Kitchen Remodeling Blog

Are you a homeowner who is interested in remodeling your kitchen? Whether you are just looking to change the appearance of your home or increase the value of it, there may be a good chance that you are. If so, do you plan on doing your own remodeling? Although it can be somewhat difficult, a large number of homeowners make the decision to do their own kitchen remodeling, even if they do not have any home improvement experience. Although it is possible to remodel your own kitchen, without any prior home improvement experience, you may, at least, want get some training. You can do this with a kitchen remodeling class, course, or training seminar.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling courses, one of the most commonly asked questions is why. The answer is the training that you will receive. Depending on the type of kitchen remodeling course, class, or seminar that you attend, you will likely get both classroom experience and hands on experience. Hands on experience means that you may not only get to watch a kitchen remodeling project being done, such as a new cabinet installation, but you may also get to try your hand at it. The overall quality of your kitchen remodeling project may have an impact on your home’s value; that is why it is a good idea to get all of the training and experience that you can.

If you are looking for a kitchen remodeling course, you may want to try the internet or your local newspaper. In the United States, there are a number of career training centers that host classes and training seminars. Although the goal of these courses is to prepare students for a career in kitchen remodeling, you may still be able to learn about kitchen remodeling, particularly what you should or shouldn’t do. In fact, you may also find that you like remodeling things so much that you may even want to change your career path. The only problem with taking a kitchen remodeling class that has a focus on career training is the cost. The cost of these courses will all vary, but they will, almost always, cost money. The cost typically averages about fifty or hundred dollars per person.

If you are looking for a low-cost way to attend a kitchen remodeling seminar, you may want to contact one of your local home improvement stores. Many of the home improvement stores that operate on a national level offer training classes for their customers. Many times, these classes only last a few hours, but the information that you can walk away with may be invaluable. It is also important to note that the kitchen remodeling courses offered by most home improvement stores are more affordable; in fact, many are even free to attend. The only problem that you may find with these classes is that they tend to focus on only one project, such as new countertop installations. If you are looking to remodel your whole kitchen, you may need to attend more than one class.

As previously mentioned, a kitchen remodeling training seminar, class, or course, may help you understand what you should and shouldn’t do when remodeling your kitchen. For instance, you may learn that you shouldn’t take shortcuts when remodeling your kitchen. You may also learn tips on how to do something quickly, but effectively, such as installing your new kitchen cabinets. It is likely that safety will be touched on as well. A kitchen remodeling training course, class or seminar, may help you understand the importance of safety, as well as provide you with valuable tips on how to stay safe. Regardless of what you learn, you will likely walk away more informed.

Although it is advised that you take a kitchen remodeling training seminar, course, or class, especially if you do not have any previous home improvement experience, you may not want to. If that is the case, it is advised that you at least follow all of the directions or instructions that you are given, if you were given any at all.

Technorati Tags: kitchen remodeing, kitchen remodeling courses, remodeling class, remodeling your kitchen

Have you recently decided to remodel your kitchen? If so, have you decide what you would like to get done? Whether you are only interested in changing your kitchen cabinets or if you want to remodel every inch of your kitchen, you will need supplies. The supplies that you need will all depend on the type of remodeling that you plan on doing. Despite the fact that your kitchen remodeling supplies will vary, you can commonly purchase them all from the same place.

As previously mentioned, the type of kitchen remodeling you plan on doing will have an impact on which supplies you will need. For example, if you are planning on replacing your kitchen cabinets, you will need to find new cabinets to install. The same can be said for kitchen flooring, lighting, and countertops. If you need to purchase a fairly large number of kitchen remodeling supplies, say if you are planning on remodeling all or the majority of your kitchen, you may want to shop at one of your local home improvement stores. Most home improvement stores have a fairly large selection of home remodeling supplies and materials, including laminate countertops, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, light fixtures, and cabinets. Purchasing all of your remodeling supplies at once will help to save you time.

