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Guest Post: 4 Questions to Ask Before Remodeling

By on December 11, 2018   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Customer Service, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Planning, Remodel, Shop, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

Any homeowner who has been through the remodeling process will tell you that remodeling can be a headache, especially when you don’t have a plan. The idea of planning, however, can cause homeowners to become tongue-tied and nervous. It might feel like you’re trying to set your whole future out in stone, when really all you’re doing is giving yourself a little guidance for a big project.

Here are four questions to get you thinking practically about your remodel so that you can start planning painlessly.

1. What’s My Goal?

Begin by making a list of all the things that you want to achieve in your remodel. If you think that you’ll move in the next five years, it’s best to stick with the basics, such as some upgraded hardware and a statement faucet. However, if you’re in your long-term home, your remodel could include some of your dream renovations.

Braining-storming your remodeling goals can also help you think of a theme or style that you want to evoke. You might want to go for a rustic feel, or you can try something more modern and minimalist with your design. This is the time to use your imagination about what your space can be.

Once you’re done brainstorming, separate your list into needs, wants, and projects for the future. This will help you to prioritize where to spend your budget.

2. What’s My Budget?

If you don’t keep your remodeling budget on a tight leash, it’s likely your spending will add up with high costs before you know it. We recommend writing down your budget and making a simple spreadsheet to help you keep track of everything.

Remodeling Budget Tips:

  • Be realistic on how much you can afford and intend to spend.
  • Think ahead about how you will be paying and what kind of financing you’ll do.
  • Don’t forget to factor in labor, shipping, taxes, installation, and materials.
  • If you need to vacate your home during the renovation process, add any hotel or other fees into your budget.
  • Make sure to put aside 10 percent of your entire remodeling budget to draw upon in case of emergency or hidden costs, including last-minute calls to a plumber or electrician, or any odd surprises such as floorboard rot.

3. How Long Will It Take?

It’s no secret that a drawn-out remodel can be hard on a household. Remodeling often blocks you off from important areas of the house and necessary resources. Unfinished rooms can also be emotionally draining and frustrating to be around.

Making a timeline will allow you to mitigate these personal difficulties in two ways:

  • It allows you to schedule when certain parts of your home are under renovation so that you can plan around those areas.
  • It gives you a deadline so that your remodeling project has a sense of urgency.

4. Who’s Doing the Work?

Remodeling can require a lot of skilled labor, which comes with its own high price point. While some homeowners feel comfortable doing their own DIY fixes, for professional quality and difficult installations its best to hire a contractor. Picking your contractor can be both a personal and financial decision. It’s best to listen to referrals and reviews and look for a contractor you can speak honestly with.

For big projects, many homeowners elect to hire a general contractor who will help you decide on the best ways to install your changes, help you stay within your budget, and find the labor to work on each part of your remodeling process. Smaller remodels, including ones that have only one particular process, such as redoing the flooring throughout the house, can be managed by hiring a specialized contractor. Ultimately, the labor that you hire depends on the scope of your project.

Remember that plans are never perfect, and your remodeling journey is going to need flexibility here and there. Nonetheless, having some guidelines, including your goals, a budget spreadsheet, and a timeline schedule will make it a much smoother process.

 

About the author: Kelli is a healthy lifestyle blogger for GroomandStyle.com. She has been a regular contributor to sites talking about the newest trends in home improvement, smart style, fashion and fitness. When she’s not writing, she enjoys photography, hiking and pretty much anything outdoors.

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Choosing your own remodeling adventure

By on December 6, 2018   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Bathroom, Blog, Customer Service, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Hiring A Remodeler, Holidays, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Planning, Remodel, Shop, Showers, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

Winter is here, which means the holidays are upon us.

“Winter” in the Southwest is comfortable for having guests over, so remember to make a mental list of ways your home could improve for entertaining or for comfort.

Some people struggle to commit to remodeling because they can’t settle on the reason to do it. Should you remodel for yourself? Should you remodel for resale? The answer depends on your timeline, as this helpful article explains.

If you see yourself moving in five or so years, think about remodeling for resale. That means going over a list of things buyers like with an expert, such as a designer or real estate agent, and coming up with a cost-efficient plan.

