Bathroom

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!

In public speaking, you are taught to focus on what you want to say instead of worrying about a mistake creeping into your speech. When it comes to home remodeling, sometimes the opposite is true: It’s easier to focus on what not to do in order to get things started on the right foot.

With that in mind, we’re looking at some big mistakes to avoid during the remodeling process.

CNBC has a great article about the dos and don’ts of home improvements.

When it comes to indoor projects, a kitchen remodel (either large or small) offers a good return on investment, the article says. They return about $20,000 from their average cost of $30,000, according to the report, and have widespread appeal when it comes to resale.

When it comes to outdoor projects, the article suggests looking into a new roof, which can return up to 105% of your investment.

Speaking of kitchens and in keeping with our theme, Consumer Reports has a great summary of the top mistakes to avoid when undertaking a kitchen remodel.

In addition to things we’ve covered, such as doing your homework on contractors and ironing out a good contract, the article also suggests not getting hung up on one thing, remembering function above all else, and not overpaying for high-grade materials.

In all instances, a good contractor can use their experience to help you achieve your remodeling goals, and help you avoid mistakes along the way.

Have a good week!