Although it may be a good idea to shop at one of your local home improvement stores, you may not want to. If this is the case, you should examine the internet and what it has to offer. There are a number of online retailers that would be willing to deliver their kitchen remodeling supplies directly to your door. In addition to traditional retailers, you can also find other individuals and companies who specialize in producing quality, customized products, such as kitchen cabinets. Whether you can’t find what you are looking for locally or if you want to have something, such as your kitchen cabinets, custom designed, you are advised to look online. A simple internet search should return the results that you were looking for.

When it comes to home improvement projects, it is important that you get the items or materials that you need, such as floor tiles or light fixtures, but you cannot complete a home improvement project without the right tools. If you do have some home improvement experience, there is a good chance that you may already have most of the tools that you need. If you need additional tools or if you don’t have any at all, you will need to purchase yourself some. The tools that you need will all depend on the remodeling that you are doing, that is why it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with project instructions, as well as the tools that are needed before you get started. If you are purchasing your remodeling materials from a home improvement store, it may be a good idea to save yourself an extra trip and buy your tools at the same time.

As the one in charge of remodeling, you can shop for materials, supplies, and tools wherever you want to. Despite the fact that you have complete control over your kitchen remodeling project, as well as what is or isn’t being used, you may want to take the time to compare the prices of everything that you need to buy. As long as you get the tools and materials that you need, it really shouldn’t matter, but why pay more money than you need to?

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Technorati Tags: kitchen materials, remodeling your kitchen, tools

Formica was the first manufacturer of plastic laminates.  Therefore, people often refer to their plastic laminate countertops as “Formica tops”.  Similar product misnomers include Kleenex for facial tissue and Frigidaire for refrigerator.

 Plastic laminate counter tops are a good way to create a useful work surface while adding to the decor of your kitchen.  Brand names include Formica (obviously), Wilson Art, and Pionite, just to name a few.  For kitchen countertops, this is your cheapest alternative by far. 

Laminates are available in 2 thicknesses.  Standard thickness (approx. 1/16″) is very durable but won’t bend without cracking. They come in so many colors and patterns that you’re only problem in selecting one will be too many choices.

What they call “post-forming” laminates (approx. 1/32″ thick) can be bent, in the event that you’re using rounded edges (like bull noses) on your kitchen countertops.  This process can only be done in a factory, using a machine that applies heat to the laminate while bending it.  There is not as great a selection of colors and designs with post-formed laminates as there is with standard.  So be sure to ask about availability if you want a top with a rounded edge.

Keep in mind that the thinner laminate will be more susceptible to cracking if you drop something heavy onto it. 

Manufacturers are always improving their products.  Recently, Wilson Art introduced a HD (high definition) series that looks very good.  If your pocketbook is an issue, laminate kitchen countertops are the way to go.  It’s also easy to clean and stain resistant.

On the negative side, it can be scratched or scorched, and if water gets between the laminate and the wood underlayment (like at the sink), it will expand and separate.

So use a drop-in sink with a lip which should be properly sealed by the installer.  This will minimize the chances of separation, but limits your sink choices.

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about formica countertops and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available – helping homeowners make better decisions.

Technorati Tags: contertops, counters, formica, Formica Countertops, kitchen remodel

Here is a slide show of a kitchen remodel.

You can see the before and after. By doing your own work you can save a ton of money.
There are many ideas you can get from watching this do it your self kitchen remodel.

From the creators of the video:

This is a slide show of our kitchen remodel. My husband and I started this project in March of 2008 and just finished it at the end of May. We did all the work ourselves and saved a lot of money,…

I hope this helps you in your next remodeling project.

You can find more videos like this one, at Kitcehn Remodel Videos.

Also you may be interested in this Single Handle Kitchen Faucet;

Technorati Tags: do it yourself, kitchen, kitchen redesign, kitchen remodel, remodeling, Single Handle Kitchen Faucet

The following article from our friend, and kitchen expert Charles Gueli focuses on Kitcehn Safety.

