Good Time to Remodel?

We've had people ask if now is really a good time to remodel.

And our answer is yes: it's a great time to make smart improvements and updates to your home.
Houses continue to age and need improvements, no matter what the market is doing and, as this is not a good time to sell, it could be time to make your current house a better place for you and your family.

Competition is strong among remodeling contractors and the new-home builders who are now remodeling. Many contractors and trade/subcontractors are lowering their fees. And even some material prices have come down, giving homeowners more flexibility than before.

Just beware of less-than-reputable or unqualified contractors promising a variety of services at cut-rate prices. They may show up at your doorstep, advertise in local mailers or deliver fliers to the home. It pays to look beyond the lowest bid and really dig into the details to find qualified contractors. Researching the reputation of a company through referrals and by checking their business history at the better business bureau can go a long way in preventing problems.

Remodeling Realities

There’s no doubt about it, emotional ups and downs are just a part of the remodeling process. Whether you’re doing the project yourself or you have a contractor, your home and personal space will be disrupted – you just have to expect for some ups and downs. If you know this ahead of time, then you won’t be surprised at these feelings when you’re in the middle of the disruption. And if you choose a good contractor - you have an ally; someone who will educate and help you and your family throughout the ups and downs of a remodel to get the results you want.

Tips to help:
Remember the temporary nature of the disruption
Pack up what you can to minimize impacts of dust
Plan ahead - make sure you have what you need accessible during the remodel

Home Improvement Projects: Do It Yourself? Or Not

Should you save money by doing the job yourself? Do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs are a popular trend in the home improvement industry; however, before you grab a hammer and start swinging, you should know that this is a trend with a few potential problems. Before you decide to do-it-yourself, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recommends taking this DIY quiz:
Yes or No:
1. Do you enjoy physical work?
2. Are you persistent and patient?
3. Do you have reliable work habits—meaning that once the project is started, will it get finished? 4. Do you have all the tools needed and, more importantly, the skills required to do the job?
5. What quality level do you need for this project? Are your skills at that level?
6. Do you have the time that will be required to complete the project? (Always double or triple the time estimated for a DIY project, unless you are highly skilled and familiar with that particular project.)
7. Will it matter if the project remains unfinished for a period of time?
8. Are you prepared to handle the kind of stress this project will create in your family relationships?
9. Do you know all of the steps involved in the project?
10. Have you gotten the installation instructions from the manufacturer to determine whether this is a project you still want to undertake? (Most manufacturers will send you installation instructions before purchase to determine whether the product will meet your needs.)
11. Is this a job you can do completely by yourself or will you need assistance? If you do need assistance, what skill level is involved for your assistant? If you need a professional subcontractor, do you have access to a skilled labor pool?
12. Are you familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements? (Some jurisdictions require that the work be completed by a licensed and bonded professional in order to meet code.) It’s best to check these requirements before beginning work on the project.
13. What will you do if the project goes awry? (Most contractors are wary about taking on a botched DIY job, and many just won't take them.)
14. Is it safe for you to do this project? (If you are not familiar with roofing or do not have fall protection restraints, you may not want to venture into a roofing job. Similarly, if you know nothing about electricity—leave it to the professional. Some jobs can be fatal if not performed correctly. Your health and safety should be the primary concern. Never enter into a DIY project that would jeopardize either.)
15. Will you be able to obtain the materials you need? Who will be your source of supply? Will they deliver?
16. Are you attempting to do-it-yourself for financial reasons? If so, have you looked at all of your costs, including the cost of materials, your time, and the tools you need to purchase? If you are new to the DIY game, you may also want to look at the cost to correct any mistakes you may make—i.e., the damage factor. Will it still be a cost-saving venture?
17. If you are trying DIY for the satisfaction of a job well done—can you ensure that the job will be "well done"? If it doesn't come out right, how will you feel? Will you be able to afford to redo any unsatisfactory work?

If you answered yes to 8 or more of these questions, you might attempt a DIY project. But before you run for the nearest hardware store, revisit those questions you marked "No" and carefully consider the potential problems you will face in those areas if you proceed with the project. Hiring a professional might still be your best choice. NARI suggests that you be prepared and take your time in selecting a home improvement partner and reminds consumers that such a project can be one of the most important investments that a homeowner can make.

The "Honey-do" home repair list

So maybe your honey will never get to the "do" list for your home or maybe you are the one that gets this list, but start and keep this list anyway!

If you're not handy, hopefully you will bring someone in at some point to help you knock out this list and perform important preventative care maintenance.

And your honey-do or home maintenance list tends to multiply....often to the point of becoming a substantial remodeling project. Start that list now, keeping track of everything that needs to be done ..... you'll get those thoughts out of your head on onto paper. And when you DO get ready to work on your house and/or bring someone in, you'll have a well-defined scope of work to bid out.