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Steps To A Successful Remodeling Project
March 20th, 2009With the conditions in today’s housing market, many people are choosing to stay in their current home and upgrade to add new room, style or function. Though the end results can be satisfying and well worth the effort, the process is often trying and can end up costing more than anticipated in both dollars and stress. Any successful remodeling project begins long before the first counter top is removed or the first wall is torn down. Whether it’s a do-it-yourself bathroom tile replacement or a whole house redo by professionals, good planning is the key. Here are some tips to help the project run smoothly and maybe have some fun on the way.
Style
Before selecting any cabinets, fixtures and appliances or even before setting the budget, take time to think about the overall look. Focus on images that convey your personal preferences. Ideas for what you might want your kitchen, bath, etc. to look and feel like are all around us; magazines, restaurants, model homes, malls, department stores. Though you may find the perfect kitchen early on and choose to duplicate it in your own home, it’s unlikely that your taste, room size, and home style will be a perfect match to what you find. Look for interesting components that are pleasing to your eye even if they don’t seem to match or coordinate.
Note a color combination here, a light fixture there, and keep notes on your thoughts and impressions. When you see or hear of an idea record it somehow. Make good use of that cell phone camera you bought. It’s very easy to click away on the spot and delete after. Keep a design folder for all of the ideas you collect. Print the best of the photos you take and keep them in the folder. Clip an interesting item from a magazines…in the folder. Any articles and product brochures from the home show…in the folder. From time to time look through the folder to see if the things you selected still catch your eye. You’ll find that on a second or third look some items loose their appeal while others continually hit the mark….these are the keepers… the elements of style… your style
Budget
In budgeting for a new house or car 20 minutes of surfing the net will give us a reasonable range of cost for such items. Unfortunately establishing cost for remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is a bit more involved but no less important. Keep in mind that there are a wide range of products and components available for the home today and what you choose will have a big impact on the final cost of the project. In remodeling, as with most things in life “you get what you pay for”. Think about the value of your home and those in the surrounding area; try to keep the project in scale. Prioritize the items on your wish list so you know which to consider deleting if the budget begins to exceed what you are willing to spend. Don’t hesitate to discuss budget with your contractor or designer. Establishing a working budget early will save time and allow the professionals to make suggestions to help you stay in budget. Consider contingencies and reserve10-15% for possible overruns.
Plan
It’s easy to get excited about ripping out your old kitchen cabinets, but it pays to plan first. Be sure that all material and fixture selections are made and available before setting a start date.
Consider that some items such as cabinets may take weeks to order and schedule construction accordingly.
Once selections have been made, try to make as few changes as possible. Changes are likely to affect the completion schedule and increase the final cost of the project.
Think about how the house will function while the kitchen or bathroom is not accessible. Consider setting up a temporary kitchen in an adjacent area or sleeping in the guest room to make use of a different bathroom.
Prepare yourself and your family for the change of routine that comes with a remodeling project. Despite the best efforts of the contractor, things will most likely be in disarray. Dust , noise, clutter and strangers in the house are a few of the things to expect during construction. If you anticipate some discomfort it will have less impact on the family when it’s time to live through it.
Contractors
All contractors are not created equal; as noted earlier we usually get what we pay for. Though price should be a factor, workmanship, reliability, and communication skills should take precedence. Be sure that all bids you receive cover the same work and materials in both scope and quality. Always ask for proof if license and insurance. Ask for names of previous clients. Make note if they are on time for appointments and if your calls are returned promptly; If you can’t a call back while they are trying to negotiate a contract what will happen when you sign on the dotted line?
Things to Avoid
Now that work has begun and you have done all that you should, there are several things you should not do.
Don’t make changes mid stream. Most changes, even small ones, can slow down progress and cost you more money. Even if you are not charged by the contractor, changes will add to his job cost and may cause quality to suffer.
Don’t get in the way. Though it’s exciting to watch as work progresses, distracting workers will slow the process and may be dangerous. Save your questions for the supervisor and if any changes need to be made make them through the office or supervisor.
Don’t develop “While you’re here” syndrome. “While you are here, can you take a look at the cracked tile in the bathroom?” “Since the electrician is here, maybe he can extend the new wiring from the kitchen into the dining room.”