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. It contains many hazards that can cause burns and unintentional fires. Every year more than 30,000 residential fires start in the kitchen, the largest category for causes of residential fires. It’s important to recognize proper heating and cooking equipment functions, and to know how to extinguish a grease fire. Taking steps to protect young children from these heating and cooking appliances can prevent damaging fires, injuries and loss of life.

Ovens and Ranges

Always make sure the oven and stove top is clean. If not, clean them thoroughly and safely. Residue grease and food can catch fire. Keep pot handles turned inward, away from the edge of the stove. Don’t wear long, loose sleeves that can hang over the stove while cooking.

An electric burner coil can reach a temperature of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This can ignite clothing even after the coil has been turned off. Flammable fabrics, such as towels, dish rags or curtains can be ignited merely by being used or stored near a gas or electric range. Vapors from contact cement, gasoline, cleaning fluids or other flammable liquids can be ignited by the pilot of the kitchen range.

Children in the Kitchen

Children and kitchens aren’t a good mix. Continuous and adequate supervision of children in the kitchen is of prime importance. As a child’s mobility and curiosity increases, appropriate supervision becomes essential. Keep all hot items at a safe distance from a child.

Keep the child at a safe distance from all hot items by using highchairs, child safety gates, playpens, etc. Create a safe zone for children. Keep them out of the household traffic path and check for their location before moving any hot or heavy item.

Remove tablecloths and placemats when toddlers are present. They can tug and pull on everything within their reach. Hot or heavy items can be easily pulled on top of them. Never give children pots and pans to play with. Children may reach for this “toy” when it contains hot liquid or food.

An oven door can get hot enough to burn a youngster who might fall or lean against it. It can be particularly dangerous for a child just learning to walk who may use the door for support; the child is often unable to let go before suffering a burn. Keep small children out of the kitchen when the oven is in use.

Put safety latches on any low cabinets containing cleansers and other substances that are poisonous.

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Grease Fires

If a grease fire erupts in a pan on top of the stove, quickly and carefully cover the pan with a lid or a larger pan. Never use water. If the fire is in the oven, turn the controls off and close the door tightly. This will smother the flames. Better yet, have a portable fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it. The Phoenix Fire Department recommends having a 2A10BC fire extinguisher in the kitchen; make sure it is charged at all times.

If you suspect there may be fire still smoldering somewhere in the cabinets or the woodwork after such an experience, don’t hesitate to call the fire department.

Appliances

Use only appliances that have received an Underwriters’ Laboratory or Factory Mutual testing label.
Do not allow appliance cords to dangle over the edge of counter tops or tables. Children may pull at them and injure themselves. Or you may catch them unintentionally and pull them off the counter.

Do not overload electrical circuits. Unplug appliances when not in use. If an appliance smells funny, doesn’t function correctly, or has frayed or broken wiring, have it repaired or replaced.

Microwave Ovens

Burns associated with the use or misuse of microwave ovens are increasing. The scald burn is the most common type of burn and most involve the hands. The age distribution is rather broad, but there continues to be a large number of young children who sustain the more serious burns. The single most common cause of burn injury is simply the fact that people do not expect items heated in the microwave oven to present the same risk as items heated by other more conventional means.

Many people do not fully appreciate or understand how the microwave oven heats food. The fact that a food container may not be hot may mislead an individual to assume that the food itself is not really hot – thus a burn injury occurs.

Behavior

The single most important prevention measure is to read and follow the directions. The directions associated with the operation of the microwave oven and the specific directions associated with heating prepared or packaged foods are equally important.

Use a pot holder or appropriate utensil to remove lids and coverings from heated containers to prevent steam or contact burns. This also is necessary when removing items that may have been heated for extended periods of time – the container may be hot.

Be sure children are old enough to understand the safe use of the microwave oven before allowing them to heat foods. Children under the age of seven may not be able to read and follow directions and are at a higher risk potential than older children. Their height is also an important factor.

Some manufacturers do not recommend that their products be heated in a microwave oven. Be sure you follow their recommendations. (For example, some baby foods are not to be heated in a microwave. And jelly-filled donuts can be a major source of mouth burns.)

