Hiring A Remodeler

If you’re like most customers, you feel inundated with salesman speak and lofty promises.

The best way to sift through the noise is to focus on how you are treated. That’s the key point in an article came across about the 5 qualities of an expert contractor.

First, a good contractor will always put your needs ahead of a schedule, and will marry your expectations with your budget.

Second, a good contractor will have a plan in place to deal with the mess a remodel will cause.

Third, an expert contractor will be forthcoming about any unexpected challenges as they arise and will clearly explain how they will handle them. A good contractor will not cut corners.

Fourth, the best contractor is one who is licensed, insured and seeks the proper permits and paperwork.

Lastly, an expert contractor will clearly define a fair contract and outline a payment program.

If anyone you deal with falls short in any of these areas, you would be wise to start looking elsewhere.

Speaking of expert advice, we were really struck by an advice column by a handyman titled “Have realistic expectations when remodeling.”

One quote in particular was a great summary of what we regularly encounter while talking to people about remodeling.

“Reality TV does not mean you get a reality price for remodeling,” the expert says. In fact, he’d estimate that most people think jobs cost half as much as they really do as a result of unrealistic TV shows.

So, keep that budget advice and our expert contractor tips in mind when you think about your next remodeling project.

Have a good week!

 

If you are thinking about embarking on a home remodel, there are a few things you should keep in mind. We came across an article that offers a few great tips before construction gets started.

Think ahead. While you will be able to book an initial consultation quickly, that doesn’t mean construction can start the next day. Many contractors are booked out for several months, so plan ahead. TV shows make home remodels look as easy as ordering a pizza. This isn’t the case! It takes many months of planning.

Do your homework. Ask friends and family for referrals. Check out reviews and photos of prior work on Angie’s List, Yelp, and social media. Be sure to prepare a list of questions for your consultation. And be skeptical of someone with a “We’ll figure it out later” mentality. That will cost you in the long run.

Get it in writing. Insist on contracts. Do not subscribe to any handshake agreements. Contracts protect both sides of the deal. Customers know what to expect, and contractors know their milestones and when they can expect payment.

Insist on the best. Only use licensed and insured contractors. Anything less is risky at best and downright dangerous at worst. We’ve seen McDonald’s wrapper used as insulation and shoddy electric lines that were in danger of starting a fire.

Now that we’ve gotten the serious stuff out of the way, let’s shift gears to some fun stuff. Backsplashes are like the cherry on top of an cool kitchen. Apropos of nothing, here are some photos of some very cool, and very inexpensive, backsplashes.

Have a good week!

 

At MK Remodeling & Design, we understand that the budget is the main concern for our customers. If you are in the market for a kitchen update but don’t want to break the bank, CBS News offers this article on several options available to you under $25,000.

Refacing your cabinets will cost around $400 per cabinet. Flooring depends on square footage and the type of flooring options, but there are many ways to do a mid-range job under $4,000. Adding a backsplash, can really make things sizzle for around $2,500. Replacing appliances can also bring your kitchen up to date, all for around $1,000 per appliance.

If you are curious about the costs of different jobs, check out homewyse.com. There you can play with the size and scope of remodeling jobs to get the ballpark cost of a renovation according to your zip code. Of course, a contractor will provide specifics, but this is a good starting point. So, mix and match till your heart’s content and figure what works best for your home and your budget.

No matter what size or what part of your house you are remodeling, be sure to use a licensed contractor and thoroughly vet them. Several families in Philadelphia recently got burned by a contractor who failed to pull permits for their work. Now these homeowners have a litany of problems, and are left to pick up the tab.

While social media, Yelp or Angie’s List are a good start when reading up on a remodeler, don’t be afraid to ask around and talk to former clients. Places like the Better Business Bureau will also have useful information for potential customers.

Have a great week!