Everyone always tells you to ask questions when you interview contractors, but they don’t tell you what questions to ask. Here are some good ones that can fit with most home improvement projects:
- How much money do you have in your wallet? That’s not a joke, but a real question a contractor once suggested that homeowners ask. You’re not really looking for a dollar amount as an answer, but rather a gauge of how the contractor handles the question. Is he defensive and angry? Inquisitive? read more »
If you’re planning a few home improvement projects in January, you have the perfect time right now to plan them out. After the holiday rush, as you sit by the fireplace (or wish you had one), walk across the cold kitchen floor, or do any other day to day activity, make your wish list.
Hire a Contractor or Not?
If money were no object, what would you change? Would you hire a contractor or do the work yourself? Don’t worry, we’ll get back to the economic realities later, but the important thing is to think about what you want.
I want a fireplace that works, for example. read more »
Is your house warm enough? If you’re in the Midwest – or other regions of the country – right now, the answer is probably a resounding NO! It’s tough to do too many home improvement projects to fix air leaks when you’re in the middle of the deep freeze, however. Or is it?
Let’s face it, unless it’s an emergency, you’re not going to hire a contractor and install replacement windows right now. Who wants to live through the cold drafts during the installation?
You can, however, make a list of all the windows that leak and evaluate replacement windows for the spring. Ask your contractor to walk through the house on a cold day and read more »
Do you need an architect? That’s an important question for anyone who is undertaking a significant remodeling project. What do architects do and is it worth the added expense?
An architect is trained to evaluate the architectural style and layout of a house and draw plans for additions and other general home improvement projects. One big reason you’d hire an architect is to help blend the new space with the old.
You’ll all probably seen those room additions that so obviously were…well, added on. There was no thought given to blending the spaces together visually or using the same materials to tie it all together. Chances are there was no architect involved during the home improvement planning process. read more »
What’s your style? That’s not always an easy one to answer, particularly if you fall into the eclectic category and vacillate between traditional and contemporary.
Whether you are trying to revamp your kitchen design or plan a bathroom remodeling, it helps to take a step back and decide what your style is. This will help you stay focused as you make selections, talk with your contractor about the kitchen design or buy fixtures.
The term traditional typically refers to styles that are more ornate. In a kitchen design, that means read more »
If entertaining is a big part of your social scene, you’ll want to plan your remodeling accordingly. When considering a home improvement project, people sometimes focus on interior design issues rather than space flow factors. When the big party occurs, they then are faced with an island that is too small, hallways that are too narrow and other traffic flow problems.
The kitchen is one area that is critical to the space flow discussion. This is true whether you are doing a minor kitchen design update – new appliances, countertops, etc. – or a full remodeling. Look around and ask yourself if there is enough room to walk around the island? Can the refrigerator open easily when someone is standing nearby? All these issues should be considered during a remodeling project. read more »
Yes, the holidays are quickly approaching. If you’re planning to do some entertaining, you may be looking around your home with a frown. If you didn’t get to serious interior decorating changes this year, don’t worry. There still is time for some quick home improvement fixes.
Start by thinking about the traffic flow through your house. Where will visitors gather? The kitchen and family room are typical party spots, so focus your attention there.
Quick Remodeling Fixes
Paint is by far the quickest and easiest remodeling project to do in a hurry. Well, not too fast or it will show, but you know what I mean. If you’re still living with a version of “Builder white,” it’s time to go for a warm harvest gold, dark sage, or even a burnt orange. Even one wall in a richer colors would boost your interior decorating. read more »
As the holiday season gets into full swing, you may have temporarily put aside thoughts of major remodeling projects. Before getting too comfortable, remember that remodeling takes planning and some of that planning can start now.
The holidays are a time for entertaining, so use that time to assess what you have and what you want. You’ll want to think about what you’re missing from your current kitchen design or how a bathroom remodeling could enhance the experience for visiting guests. Make a list of those remodeling ideas so you have them handy when the serious planning begins.
Finding a Contractor
Good contractors are often hard to find, so you’ll want to start calling a few now. read more »