Use caution when handling and cutting thick pieces of meat after heating, especially meats with considerable fat. Spattering of hot fat and meat juices may occur.

Environmental Control

Puncture plastic pouches and plastic wrap covering before heating. This will reduce the risk of a vapor pressure build up and prevent steam burns.

Put a cut in potato skins or other vegetables to reduce the risk of “bursting” when you cut into it after it is heated.

Eggs should be removed from the shell before being cooked in the microwave oven. The egg in a shell may explode causing both mechanical and thermal injuries.

Identify containers, dishes and utensils that are safe for use in the microwave oven. Some items are not “microwave safe” and may become very hot or even burst when heated in the microwave oven.

When using smooth vessels for heating liquids, place a plastic spoon in the vessel during the heating process. This will prevent the “super heated” phenomenon that may result in liquid spattering and scald burns.

Check for the presence of metal when reheating some “fast food” items. Aluminum foil, staples in bags, twist-ties, etc. may become very hot and ignite combustible containers.

Children who are permitted to operate the microwave oven should be tall enough to be able to safely remove items from the oven. One major risk is facial burns, which occur among children whose height puts their face at the level of the heating chamber of the microwave oven.

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about kitchen safety and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available – helping homeowners make better decisions.

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Technorati Tags: appliance fires, behavior, Children in the Kitchen, Grease Fires, how to extinguish a grease fire, kitchen safety, microwave oven fires, Ovens and Ranges

When remodeling your kitchen – whether you are installing new kitchen electrical circuits, redoing your kitchen cabinets, or just fixing that stubborn sink – homeowners are always caught in a quandary as to whether or not to call in a hired hand.

Calling in an expert is, for most people, the most prudent choice. A good many number of people have learned the hard way that fixing that leaky faucet isn’t as easy as it looks. However, these kitchen remodeling experts can come with quite a price tag – in most cases, enough to make the homeowner think twice about doing the installation or repairs themselves.

If you are one of the millions of home owners that are considering doing the kitchen remodel yourself, or one of the other million seriously considering hiring a contractor fror your remodeling job, here are some tips to help you make that decision – a decision that could either cause that busted circuit to blow up, or your wallet to hemorrhage.

Does The Kitchen Repair or Installation Need a Permit?

This is the first question you must ask yourself, whether or not the work to be done needs a local building permit for your remodeling. Simple kitchen repairs will not need such permits, but major installations may require that you apply for one. Installations that may require a permit include electrical wiring, plumbing, and other major physical additions to your kitchen.

Most permits will require that you hire a contractor to do the job stated. So in that case, you should have one on hand.

Can I Actually Do the Job?

You will need to honestly ask yourself whether or not you can do the installation or repair yourself. This is probably the trickiest question to ask yourself and is probably where most homeowners get in over their heads. If you have had experience doing jobs similar to this, or if you have been able to observe others at work with such a project, or if you aren’t confident enough to do the repair or installation yourself, then it is probably worth hiring a contractor.

Will This Fall Within My Budget?

You have to be financially realistic with a kitchen appliance installation or repair project. Some people don’t realize that they actually can save more when they hire a contractor then doing it themselves. This happens when the time spent working on an installation costs you more than it would if you hired a contractor. This is especially true in the case of very busy people who actually spend money just to have annoyances fixed so that they can focus on their work.

Large projects may cost you more than it would a contractor – who will probably have better access to higher quality materials. However, if you are intimately familiar with the job to be done, you might have an advantage over these contractors and will be able to customize the materials and the jobs to your liking. Then again, practically speaking, larger projects are better off in the hands of contractors.

If your project is small, like broken faucets and doorknobs, you will probably save a ton if you do it yourself. But if you are concerned that you could do greater damage then call your contractor.

Doing it yourself is risky; if you do get the hang of it – usually at the cost of a few more irreparable jams, faucets, and etc. due to having practiced on them – you will save a lot more in the long run. You will also be the envy of your neighbors’ wives and husbands, “Look at them, they do their own faucets!”

