Awards

Saving money during remodeling goes hand in hand with staying on schedule. Adding more work days to a project adds more money to your bottom line. While not every event can be foreseen, having a plan in place is the best way to the best job possible.

With that in mind, we are loving these tips from Popular Mechanics on staying on time and on budget.

The article outlines six, but we are spotlighting our favorites.

First, don’t force anything. This goes for both planning and execution. Remodeling takes lots of paperwork, both in securing permits and signing contracts. Honor that process. Take your time and understand what you are committing to. All of those things absolutely must be handled before demolition begins.

Then, once construction begins, don’t get so focused on the end result that you lose sight of the process. There will be delays. Unforeseen problems could arise. That’s OK. As long as you build in a little wiggle room to both your timeline and budget you will come out on top.

Next, resist the urge to turn your house into something it is not. Unless you have limitless funds, you are going to have to stay within the “bones” of your house if you want to stay within your budget. You might be able to realign appliances in your kitchen at modest expense, but you won’t be able to realign your electric or plumbing system without significant cost.

Lastly, stay in touch. Keep in communication with your contractor. They are working hard for you, so it pays to get along. Stay receptive to ideas and open to suggestion. Realize that leaning on the expertise of your contractor is the most efficient route to success.

Have a great week!

In pop culture, being basic isn’t always a good thing. But when it comes to home remodeling, being basic can serve as a great guide to achieving your remodeling goals.

With this in mind, we came across a great article about the five basics of home remodeling. It has great advice that serves as a jumping off point for your next remodel. We’ll spotlight our favorites.

The first tip has to do with style. Too often, the article notes, people will want a home to be in one overarching style, when in reality, their home will be more of a melting pot with elements of several styles. To truly transform a standard home into a bungalow or Victorian style will up your costs. Incorporating a few of those elements will not.

A related tip has to do with design. The article preaches better design, not bigger design. Too many times a homeowner will immediately think they need an addition to solve their space issues. That’s an expensive path. Instead, enlist the help of professionals who can help find ways to reclaim unused space or evaluate the layout of a home. Taking down a wall or converting a closet can change the flow of a home, and is less invasive than adding a boxy addition.

Lastly, the article suggests creating a master plan and creating a budget. The two are hand in hand. A master plan outlines construction milestones and protects both the customer and builder. A budget creates an understanding between the customer and contractor. The article also suggests budgeting 5% to 10% in wiggle room.

Have a good weekend!

It’s September already? If you’re struggling to cope with the fact that we are two-thirds through with 2016, come over and take a seat with us!

Even in small ways, it’s tough realizing you are running out of time. For instance, we’re looking back at all the articles that caught our eye and wondering why we didn’t write about them.

Case in point, our favorite tips from realtor.com about how to save money when you remodel. All six of the tips hold up, but here are our Top 3.

First up, make sure you speak to a few contractors, and compare and contrast their estimates. Don’t be afraid to ask pointed questions about costs. Good contractors will be happy to elaborate on their estimates. Bad contractors will hide behind excuses.

Next, consider your timing. As the article notes, most contractors are not as busy between January and March. That could lead to some big deals! Also, since that is right around tax season, you could get a boost in the budget department from a tax refund.

Finally, don’t be afraid to go bargain hunting. Don’t marry yourself to a certain type of tub or flooring. Instead, ask the contractor if there are comparable materials from a previous job, or if he or she knows where they can locate some clearance items. Seek deals and ye shall find them!

Enjoy the long weekend!