October is National Kitchen and Bath Month and home remodeling has entered a new era. As Americans opt for “stay-cations” over vacations, fewer restaurant outings and frequent movie rentals, consumers are spending more time at home than ever before. The result has also led to a revival of sorts in demand for home improvements. And the trend in today’s economy is about smart investing over unnecessary excess. Remodeling doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, with the right remodeler and a plan tailored to your specific needs, consumers can truly enjoy their homes – the place where much of life happens. And because kitchens and bathrooms are often the most used rooms, targeting those spaces can create the biggest impact. Here are some tips to help you get the most bang for your buck when remodeling a kitchen or bath. Determine your needs. Decide what changes would help you and your family enjoy your home more. Create a wish list and write down everything you want, then prioritize based on what is most important to you. By narrowing down your wants to your must-haves, you can help manage costs. Find the right remodeler. When hiring a professional, ask friends for reliable referrals, request to see examples of past work and contact previous customers to get feedback. Verify the remodeling contractor has not received any major customer complaints with the government Consumer Affairs Office and the Better Business Bureau. Set your budget. Have your budget in mind before you take on a remodeling project. This establishes the proper boundaries for you and your remodeler. Ask for options. Let the remodeler know what you want, and then ask if there are lower-cost options for achieving a similar look. You may not be aware of alternative materials, or methods to revamp existing items in your home. For example, refacing old cabinets and installing new fixtures can create an entirely new look while saving money. Add color. Think about what colors make you most happy and at ease. Applying the right wall color to a space can make a huge impact and set the desired tone at a small cost. Have a signed contract. Your contract puts in writing what you and your remodeler agree upon. The contract should address an expected timeline, include a list of what materials will be used for the project, and detail what the contractor will and will not do. Communicating expectations in writing can help minimize unexpected costs. Require written change orders. Before making changes to a project – what remodelers call a change order – find out how it will impact the cost. Each change order can add up. Do a walkthrough. When the project is finished, do a walkthrough with your remodeler to ensure you are satisfied with the results you paid for. If anything does not meet with your approval, this is the best time to point it out. Donate used materials. Nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity often accept used materials from your home. This is an easy way to help others in need, while adding to your tax deductions. As more families remain in their current homes longer, people are looking to invest on a sensible budget. By discovering your home’s hidden potential, you can truly love where you live. *** About the author: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Winston-Salem part of an award-winning national franchise and locally owned by Anderson-Moore Builders Inc. have been serving the Triad for over 12 years. For more information visit their website at DreammakerNC.com or contact the office at: 336-722-3625.
No comments:
Post a Comment