Trying to decipher a remodeling estimate? You’re not alone, as many home owners find this a tricky part of the whole remodeling process. There are many details to cover and contractors have different ways of presenting their information. Here’s what to do:

Remodeling Estimates 101

As you talk with contractors, make a list of what you want, including any special brands. Then ask each contractor to bid on those specifications. This way you’ll be comparing apples to apples instead of laminate to granite countertops.

Otherwise, you might be delighted that one contractor’s bid is less than another’s. The only problem is, he didn’t know that you wanted a Jacuzzi tub, so he included a less expensive one.

It’s All in the Remodeling Details

Before sending off the contractor to put together a bid, talk about your expectations. Some contractors include 10 pages of details in an estimate, down to the type of caulk they plan to buy, while others only hit the highlights. The key items you want included in the contractor’s bids are:

• Scope of work: demolition, repair, rebuild
• Materials list: lumber, plumbing fixtures, make and model of what is going to be installed
• Cost breakdown: labor, materials, deliveries, contractor oversight
• Payment breakdown: when are payments due

Communicating with the Contractor

Communication is the key, so make sure you find a contractor you can talk to and who will listen to your needs. A good contractor will ask lots of question, so be prepared with your wish list.

According to Ask the Builder, many contractor estimate go astray when the home owners don’t provide enough details. If you want a granite countertop, make it known. When you compare those bids, you’ll quickly see that it’s all in the details!

We all like to think we can do our own home repairs. A leaking faucet. A wall that needs paint. While there are many home repairs for the novice to moderately skilled DIYer, other projects need an experienced hand. Here’s how to know.

• Home improvement equals time. Let’s face it. Home improvement takes time. If you have a party in a few weeks and your dining room wall is a mess of peeling paint, can you take time out of work to fix it? If not, try a painting contractor. The contractor will have the crew to come in, fix the wall, prime and paint, and put all the furniture back.
• Home improvement means lots of tools. It’s easy to nail a piece of molding back into the wall, but if one breaks, do you have the tools to create a miter cut? This is when you should call in a contractor who knows how to add the new piece of decorative molding seamlessly. Buying home improvement tools can get expensive, so consider how often you’d use them. If you don’t plan to build shelving regularly, it’s often easier to hire a contractor instead of investing in the tools.
• Home improvement takes skills. You may be well qualified to paint your kitchen cabinets, but can you install new ones? That’s a much different job, as it requires demolition, carpentry skills and perhaps some electrical work. Often, it’s better to find a good remodeling contractor for a full kitchen overhaul. You’ll save time, aggravation and get the job done right.

Home Improvement and the Leaking Faucet

Still want to fix the leaking kitchen faucet? Try these instructions from the Do It Yourself site. For bigger projects, find a good contractor with the skills you need.

It’s the little things in life. While many people focus on large remodeling projects, don’t overlook the little touches that can boost a home’s appeal.

Baby Steps Toward Kitchen Remodeling

Take the kitchen for example. If you’re not ready to live without one for two or three months during a full remodeling, look around for some little touches. Kitchen cabinet hardware is a favorite, as it adds a big bang for only a few bucks. Big chunky knobs, like these from Amerock, are great for making a statement.

One design tip is to add a little contrast to really create a focal point along the cabinet door. Try pewter cabinet hardware with light maple kitchen cabinets, for example. Hardware is also available in a wide range of whimsical designs, like knives and forks.

Remodeling With Paint

Next stop . . . the paint store. Everyone knows the value of a fresh coat of paint, but how about taking it a step further? Try a bold color or a warm taupe to add some depth. Another option is to paint a faux finish along one wall for impact.

A faux stucco finish can add a Tuscan feel and bring in texture at the same time. It’s a project for the seasoned DIYer or one you can hand off to a contractor. Here’s the skinny from DIY Network.

Brighten Kitchen Cabinets With Glass

A glass door or two also can turn your kitchen design around. Glass kitchen cabinets can help create a bright, open look in your kitchen. Pick a door on each end of a run of cabinets and have your contractor replace the wood with stained, opaque, or decorated glass. Try to blend the colors in the glass with your countertop, tile or rug for continuity.

Little touches around the room can quickly turn into a medium sized kitchen makeover.

Are we there yet? Anyone who has kids has heard that one, but it also applies to remodeling. Is the room addition done yet? Is the painter done yet?

Many people know that remodeling projects often take longer than expected. But, how long is that? Here’s a look at some common examples. According to Remodeling California, you should allow two to three months for a kitchen remodeling, for example.

Are We There Yet? The Contractor’s Response

A project timeline can vary based on the complexity of the work and the number of workers involved. When you add in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, the weeks stretch out.

Kitchen remodeling: If you’re doing a kitchen remodeling, plan for at least three months of fun! If the remodeling project involves breaking down an adjacent wall or drastically enlarging the space, add a few weeks or a month. This should cover the contractor’s demolition time and the time to put it back together.