Wrapping it up
Often as the project is nearing the end your patience is wearing thin. Your privacy has been invaded, your home a mess, but day by day the project begins to take shape. Stay cool! Try not to make a judgment on work that hasn’t been finished. Making one “Punch List” to be completed prior to final payment is the best solution for having all the work finished to your liking in a timely fashion. During the final phases of work, make a list of items that you would like the contractor to address; adjust the doors, scratch on the counter, etc. This type of fine tuning is necessary even with the best workmanship.
When the dust settles…
Though remodeling can be stressful, most survive and return to sanity shortly after the last pickup truck leaves the driveway. When all else fails repeat the following mantra for your meditation……. “It’s only a kitchen”… “It’s only a kitchen” …“It’s only a kitchen”… “It’s only a kitchen”
About Joe Zangre
Joe Zangre is the owner and lead designer of Z-Group Design & Remodeling. Joe has compiled a diverse portfolio of successful projects in many areas of the country including New York, Hawaii, Alaska and Florida. Visit our web site at zgroup-design.com.
Contractor vs. DIY
March 11th, 2009Second in a series of articles by Joe Zangre. Owner and lead designer of Z Group Design.
When thinking about a remodeling project, a question that often comes to mind is whether it would he better to hire a contractor do it yourself. Though the possibility of savings and self satisfaction is attractive there are some important things to consider before strapping on the tool belt.
Do I have the time?
If updating a bathroom takes several weeks for a professional crew working full lime, it may realistically take months trying to squeeze the project into free nights and weekends. Add a deadline like expected house guests or a holiday get-together in your home and the stress level can begin to rise.
What is my skill level?
Tearing the walls down and pulling up the carpet can be satisfying and even therapeutic if you normally sit at a desk all day. but little or no skill is required for this portion of the job. Putting things back together with the desired result, however, is another matter. Though how-to books and courses abound, on the job training can be costly and frustrating. Try to understand as much about the process as possible before you start. Even if you choose to hire a contractor, knowing the right questions lo ask will be helpful.
Do I have the right tools?
Using the correct tool for the job not only saves time but can make a significant difference in the quality of me finished product. Faclor in the cost of buying lools that you may never use again when calculating the bottom line. Renting is a good option if the equipment is only needed for a day or two. Rented tools may have been abused or not used correctly in the past and therefore may not function properly. Be sure to make sure il works and gel proper instructions from the rental company before you take it home.
Will I need help?
A 4ft x 8ft sheet of drywall weighs approx 70 Ibs. You might manage to get it home on your own but holding it up on the wall while trying to put in a screw or nail is another matter. Even your best friends may be hard to reach if they know you may be looking for help with your project. There are many “labor for hire” companies where a skilled or semi-skilled worker can be hired for a day or a week. Try to get some references for the temporary help you hire and assume that direct supervision will be necessary.
Is it safe?
Some projects should definitely be left to the professionals including but not limited to:
• Air conditioning replacement
• High voltage electrical work
• High ladder work
• Structural interior and exterior changes
• Installing or removing large pieces of glass
• Recurring problems; roof and plumbing leaks, electrical shorts, etc
How much will it cost?
Try to be realistic in figuring how much the project will actually cost you in dollars, time and stress (Yes, the “I told you so” look on your spouses face can be stressful!). Consider that you are a novice; some mistakes are likely….add it in. Remember that your time has value….add it in. Collateral damage; that scratch on your car from the plywood stacked on the roof…add it in.
Should I do this?
While you are looking at the project from a DIY perspective ask at least two contractors to estimate what it would cost. Make sure that comparable materials and fixtures are included in the estimates. Now you should have sufficient information to make an informed decision. Compare the pluses and minuses of tackling the project yourself with the contractor proposals and move forward. Good luck, have fun and be safe.
About Joe Zangre
Joe Zangre hosts “Remodel Survival Training ” every Thursday evening at 5:30 on WSTV. 1450 am in Stuart FL. Joe brings his 35 years of design/build contracting experience to answer questions on your next remodeling project. He can also be reached at Z Group Design & Remodeling by calling (772) 546-7669, visit his website zgroup-consulting.com