getting started

Budget

Most homeowners live within financial constraints. Consider how much you have to spend on your project. Most banks will loan you up to 80 percent of the value of your home. Also allow 3 percent to 5 percent for what are known as "contingent" costs, unanticipated or hidden issues that will need to be addressed. In addition, our experience has shown that most clients add additional work to their original contracts for extra finishing touches.

Practicality

Consider this proposed project as more than just a dollar return on investment. Your family will gain "value in use." And, if you enjoy your neighborhood, local schools and shops, remodeling may be the best answer. If you are contemplating "moving versus remodeling" remember to factor in real estate commissions, loan origination points, settlement costs, moving costs, and new furnishings for the new home.

Scope Of Work

We recommend that you develop a wish list of everything you would like to remodel in your home, even if it cannot be done all at once. Projects can be done in stages, but by having a master plan, you know you will be going in the right direction. Looking through magazines can help you narrow your vision to the look you want and help you convey this to your remodeling professional.

Contact A Professional

The lifeblood of a remodeling business is its referrals and repeat clients. It is a good idea to contact friends or relatives who have done remodeling work to obtain names of reliable remodeling contractors.

Meet with your professional and do most of the talking. Explain your wish list and what you are trying to achieve. Be willing to share with your budget with your professional as anything can be designed/built-- from a Chevrolet to a Mercedes.

It is difficult to obtain competitive pricing at this point. Most contractors should be able to give you a "ballpark" price based on past experience, but this does not mean you are getting the best value for your dollar. Buying this way is akin to shopping for a new car, but not defining the make, model, or various options (sunroof, heated seats, CD player, etc.). You wouldn't buy a car this way, and you should not buy remodeling services this way either. Without detailed specifications consumers generally are comparing apples and oranges and lemons. Even asking for "mid-grade" materials is subjective.

Working with your remodeler should be a team effort. It is more important to feel a comfort level with the company than to buy on price. Remodeling is a complex coordination of weather, multiple county inspectors, multiple suppliers, and multiple subcontractors. There are always issues that come up that must be dealt with in a team spirit.

Doing most of your planning upfront will save time, money and aggravation. Choose a professional who will guide you through the process, with a proven track record and references, and your remodeling experience should be a pleasant one.