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Repeat Winner

Alabama Remodeling
Excellence Awards

Past Winner

State and Local Remodeler
of the Year and
Birmingham Builder of the Year

2000 - 2006 Winner

Parade of Homes
Competition

Remodeling Tips

Remodeling your home can be a stressful experience, as it involves many decisions and some disruptions to your home and daily routines.  But there are several key steps to help minimize that stress.

Assessment Phase

  • Determine the reason for change and what goals you hope to achieve.  These may include making room for a growing family, improving the utilization of space, or upgrading existing features.
  • Determine budget  limits and evaluate the return on your investment.  You must consider the intangible value of the increased enjoyment of your home plus the effect on the resale value of your home.   Anything that brings your home up to the level of other homes in your neighborhood is a worthwhile investment. A recent survey conducted by Remodeling magazine showed that kitchen remodels, bathroom additions or remodels, family room additions, and master bedroom conversions came out on top in terms of the percentage of return on investment recouped if the house sold within one year.

Planning Phase

  • Collect ideas on the way you would like your completed project to appear.  Visit open houses, look through magazines and cut out pictures, make sketches of proposed space layouts, etc.
  • Obtain a copy of your plot plan.
  • Check with your zoning board to determine any restrictions and obtain variance if necessary.
  • Select a qualified remodeler.
  • Contact the local Homebuilders Association for a list of qualified remodelers.
  • Contact past customers for references.
  • Schedule an appointment to meet with a sales representative.  Have a list of questions prepared, as well as your budget and any pictures or drawings you have collected. The more thorough your planning process has been, the greater your potential for completing the project on time and within budget!

Implementation Phase - Pre-construction

  • Review homeowner's policy with insurance agent and increase coverage if indicated for addition.
  • Review schedule/time frames with contractor.
  • Remove all items from work area and store in protected area to prevent possible damage and soiling.
  • Prepare an area for storage of tools and supplies needed for the project.
  • Determine means of entry to house by workers; indicate areas off-limits, access to bathroom and water supply, etc.
  • Make provisions for children, other family members and pets during work hours.
  • Make list of phone numbers for contractor where you can be reached during the day.
  • Review billing and payment schedule and procedures.
  • Complete the selection of paint colors, wallpaper, fixtures and appliances.  Meet with the decorator as needed.

During Construction

  • Make arrangments for regular meetings with the contractor or designated employee(s) to discus progress, problems, changes, etc.
  • Maintain open lines of communication; discuss any issues as soon as identified to prevent re-work resulting in added time and expense.
  • When nearing completion of the project, prepare a list of any items needing further attention, and schedule a walk-through to asssure completion of the project in an effective and timely manner.