Bathroom remodeling: Remodeling a powder room or hall bathroom can take one to two weeks. If you’re gutting the room, add three to four days. When remodeling a master bathroom projects like adding a steam shower and a large spa-like relaxation area can add a few weeks. Consider these bathroom remodeling trends for 2010, but be sure to consult with your contractor to make sure they fit your timeline.

Painting a room: Most painting contractors can paint a room in a few days. What slows the contractor down is wall repair and drying time for paint and primer. Well, that and, the home owner switching colors midstream.

Refinishing floors:A good flooring contractor can sand three or four rooms in a day. Adding the stain and polyurethane can take a few more days for application and drying time. The National Wood Flooring Association explains what you should expect.

Remodeling involves many different steps, often by different people. Before you scream “Are we there yet?” try to understand what’s involved and how long it should take.

If you’re wondering how to brighten your bathroom or kitchen design, think about the many uses for glass. Whether it’s glass doors in your kitchen cabinets or translucent blue bathroom wall tile, glass can add a whole new dimension to your home design.

Glass for the Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets often are the most important element in the room, but they can get a little heavy visually. By adding glass to a few cabinet doors, you’ll bring in a touch of light and create a new way for light to move through the space. Take it a step further and add stained or etched glass and the whole kitchen design changes. Check out a few of these specialty glasses from Bendheim Cabinet Glass.

Bathroom Wall Tile

Glass wall tile has become a hot item in the bathroom, as it can add a touch of the sky or water. Look for wall tile in square, rectangular, and even circular shapes. A little bit of geometry never hurt anyone, as shown by these examples of glass tile design.

There also are many glass wall tiles with texture and unique edges that can make the area behind the sink come to life. Coordinate it with natural stone with similar colors or use it along the whole wall for a big show.

Contractor of DIY?

Glass is easy enough for some DIYers to install, but if you’re not experienced, look for a good contractor. A tile contractor will know how to blend tiles together to create a fun look (like these from Daltile). In the kitchen, a contractor could add glass to a few cabinets and coordinate it with glass wall tile.

When redoing your bathroom or kitchen design, don’t overlook the beauty of glass. You’ll find that it adds just the right dimension and depth to keep your home design interesting.

If you’re not planning a major kitchen remodeling for the New Year, how about some easy kitchen upgrades? As Better Homes and Gardens notes, the kitchen is a great spot for inexpensive changes that make a big difference.

A new countertop can make a big design statement and make meal prep much nicer. If you’re living with an old laminate with scratches and discoloration, try a solid surface or granite countertop. Granite has a big draw, so it can also help with resale down the road. You can find off-price granite countertops that are sold through stone fabricators as remnants because they may have an imperfection or two. With solid surface, check home improvement stores for sales.

Everything and the Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink and faucet also are easy updates. HGTV recommends a number of easy updates for sinks and faucets. The sink is the backbone of the kitchen, so look for one that is sturdy and large enough for washing all those pots and pans. When shopping for faucets, try one with a pull out sprayer.

Painting is another easy home improvement project that can transform a kitchen design. Paint the walls, of course, but also consider painting old kitchen cabinets if they are in good shape. Kitchen cabinets really set the tone, so try a cream or white with a pewter glaze for effect.

Adding a Kitchen Island

If your kitchen has enough space, why not add a kitchen island, a low-cost improvement according to the remodeling site Demesne? There are plenty of portable ones on wheels that can be moved around for entertaining, storage, etc. Just make sure you have at least 42 inches around the island for traffic flow.

Kitchen Design With Lighting

Undercabinet lighting is another kitchen design option that adds a big bang for the buck. There are kits sold at home improvement stores so you can just install each puck light under a section of cabinetry and simply plug it in. Viola. “New” kitchen.

Many people make resolutions this time of year–lose weight, pay off debt, on and on. Resolutions aren’t a bad thing if they help motivate. When it comes to home remodeling resolutions, there are plenty to try:

Plan Your Remodeling

The key ingredient in any home remodeling project is planning. Whether it’s a kitchen remodeling or a room addition, plan it out. Think about what you want and why. How do you use your space? What might make it function better? Then work with a good contractor to make it happen.

Find the Right Contractor

Contractor issues are one of the biggest hurdles to remodeling, but they don’t have to be. If you do your homework, really check references and make sure the contractor specializes in your type of remodeling, you should be fine.

One thing people forget is to go look at the contractor’s references and ask lots of questions. You might see tiles out of alignment, cabinet doors that are uneven…it’s all in the details. A good contractor should be happy to show you his or her remodeling work.

Don’t Overspend When Remodeling

Sure, many remodeling projects go over budget because of unexpected surprises, but you can build that into your project. Avoid letting the remodeling project run on and on because you keep asking for more changes. Set a budget you can live with, add a 10 to 15 percent contingency and then call it a day. If you’re doing a kitchen remodeling, for example, that 10 percent can add up–try not to let it go higher.