Time is gold, so you should also consider how much time such repairs or installations will cost you for your kitchen upgrade. If you have time to burn, and would like to improve your skills at building and repairing, then by all means take a shot at it.

In the end, you may want to do some of the repairs yourself, but you will also want to keep the number of a trusted contractor on hand for jobs you don’t want to touch such as replacing tthat kitchen sink. The truth be told, if you have a good relationship with a contractor, you probably won’t need to consider the alternative – unless you just want to try to be a building contractor for the day.

Good luck!

Albert Grande
Hawaii Small Business Internet Consultant

Technorati Tags: kitchen appliance, kitchen cabinets, kitchen electrical circuits, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, Kitchen Repair, kitchen repairs, kitchen sink, remodeling job, remodeling your kitchen

If a particular plank on your kitchen  hardwood floor is beyond repair, your best option would be to replace the board with a new one. YOu might initially think that floor board replacement is a job that is reserved only for the professionals. In fact, laying a floor board is actually something you can do yourself, given the right tools and the proper instructions.

There are hardware stores that sell bundled packages for do it yourself kitchen hardwood floor replacement projects. They even come with step by step instructions to help even the most inexperienced of floor layers easily understand and follow. So, when your plank needs relaying, have no fear. Instructions on how to lay replacement boards are here.

1) Clear the damaged area of all the nails embedded into it. You can do by positioning a nail set over the nail and driving it down as far as possible using a hammer. The purpose of this is to avoiding having the hammer pound against the wood and causing further damage.

2) Once the nails are removed, remove the damaged board by using a wood chisel to pry the affected area out. The absence of the nails should make this process easy, but you still have to be careful not to ruin the adjacent boards.

3) Prepare your replacement plank and try to see if its a perfect fit to the blank spot. If it’s too big you will have to make the necessary adjustments.

4) Turn the replacement board over and put construction adhesive. This will enable the plank to stick to the subfloor.

5) Tap the board into place and make sure that it’s in the right position. When you have finally decided on its placement, that’s when you drive 2-inch nails to secure it. Use a nail set to drive the nails’ heads a little below the surface so they don’t jot out.

6) Sand the area to even the surface out and apply a finish that matches the rest of the hardwood floor.

Now you know how to lay a kitchen replacement hardwood floor board without paying for professional help.

Technorati Tags: floor boards, kitchen hardwood floor, repair kitchen floor, repairing your hrd wood floor

The kitchen is the hub of most of your family activities. It is the laboratory from which come forth the many marveled mysteries housewives and cooks alike whip up. If you are considering designing a new kitchen or are redesigning an existing one, you are surely aware of how important proper design and organization is in the kitchen.

 A properly designed and organized kitchen is not only lovely to look at, but is also a wonder of efficiency, convenience, and function. Any accomplished cook will tell you that one of the secrets to achieving culinary success is to have a properly designed and equipped kitchen. That way, the cook does not waste time with trivial matters such as whether he or she might trip on the cords, or how to get by a cabinet that is in the way, or how to plug in a blender when the outlet is well beyond reach. With the mind fully absorbed in cooking, these things may prove more disastrous than annoying.

 Here are a few tips to look at while designing your kitchen:

 Space

The single, most profound element of good kitchen design is space. It’s more complicated than just worrying about having enough space to store your bowls and other utensils. For one, you really have to consider just the right amount of space to move about yet not have to take too many steps to get from the sink to the fridge.

 One guideline worked up for this purpose is the ‘work triangle’. The work triangle is an imaginary line starting from the sink, all the way to the cook top, down to the fridge, and back to the sink. The total length of this imaginary triangle should be about 26 feet, with no segment being less than 4 feet or more than 9 feet.

 This rule of the thumb has many fans, as well as critics. However, it is a good place to start when considering the kitchen layout.

 Organization

You must design ahead of time to accommodate a growing number of cookware, cutlery, and other kitchen utensils. You also have to assign space for supplies such as fruit, vegetables, meat, and others. Make sure the supplies and equipment you need are arranged in an area where they are easily accessible when needed. The supplies that are to be placed in a dry area should be put in such an area.

