farmhouse in Hyattsvile, Md., who are giving a play-by-play to The Washington Post.

Their account of overcoming water leaks, hastily installed window trim, and failing plumbing inspection gives you a deeper understanding of what a total home remodel can entail.

Have a good week!

What remodelers need to understand about millennials

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Millennials get a bad wrap on many things.

Millennials, loosely defined as people in their 20s and 30s, are portrayed by many as knowledgeable, but entitled, and maybe not willing to pay their dues. As more millennials become interested in home remodeling, many companies are asking themselves about the best method for working with them.

A few tips on the subject can be found on the Markup & Profit blog titled “Generational Differences.”

The writer, Michael Stone, breaks it down like this: Working with millennials has its rubs, but it’s not much different from working with any other age group.

First, he says, millennials do a lot of shopping and note taking online. So, remodelers without extensive online profiles and social media channels will miss out on their business.

Second, millennials carry the perception of being informed. That may be true on other issues, but when it comes to construction, millennials are like most other consumers in that most of their construction knowledge comes from misleading reality TV programs or online reviews.

Third, and probably most important, they are likely to choose a contractor based on price. But this is also true of pretty much every other demographic! So, it falls on remodelers to clearly outline the process, explain the importance of using the materials you are planning to use, show places where you can effectively cut corners, and what projects make the best return on investment.

You know, like you would for any client.

Be sure to check out the MK Cabinetry Shop for some cool vanities and storage accessories, such as the Adler 31” vanity in grey shown up top!

Have a good week!

Remodeling projects that will pay off the most in 2017

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Nobody likes spending more money than they need to spend.

Luckily, for those people looking to remodel, there are guidelines available that can help you avoid losing lots of money on a project.

Every year, Remodeling Magazine puts out a Cost vs. Value Report. This year’s report is in, and the results might surprise you.

U.S. News & World Report (5 Home Renovations that Pay off [and 2 That Don’t]) and 24/7 Wall Street (9 Home Improvement Projecs That Will Pay Off The Most In 2017) have great articles about many of these projects.

Here are some findings, in no particular order:

A front door replacement recoups 90% (!!!) on average. Minimal cost produces maximum value.

A garage door replacement recoups 85% on average. Again, modest cost produces maximum value.

Replacing windows recoups 74% on average. Middle of the road cost produces good value.

A minor kitchen remodel (around $20,000) recoups 80% on average. Higher cost but good value.

You can play around with the Cost. vs. Value Report right here. Let us know what you find.

Have a great week!