Planning to remodel? 5 things to think about before meeting with a remodeler
We meet with a lot of clients here in Colorado about their remodeling projects. Over time, we’ve developed the following tips for folks that are thinking of hiring a remodeler for their home improvement project. Following these tips can make the project go more smoothly, save time and money, and ensure that you pick the right builder for the remodel project.
1. Make a list of everything you want remodeled in your home. Then, go through and number each item on that list in order of priority. A lot of times we’ll go to a client’s home only to be innundated with “wants”, with no real sense of what is a priority or what is realistic for the budget. Prioritizing before we arrive helps both of us to focus. It’s also nice for us to see everything that you’d like done in the long run, because sometimes it’s inefficient to do things piece by piece. For example, if you want new trim, new cabinets and new flooring, it would make sense to do these all at once vs. separately.
2. Set your budget. You don’t have to tell the builder your maximum budget if you don’t want to, but giving us a range is really helpful to save time. We can fit as many of the items from your priority list into that budget as possible, but not waste time bidding sections that are outside of the scope of your financial realities right now.
3. If it’s a major remodel, consider the timeline and alternate living arrangements. If you need a pop-top or a complete kitchen remodel and addition, you’ll want to consider the best timing for the project. Scheduling for the nastiest part of the work to be done while you’re on vacation, or when you can stay somewhere else, may be a good idea. It allows your builder to work longer hours to get things done and minimizes the stress and hassle on you, your family and your pets! Also, if you’re going to have portions of your home exposed to the outdoors, September in Boulder County works a lot better than January.
4. Think about the division of labor. Are there things in the remodeling project that you’d like to own? If you enjoy shopping for materials, we’re happy to let you pick out your own tile, sink, woodwork, etc. However, if the difference between baseboard, casing and crown moldings is lost on you, it might make sense to let us handle all the shopping. Want to enlist your family and friends to help paint the newly taped walls? No problem!
Knowing what you can handle helps us to reduce the bid accordingly to save you money. Being realistic about how much or little you really want to take on is good too!
5. Check references, licenses and insurances- but also go with your gut! There are a lot of builders and remodelers to choose from. Most of those can provide you with references and insurance certificates. Beyond that, pick someone that you like and who has an obvious passion for their work! Will you be anxious if this person is in your home while your kids watch TV in the next room? Do you like your remodeler’s demeanor and sense of design style? Go with your gut and don’t settle until you’ve found a remodeler you feel comfortable with.
Remodeling projects of all sizes can make a big difference in your quality of life and the resale value of your home. And, while there are bound to be a few inconveniences, they don’t have to be hell to live through!
