Awards

With the Olympics winding down, we are thinking a lot about gold medals and all the hard work that goes into winning one.

If remodeling and design was in the Summer Games, we think we’d have a good shot at gold. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Just read some of our reviews, and you’ll see why we average 4.5 stars on Facebook.

“Remodel has gone great,” says Dana, who had work done on her kitchen. “Constant communication, attention to detail and they actually listened to me and what I wanted. Super quality cabinetry. I would not hesitate to use them again for another job.”

And Dana is not alone. Plenty of people trust us for second and third jobs.

“Great job, pleasant to work with,” Pam says. “This is our second job using MK and we will definitely continue to use them in the future. Good communication, a great team!”

In addition to our communication skills, Nancy has high marks for our attention to detail.

“This is an excellent team of professionals who do top notch work and don’t give up until everything is done just right,” she says. “They are courteous and prompt in their communications and accommodating with scheduling.

“We had gotten several estimates on repairing a leak in a patio roof under a walk deck, and the two other estimates included entire replacement of the walk deck. This turned out to be work we didn’t actually need. Mike gave a a much more pragmatic and honest solution and saved us thousands of dollars. We had some warranty issues with replacement sliders and the MK team, James and Mike have stayed on top of it through resolution. We recommend this company highly and without reservation.”

So there you have it. When you add up all the scores, MK Remodeling & Design is as good as gold.

If you’ve got children, pets, or older people around, then don’t forget about how they could be affected by a home remodel.

While a good remodeler will take care of these, it’s always a good idea to make a mental list, just to be safe.

NWCN.com has a great article on preventing hazards while remodeling you home. It has tips you might have thought of and some things you might have missed.

First, if it’s within your budget, consider moving out briefly, either into a hotel or a friend or family member’s house. The only way to be 100 percent sure is to remove yourself from the equation.

Next, look for any leftover debris on all places that kids or pets will play on. Be proactive and address this topic with your remodeler before construction begins. Alert remodelers to any special concerns (i.e. small children or pets) so that they can better serve you.

While taped off constructions work well, they are not dustproof. Some nitty gritty stuff will seep in, so the article suggests your vacuum has a HEPA filter, which prevents the exhaust from spreading dust around. When it comes to paint, low-VOC paints and finishes will minimize the levels of irritants present in your home during and after the application process.

Lastly, for more extensive remodels, you might consider testing your soil for lead, the article says. That what you can have peace of mind when you resume outdoor activities.

Have a great week!

Summer is a great time to take inventory of your home remodeling needs. Maybe hosting a BBQ showed how you could use more entertaining space, or maybe you were inspired to make some changes after visiting a cool hotel on a family trip.

Whatever the reason, going from inspiration to construction may seem like an impossible stretch. Don’t worry! We’re here to help with some of our favorite tips from a Washington Post article titled “What you need to know before hiring a home remodeler.”

First, have a goal. Think about what you really want to accomplish. If it’s a bathroom remodel, do you want more room? More storage? Will you stick to standard items or will you be OK with splurging a little? Are you more about function or style? Making a list helps!

Next, talk to a designer. A designer helps you visualize your goals and what it might cost. A rendering also allows you to make changes before construction begins. Designers also have experience helping with the decision-making process and can answer a lot of your questions.

Then, do your homework. Now equipped with your goals and a design, talk to possible candidates. Schedule an informational appointment, speak to former customers, and check out their website and social media channels.

Now, put it on paper. Sign a contract! This protects you and the contractor and aligns your expectations. Do not sign anything you aren’t sure about and feel free to seek clarification on matters large and small.

Lastly, don’t sweat the small stuff. Things will get messy. It is construction after all. It will pass. Unforeseen issues are likely to arise. They will pass too. If you’ve followed these steps to the best of your ability, it will all work out in the end, and you will have the home of your dreams.

Have a good week!