If you don’t see yourself moving for 10 years or so, if ever, then personalize away! Make that home the living space of your dreams. Remember, the best return on investment is happiness!

Speaking of winter remodeling, here is an article on the best projects to do over the winter.

Obviously, Arizona doesn’t see nearly as much of a slow down in remodeling during the winter as other regions, so keep that in mind while reading the article. It lists installing hardwood floors, and kitchen or bathroom remodels as a few options.

Finally, if you are more concerned with trends, we have you covered!

Here’s an article from the Midwest, my neck of the woods, about a study from our friends at Houzz. Houzz says baby boomers, those age 55 and older, are remodeling to comfortably age in place. They also account for the biggest remodeling spenders, the article says.

Have a great week!

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Guest Post: Kitchen Cabinet Details That Will Make You Say Wow

By on November 11, 2018   /   Accessible design, Aging in place, Awards, Blog, Cabinets, Design, Finding A Remodeler, Flooring, Hiring A Remodeler, Kitchen, Licensed Contractors, Planning, Remodel, Shop, Storage, Universal design   /   Leave a comment

The kitchen is often considered the center of the home. You entertain guests in the living room or family room. But the kitchen is where your family gathers. This is where meals are prepared and usually eaten. Around the table, your family shares the events of the day. If there is an issue, this is where it is all figured out.

When friends come for events or holidays, they often make their way to the kitchen to visit or help out. This is why the look and feel of your kitchen are so important. Having a nice kitchen adds to your enjoyment of the home, but there are other considerations when it comes to the kitchen.

Raising your property value

Financial expert, Dave Ramsey reports that 80% of home buyers list the kitchen as one of the main considerations. If you plan on living in your home, you will enjoy the modern look and ease of use of a new kitchen. If you choose to sell your home, small but significant changes dictate the selling price. Buyers are usually open to spending money on a home that will not require them needing to update the kitchen.

Where to begin

Every project needs a starting point. When it comes to a kitchen remodel, you must consider the following:

  • Your budget
  • Your priorities
  • Your contracting company

Of course, you will have to determine a budget. When remodeling a kitchen, little things can cost a lot. You must keep your budget realistic. Remember, if you have the lion’s share of the room finished, you can add to the room later. But, you do not want to be halfway through the project and find the money is gone.

This brings us to your priorities. There are some items that usually must be updated to make your kitchen look chic and modern. They include:

  • The cabinets
    • The cabinets are usually the first thing that catches our eye. They form the backdrop and setting of the room. Everything else is designed around the cabinets. Whether for yourself or for a future buyer, beautiful white shaker cabinets are perfect. They bring light to the room. They are clean and crisp and they accent everything else in the room.
  • You will probably want to hire a contractor to do at least some of the work on the kitchen. Even if you can so some of the work yourself, installing cabinets can be tricky to line up and secure. Be selective with your contractor and be selective with the products you are buying. Look up the brand and be sure you are purchasing quality. Quality merchandise last longer and performs better. They keep their look and attract home buyers or home visitors.

By following these basic rules, you will have a wonderful kitchen that will serve you for many years.

  • The appliances
    • The appliances can date a room faster than any other item. Not only will the appliances ruin the look of your new kitchen, they may limit your options. If you want a grill or stovetop on the island, that will stand out. Immediately upon seeing it, the buyer will look to the stove. If you want an updated hood over the stove, which comes in many metallic finishes, the appliances should match.
    • The counter tops should be replaced to unless you already have granite or quality wood countertops installed. Granite lasts a long time and does not go out of style. Be mindful of the colors. White cabinets are perfect for any kitchen. Bring out your colors with your kitchen accessories. Be sure to look at open front cabinets for a long cabinet or around a window. You can use dividers to slide in plates or stack them. Coffee cup hooks are great too. There is room for small items to bring the wow factor like an area where you grow small potted herbs.
    • The floor will need to be replaced if it is dated or if it is worn. Again, if you are living there or selling, natural finishes are beautiful and easy to install. Consider a wood, cork, concrete, or bamboo for the natural finish you are seeking.

About the author: Wendy Dessler is an Outreach Manager on behalf of Best Online Cabinets.

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