Archives for August 2018

4 Questions to Ask Your Remodeling Contractor

Windham Construction - Remodeling Contractor

No matter what venture you’re about to enter into, it’s best to be prepared. If you’ve never has a remodeling project done in your home before, you can do your own research about companies, products, and processes. However, there’s no better resource than going straight to the expert. Here are a few of the most important questions to ask your remodeling contractor in order to be more informed about your project and your choices.

Do You Have a License and Certificate of Insurance?

This is one of the most basic questions to ask, and something you need to know before hiring. Licenses are a requirement to work as a contractor in Brazos Valley, and while insurance is technically optional, it’s ideal. A contractor’s insurance protects you from being held liable in the event of property damage or injury on the job.You may also check for the contractor’s license online.

What’s the Timeline to Complete This Project?

Chances are, this question is already on your mind. Remodeling projects are much like moving: people enjoy the finished project but usually not the process. The timeline is also important to keep in mind because it will need to coincide with your schedule. For instance, maybe you need the project to be finished before summer break starts for your kids, or before your move-in date. Maybe you’re preparing to sell and the sooner the project is finished, the sooner you can list your home. Make sure to ask, too, what their protocol is in the event of adverse weather and whether they have other projects that could delay the timeline for your project.

Do You Have Your Own Crew or Work With Subcontractors?

Remodeling contractors don’t always have their own crew; in fact, very often, it will actually be subcontractors who do the physical work on your home. That’s not always a bad thing. Often these contractors have been working with the contractor for so long they might as well be their own team. Ask your contractor how long they’ve worked with their subcontractors, and if the subcontractors are also insured. You should also ask how often the contractor will be there to check on the work.

How Does Payment Work?

Very rarely will you pay the entire cost of your project upfront, and if a contractor insists upon it, you should probably avoid them. Instead, you’ll pay on a payment schedule, and that schedule varies from company to company. If the payment schedule seems overwhelming for you, ask about financing options. Many contractors have financing plans to help fit into your budget. Just ask how to apply for a plan that fits within your budget so that your payment plan suits you as well as the contractor.

If you have an upcoming remodeling project in Brazos Valley, Windham Construction can help. With over 20 years of remodeling experience in the area, we’re qualified to answer any questions you might have about your project or the way we do business. Contact us today for more information or a free estimate.

3 Hardwood Flooring Trends of 2018

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors have been the favorite of homeowners for decades, and 2018 is no exception. They’re smooth, beautiful, easier to clean than carpet, and you can always embrace your inner child by sliding around hardwood floors in your socks. Whether you prefer a rustic design for your home, a classic colonial style, or something sleek and modern, hardwood floors provide an attractive solution.

So it seems almost redundant to talk about hardwood floors as a trend of 2018. Instead, let’s talk about the trends within hardwood flooring.

Hardwood All Over

What we have noticed this year is an uptick in how much hardwood flooring homes contain. For some time, hardwood has been a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and the like. However, this year it seems as though you can find hardwood in just about every room. Many homeowners are redoing their kitchens and entryways in order to make the switch to hardwood floors. True hardwood remains a risky choice for bathrooms, because of the propensity for water spillage and humidity. However, with advances in engineered wood or faux hardwood, you may even start to notice hardwood bathrooms soon.

Faux Hardwood

Sometimes you want the look of hardwood, but you don’t want the maintenance or cost of hardwood flooring. In that case, you might be interested in faux hardwood flooring. You can find laminate flooring for your kitchen that has the authentic look and texture of wood with an overlay of plastic that keeps it waterproof. Vinyl, however, can be made to mimic the look and texture of wood, and it’s much more affordable. Cork flooring is becoming a popular alternative to true wood flooring, partly because it’s a green choice. It can be made with recycled cork, and if you decide to take it out, it can be recycled itself.

Reclaimed Wood

Another green option when it comes to hardwood flooring is to use reclaimed wood, and with our society becoming more and more environmentally conscious, this option has really taken off in 2018. Reclaimed wood requires no additional trees to be cut and there’s much less production effort. It also often comes with rich character and texture that homeowners prefer stylistically. If you prefer a rustic style for your home, reclaimed hardwood flooring is a perfect choice. The grooves in the wood are a little deeper, and the discoloration can be seen throughout. Some even prefer to use reclaimed wood that’s mismatched, using some boards that have been painted and others that haven’t, for an added touch of character.

What do you think about the recent hardwood floor trends? Are there any that could be right for your home, using either traditional hardwood floor, reclaimed wood, or wood alternatives? If you’re interested in making a switch to hardwood flooring, you can trust Windham Construction with our 20+ years of experience in Brazos Valley as your remodeling contractor. Contact us today for more information or a free quote for your next remodeling project.