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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.
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