Licensed Contractors

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!

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!