 Make sure the equipment you place in the kitchen is not cluttered about. When moving around in the kitchen, you shouldn’t have to go around or hurdle certain equipment. This is not only unsightly, but also poses a danger for accidents and mishaps.

 You should also arrange the equipment so that doors don’t hit them when opened.

 Equipment

Try to simulate your normal kitchen routine. Where do you go? What do you need? What steps do you usually take? Take all of these into consideration when laying out the format of your kitchen. Use this guide to determine where you should place all your equipment. Make sure there are outlets in the areas where you will be needing electricity and that they are not in areas that get wet often.

 Architecture

It would be best if the kitchen doors are wide and not knobbed. Swivel doors can be a viable alternative to doors that have knobs. You will want easy access to other rooms even if your hands are full.

 Design your walls so that they are protected against the heat and against smoke and other kitchen stains. Consider installing a vent to get rid of the smoke and gases that accumulate during kitchen routines. If you can have your ceiling higher than normal, then that would be a good thing too.

 When In Doubt Call the Experts

A contractor and an interior design expert can also assist you if you need advice on the layout of your kitchen. Make sure you make your intentions and desires known early on so that they can adjust to your needs.

 You can design your kitchen after your own image and cooking style. However, remember the tips listed here are so that you can have a sure guide towards designing your dream kitchen today.

 

Technorati Tags: big kitchen remodel, kitchen, kitchen remodel, remodeling your kitchen

For your ktchen remodel you may want to consider hardwood floors. While certainly very difficult to install, the added value to your remodeling project may be worth it.
Once you have installed hardwod floor, you will need to maintain. Cleaning can be a bit tricky. Here are some helpful tips and tricks.

Properly Cleaning Your Hardwood Floor

Repairing and refinishing your hardwood floor can be quite a challenge, but with the right preventive measures and maintenance techniques, your hardwoord floor can stay as good as the first time you installed it even after several years.

Some of the best hardwood flooring, for instance, have withstood the test of time and stayed around for decades, even a century. If you take a look at old homes that still stand nowadays, you will see how their hardwood floors have stayed intact and stable through the years.

Thus, if we want to enjoy the full aesthetic and functional benefits of our hardwood floors, we should know how to properly take care of them so they don’t easily succumb to wear. Because hardwood floors are organic and can potentially decay, cleaning them regularly is necessary.

There is a technique to the proper cleaning of hardwood floors. For one, you shouldn’t use a damp rag to wipe it because the moisture might cause damage to your finishing. If your floor has just been waxed and coated with finish,  you have no reason to worry about the water seeping into the woodwork. But if it has been a while since you’ve refinished your floor, then you should be careful to use only soft dry rags to polish it.

When sweeping, use only brooms with exploding bristles because they are the most effective in taking out grime and dust. The wrong broom might only have the dirt accummulate in the wrong places and lead to bigger headaches in the future. There are also cleaning fluids that are exclusive for use on hardwood floors. Don’t experiment with other cleaning materials or you might be sorry.

If your hardwood floor has lots of burns and scratches, sanding the area lightly and then reapplying a coat of finish will make your floor as good as new again. If sticky chewing gum is your problem, then you should ice the deposit first until it becomes brittle enough to crumble off. For hardheaded gums, try pouring floor cleaner around it so it loosens up.

Hardwood floors last a lifetime and more if properly maintained and regularly cleaned. Thus, it is our responsibility to apply the right methods to ensure that they outlive us.

And that is especially true of your for you kitchen.

Remember, Maintain.

Albert Grande
Hawaiian Business Videos and Interet Marketing

 

 

For heavy duty cleaning I recommend:

Technorati Tags: hardwood floors kitchen floors how to clean and maintain

SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

 

First, it is important to understand the role of the general contractor.  He is responsible for organizing the job into a smooth-running schedule.  He hires subcontractors, and has the direct contractual link to them. 

