Important Steps to Prepare for a Remodel
Makoski Construction and Remodeling Offers Homeowners Tips
In honor of National Home Improvement Month this May, Makoski Construction and Remodeling advises homeowners of the most important steps to take when contemplating a remodeling project .
- Research your project. Taking time to research projects on the Internet will provide a good sense of what is involved such as price, scope of work, return on investment and new product/material options.
- Plan project around the long-term. How long do you plan to stay in your home? How might your family structure change over time? Life can change quickly—these questions should be answered early on to ensure your project will fit your lifestyle long after it’s complete.
- Set your budget. Deciding on a realistic budget and arranging finances to support your project are essential. This number needs to include everything—the project, products, contingencies, etc. Don’t be afraid to share this with your remodeler and architect; professionals are respectful of a client’s budget and will create a plan around it, not over it.
- Use advanced search for professionals. The online world makes it easy to gather information about remodelers. Ask friends, family and neighbors for referrals and then spend time researching that company online. Professional remodelers take their reputation seriously and hold credentials beyond licensing, such as certifications, memberships in trade associations and additional training. Look for examples of press coverage or involvement in industry presentations or events. Check online reviews and social media to see how they interact with past clients and peers.
- Design – Design – Design. Your design guides the entire project. Think about what you dislike about your current space and the intended use of the future space. Use Websites such as Pinterest.com and Houzz.com to gather design ideas. Make sure you can articulate specifically what you like about that design when talking to your remodeler. Professionals don’t recreate a photo—they incorporate accessibility, functionality, ease of modification, style and value into your design. A bad design cannot be corrected by quality of workmanship.
- Ask the right questions. Time and cost are important, but getting the right information requires the right questions. Ask your professional remodeler about his educational background, training, specialties or past issues with clients. Ask about how the remodeling process will work and never be shy in asking for references.
- Make your selections. Deciding on products and materials is a larger process than most imagine. With so many options to choose from, product selections are one of the primary reasons for project timelines to get extended. Base decisions on quality, function, price, style and availability.
- Trust. A mutual trust must be developed between the builder and yourself. You will be spending a great deal of time together and being in the confines of your personal home, a relationship is vital for a successful project for years of enjoyment. A common downfall in remodeling is lack of communication between homeowners and remodelers. Your remodeler should lay out a communication plan at the beginning of the project. If not, ask them to do so. This plan should clarify roles of everyone involved, communication methods, availability, and frequency of communication that is expected.
As an industry that struggles with a persistent negative perception of remodeling contractors, these tips serve the consumers in creating a delightful and successful remodeling experience.
The first step to hiring a professional is through your local Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland (HBA) and the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI).
Makoski Construction and Remodeling believes that every client should receive a value for their commitment to build or remodel. Frank A. Makoski, CGR, CAPS, CGP, it Owner and President since 1976 and the Chair Person for the HBA Remodeling Council, has assured his clients of such a value by educating himself through National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and NARI education and certifications programs.
