Before you talk with us or another remodeling company, consider some of this helpful
advice.
Scope
- Think about what you really want to do. You might think all you want is a kitchen
update. But there may be bigger issues such as flow or isolation from the rest of the
house that have been bothering you for years. So look at the big picture as well as
the details.
- Start collecting ideas. Look through home design and remodeling magazines and
clip out pictures of things you like. It could be cabinets, lighting, floor materials,
doors, appliances, bath fixtures, whatever. Having a scrapbook of ideas you can point
to makes it easier to communicate what you're looking for in an addition or remodel.
A picture really is worth a thousand words when trying to communicating a "look."
- Talk to each other. Share a bottle of wine over dinner and talk with each other about
what you want. It really helps if all decision makers in the household are in agreement on
the scope and nature of the addition or remodel. We're happy to help work through issues
where it's hard to find agreement. We can present pros and cons that may help you come to
a decision. Nonetheless, the more you can agree on upfront, the better.
Price
- Get familiar with what remodels and additions cost by looking at design and remodeling
articles that give project costs. If you feel comfortable, ask of those whose remodels or
additions you admire what they paid. It will start to give you an
idea of what your project might cost you. Remember, too, we're happy to give a "ballpark figure"
that will help you gauge cost.
- Learn how to identify quality in cabinets and floor materials. Look in design and remodeling
magazines, visit appliance showrooms, and come see our cabinet showroom. It pays to develop an
appreciation for quality because it helps you better identify substandard materials and products.
- Remember that in the long run quality isn't expensive. Homes are long-term investments that
can bring you great pleasure and comfort when they meet your needs for aesthetics and convenience.
Shoddy materials and workmanship devalue your home and diminish your quality of life.
Selecting a Builder or Remodeler
- Ask friends and neighbors. You'll often receive very valuable advice on who to
talk to as well as whom not to. Your friends and neighbors are also good sources of
ideas. (Also, check out our Case Studies.)
- Look for companies that are part of industry associations and have industry
accreditations. Membership in these associations and industry accreditation show
that a company makes the extra effort to work at a higher level than other companies
and consistently provides a higher standard of service.
- Look for industry awards. Awards indicate that a company goes the extra mile to
do work that is recognized by its peers as top notch. Regular success in award
competitions indicates a company that is among the cream of the crop. (See Awards.)