 This means he is responsible to pay them for their work.  He oversees their work and insures that it is done properly.  If anything is wrong, he is ultimately responsible for it.

 Some folks feel they should be their own general contractor and save some money.  If the job is substantial, I strongly recommend against it.  Especially if you have a day job.  Good general contractors earn their money.

  If your project consists of updating a room, it might be a good idea because you will only have 3 trades or less to hire and coordinate.  If you’re renovating your kitchen, you can handle everything through a kitchen designer (who is effectively acting as the general contractor).  Other than that, forget it – it’s a bad idea (unless you work in the construction industry).

 Let’s take as an example, a bathroom renovation that you want to do on your own.  There are at least 5 trades involved (carpenter – who hopefully will also handle the removals and disposing of debris; plumber; electrician; tile man; and painter). 

 Do you have the time to get competitive bids from 2 or 3 companies in each of those trades?  Do you know which subs are likely to do a good job and which aren’t?  Can you then evaluate the bids? When the work is being done, can you tell if they are using the right materials and doing the work properly?  Do you know the proper sequence of work?

 A “professional” remodeling contractor will have an established track record as well as a client list.  They are capable of any type of remodeling project, regardless of size.  They will act as the project manager, creating the work as it is shown on the plans and specifications you provide through your architect.  Typically, they do not have a design background, and will not make recommendations relative to the “look” of the job.

 There is such a thing as a “design-build” contractor.  This is not very common, but if you find one you like, having both functions under one roof can save you time and money.  They will manage the job from start to finish.  What you give up is the aspect of “checks and balances” which comes from having the architect check the contractor’s work.

 Here are 2 DON’Ts you should take seriously.  DON’T use a friend; and DON’T have the work done on a T & M (time and material) basis.  The best way to find a competent contractor is by word of mouth.  Friends, family, neighbors, anyone you know who has had a good construction company that they will recommend to you.  Don’t consider this as a referral unless it was made with exceptional enthusiasm. 

 When you make contact with prospects, let the contractors give you three names of satisfied customers.  If you still need more contractors in order to have 3, go to www.angie’slist.com or Service Magic and get other qualified contractors in your area. 

 Okay, you have a list.  You sit by the phone with a pad and pencil (or pen) ready to jot down answers to your questions.  Pay attention to how the phone is answered – by a person or a machine; promptly or not; if you left a message, did someone call you back within 24 hours?  You want to deal with people that are easy to reach and responsive.

 Many people have gotten great results with hands-on owner/contractors who work on one project at a time, and many clients achieved great results with large contracting firms that have several crews with project managers and roaming field supervisors. Statistically, it’s a 50/50 split, with very few exceptions.

 The clients who had problems hired the wrong contractor for their project.   It is very important for you to hire the right contractor for the scope and size of your project, and your personal needs for communication.  Everyone has an individual communication style, and different requirements for being kept informed about their project.

 Your decision about who to hire should be based on compatibility of personalities – communication styles — because these people are going to be in your home for weeks (or months). If you decide to hire a large company for your project, you should meet not only the owner, but also the project manager and field supervisor.  Here are some tips to help you achieve great communication on your project:

Establish communication expectations and ground rules with everyone very early.

Maintain a convenient notepad  so you can write down questions as they arise.

Remember to date them.

As they’re answered, check them off .

Collect all of your questions in manila envelopes labeled “Answered” and “Unanswered” (remember to bring the “unanswered” questions to jobsite meetings, or include them in e-mail correspondence).

Schedule regular jobsite meetings with the contractor and/or project manager to review progress and answer questions.

Discuss action items and deadlines.

 Keep the project designer in the loop of communication, especially if there are changes to the project – even minor ones.

 You’re not a mind-reader, and neither is your designer, contractor, or project manager.  It’s important to keep all lines of communication open and free-flowing, to ensure the best results for everyone involved in your project!

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions and take advantage of the resources on www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com , where guidance, information and support are always available.

 

Technorati Tags: how to hire a contractor, remodel you home, remodeling, selecting a contractor