November 27, 2009 @ 10:59 am
Recently I received a call from a potential client responding to an ad about a project in his home. He has a property that is planned to be a rental, and had the kitchen cabinet’s removed for replacement. The homeowner contacted me and wanted to discuss pricing for installation of new kitchen cabinets as well as new railings
He sent a cad drawing to me from the company he purchased the cabinet’sfrom, and wanted to discuss pricing. I informed him I would need to schedule an appointment so I could physically see his project and give him an accurate quote. The homeowner stated, “can’t you just give me a price”?
“It’s only 12 cabinets, and appliance’s…”Corian counter top and sink, along with the plumbing, fixtures, and disposal.” Seems simple, just come in and put everything where it belongs.
But let’s look at all the detail’s left out of the above kitchen project.
1) There was no discussion of the type or condition of the flooring, is it level? Is it in need of repair?
2) What about the wall’s in the kitchen, are they square, and will the counter top fit perfectly into place? Has the new counter top been templeted, or was it the existing one?
3) Are the wall’s in need of drywall repair? What about paint?
4) Thekitchen also has crown moulding, and it has a “rope” style pattern in in. Was enough material ordered to permit the rope design to be cut and installed properly with no deviation’s in the pattern?
5) The kitchen has a microwave included, is the electrical outlet for it properly positioned? Is the new microwave compatible with the output of said outlet?
The point here Ladies and Gentlemen is there are a lot of thing’s to consider when remodeling or renovating your home. Hiring a professional is the first step in the right direction towards assuring that your kitchen, bath, or any project you may be considering for your home is done properly. After all, are you really getting a deal with the cheapest price guy if he isn’t asking the question’s above?
November 27, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Here is something I put together a couple day’s ago for the BNI group I belong to. Once a week different member’s give presentation’s, based upon what they do to help other member’s give better referrals. You only get 12 minute’s to do a presentation. That sort of time frame make’s it impossible to cover what I do from one end to the other. So I thought a good focus point would be priority’s.
“Prioritizing your Home Improvements“
Have you seen those Saturday morning TV shows? You know the one’s that feature spectacular homes of movie stars, and other wealthy people. While many of the homes showcased have luxuries and fluff far out of the reach of the typical or ordinary homeowner, these shows often spawn ideas and dreams in those watching for their own homes.
These show’s do nothing to focus on the everyday homeowner’s need’s, and priorities (or what their priority’s should be) regarding improving their home.
1) Evaluate your home: Be critical, just like you were the day you bought it.
Make a list of needed repairs, alterations, and thing’s you would like to change in that order. Putting off significant repairs is the #1 mistake homeowners make. Water damage should be priority #1. Water damage is always significant, as it can lead to other serious issues such as mold and wood rot. Is your toilet or water heater leaking? Are your windows old and in need of replacement? What about your furnace or AC unit?
These are all thing’s to consider, if you suspect a problem contact a professional such as myself or one in your area to discuss and inspect your concerns.
2) Structural issues: Is your floor sagging, or do you see crack’s in your walls above doorways and arch’s? What about your ceilings, are there cracks in the corners or sagging openings from your living room to your dining room? These are sign’s of your home settling.
All homes do this over time, and while a small crack here or there could be insignificant, several of them or a large one could be something more serious. Building codes are enforced your area, these codes are designed as minimum requirement’s builder’s must meet when constructing a new home or remodeling one.
The word “minimum” is the key word in the phrase above.
3) Aesthetic improvements: These are minor things in general and vary depending upon your specific need’s and desires. The options are endless; some examples might be an entertainment center for your TV, or moulding’s and millwork. Refinishing hardwood flooring, adding a functional shelving system for your closet, the possibilities are endless.
4) Alteration’s or changes: This could involve anything from replacing or redesigning your kitchen or bath to removing a wall separating 2 bedrooms and transforming them into a new master bedroom. Maybe you would like to add a finished basement to increase your functional living space or a deck or porch roof. Again, all of these are options and will be determined by your needs and desires.
5) Establishing a budget: Knowing what you are able to spend to the penny is crucial when planning home improvements. Regardless of what category your project fall’s under (repairs, alterations or changes) knowing what you can afford to spend before contacting your contractor is important.
6) Hire a professional: The industry is changing due to the housing market. Builders are doing less new construction, employees are being laid off, and as a result the Home Improvement and Remodeling market is becoming over saturated with contractors as well as unemployed individuals looking to make a fast dollar. Homeowners beware…
7) Make an educated decision: The local papers and advertising sources on the internet are growing rapidly with ad’s offering services for homeowners making it more difficult than ever to decide who you will hire. When shopping for a contractor it’s important to know who you’re hiring and what his background is. Ask pertinent questions, can he provide references? Is he licensed? Insured? While a low bid price for a project can be tempting to accept, hiring someone who isn’t a professional business owner can be a mistake that will haunt you. Protect yourself and your home.
For information on how we can help you remodel your home, contact us!