Check out this handy remodeling estimator that takes you through several scenarios in terms of level of finish and cost.

As the New Year approaches, think about what types of remodeling projects you want to do. Then make a few resolutions–ones you can keep.

Are you looking to transform your kitchen on a dime? For $500, you can dress up several areas of this important gathering spot.

While a major kitchen remodeling project can cost thousands of dollars, you can take $500 and spread around some nice updates. Kitchen cabinet hardware is the first update to consider. For about $50, you can get sleek metal pulls, clunky porcelain knobs, or artsy glass hardware. Most kitchen cabinet hardware is priced from $1 to $10 each, so you can go crazy and still stay on budget.

Kitchen Faucet Trends

The kitchen faucet and sink are the next products to think about replacing. Many modern kitchen faucets have a pull out sprayer that makes rinsing the dishes and cleaning the sink a breeze. Try a high-arching kitchen faucet for some drama.

When shopping for a sink, try a stainless steel model to add a professional culinary feel to your kitchen. You’ll need to use the same size you have unless you’re also replacing the counter top–which would cost more than $500. Faucets range from $50 to $300 or so; sinks go from $75 to $400 or more.

Kitchen Cabinet Updates

The kitchen cabinets also offer opportunities for upgrading. If you’re living with old cabinets that are dated but in good shape, consider painting or re-staining them. With a few weekends of work, you can transform the kitchen. If you do the work yourself, the cost could be as low as $100 or so for supplies.

The last step is to look at new window treatments. New blinds or drapes can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your kitchen. They also help insulate and save energy costs. Plan to spend $30 to $100 per window, depending on the window treatment style.

Kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With small touches, every little bit adds up.

Hurry. The relatives are coming. Time to makeover the house! No, this isn’t a new reality T.V. show, just the common seasonal craziness for home improvement folks. It seems there’s always something to do to get your house ready for guests.

You may be amazed how easy it is to do quick home improvement changes–even in a weekend. Grab that tool belt, some paint, and away you go. Some home improvement fixes might require a contractor, but others are easy to tackle yourself.

Which Home Improvement Projects?

When deciding which home improvement projects to do, think about your household routine. Pick a weekend when you don’t have other social commitments. The key is to get things done without driving yourself crazy. Even though these are easy projects, allow yourself some extra time to finish them.

When painting a bathroom, for example, remember there are more cut-ins because of the shower, tub, vanity, etc. The room is small, but you have more detail work so plan accordingly.

Quick Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Bathroom remodeling also has its quick and easy moments.

• Reduce clutter–simplify the look of the bathroom
• Replace the shower curtain
• Add new towels
• Think about different paint colors
• For the DIY-er, consider adding new wall tile

For projects such as adding wall tile, you may want to work with a contractor. Otherwise, these home design changes should be easy to accomplish–easier than trying to fit in a full bathroom remodel in a weekend.

Home Design Changes for Thanksgiving

If you’re looking toward Thanksgiving, try these inexpensive home design decorations:

• Buy new tablecloths and napkins
• Get creative with a Fall-themed centerpiece
• Try your hand at Thanksgiving displays
• Consider scented candles
• Pumpkin serving bowls can be a treat

With inexpensive and easy decorations, no contractor is needed to bring life to your home during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Now it’s time to get to work on those minor and easy-to-finish changes–no time to delay!

If you’ve watched any of the home improvement television shows, you know they are quick to rush in, fix a problem, and leave. Unfortunately, that’s not always the way it works in real life. There are some remodeling projects you shouldn’t jump into lightly. Here are a few examples:

Pause for these Remodeling Projects

• Kitchen Remodeling. Kitchen remodels tend to be pretty complicated. The kitchen is one of the central rooms of the house, so think about what you really want. If you’re doing some quick fixes, how will they work in the long run? It might be tempting to replace the countertop, but will it still work when you buy new kitchen cabinets?
• Roofing Repairs. Climbing a ladder is not hard until it starts to tip over. If you’ve got minor repairs and can reach them with a short ladder, fine. Save the major fixes for a roofing contractor.
• Driveway Repair. Patching a driveway is fine, but don’t think you can dig up gravel and lay down bricks in a weekend or that you should do it at all. Driveways are big projects and they typically should be done by a contractor who works in that specialty.
• Room Demolition. While it’s common to see someone to take a crowbar and rip out a wall on a home improvement television show, there are numerous steps to consider before laying waste to a wall in your house. You should check for electrical and gas lines in the wall and make sure it’s not load bearing. Then, get ready for physical labor because the work is intense. You also should have the right tools, clothing, protective equipment, and debris hauling service.

Home Improvement Television Is Entertainment

While home improvement television shows can be great entertainment and provide lots of good remodeling tips, they should be taken with a little light hearted laughter at times. If you see eight people tearing apart a kitchen on television, don’t think you can do it yourself in a weekend. It’s just not realistic.