When you’re spending your hard-earned money on remodeling, it’s normal to want to make sure everything is going well. You may even have second thoughts at times and want to change things around. There are things you might be tempted to do that will actually delay the process and cost you more money. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Going with the lowest bid and ending up with someone you don’t trust.

If you want something done right you need to hire the right professionals not the lowest price. If you don’t trust the people doing the work on your house, there will be problems. For example, when they tell you they found a problem and there will be a delay, you might not believe them. Also, you may feel the need to look over their shoulder and question them constantly, which will slow the work down.  This can all be avoided if you start by hiring someone you trust.

If you hire someone you trust, a lot of other problems can be avoided.

Not planning for contingencies.

No home is perfect. A qualified contractor will make whatever adjustments are needed to make sure everything they work on is structurally sound and up to code. If there’s a problem, they’ll fix it. That adds to the price of the job, but it’s worth it to have it done right. Make sure you have more than enough money set aside to finish the remodel.

Changing your mind.

If you have a plan, it’s cheaper and faster to stick with it. Every time you make a change, it will cost time and money. If you hired a contractor you trust, you’re less likely to panic halfway through the job and want to change everything around. The more you can relax and let your contractor work, the faster the job will go.

Being a distraction.

You have every right to look at what’s going on in your home and to ask questions. It is your money and your home, after all. However, if you’re always standing around and talking to the workers, you will slow the work down. Ask all of the questions you need to ask, but don’t linger if you don’t need to. If you trust the professionals you hired, this won’t be as much of a problem.

Working without a design.

A qualified professional won’t start a job without a design.  Your contractor will need a detailed floor plan and sometimes even an architect depending on the kind of job. You can’t expect them to go in blind.

Fixing aesthetics without fixing the structure.

One of the benefits of a remodel is that it improves the appearance of your home. Another benefit is that when work is done well, your home will be even more structurally sound than when the work started. Don’t expect your contractor to overlook structural problems.  If they can fix it, let them. You’ll be better off in the long run.

The most important thing is to hire someone you can trust. Thankfully, in College Station you have a local builder with experience.

When you plan a kitchen remodel, you probably focus on utility and aesthetics. There is an added benefit that you may not consider. Your contractor can find hidden issues with your house that may have otherwise caused you trouble down the line. Most contractors will factor some contingencies in their bid so that you aren’t overwhelmed when problems arise.

No house is perfect. Even new houses have their flaws. An older home, however, may have more problems. In order to properly update the appearance of your home, you may have to update some of the structure. That’s why you should always have a contingency fund in case your contractor finds something that needs fixing or updating to meet the building code.

No matter how experienced the professionals you hire are, they can’t know what’s going on inside a wall without taking a look. While they may be able to give you an idea of the types of problems a home often has, they can’t know for sure until the work starts. Once a drill goes into a wall, a lot can be revealed.

If you’re having your bathroom remodeled, for example, your contractor might find water leaks. Because leaks can cause structural damage and lead to mold growth, you can be thankful they found the problem. While it may cost a little money to fix it now, it could save you the expense of more costly repairs later on.

Another issue that your contractor may run into in your walls is faulty wiring. That’s not something that can be ignored. It’s a fire hazard. So, even though it may cost you extra, it’s worth the expense. Replacing faulty wiring will help bring your house up to code and make it a safer place to live.

Walls may also have inadequate insulation. If you’ve noticed that your kitchen or bathroom is unusually cold in the winter or hot in the summer it may be because you need more insulation. Your contractor can fix the problem and that will save you money on heating and cooling in the long run.

Windows can also have their hidden problems. Dry rot around a window might not be apparent at first. Only when the work has started will your contractor find the dry rot in the wall. Fixing it will make your home more structurally sound.

Also, keep in mind that your subfloor is hidden until the flooring is removed. Your contractor has no way of knowing whether it’s in good condition until he sees it. Hopefully, only minor repairs will be needed if any. Having a good subfloor will help the rest of your remodel go more smoothly so it’s important that any issues are fixed properly.

When you have a contractor bid on your project, make sure he’s planning for contingencies.  A really low bid may not include any wiggle room for unexpected problems. Also, set aside more money than you think is needed for the project. At least 5% extra on hand could be helpful. While no one likes having to pay more than expected, it’s worth it to have your home fixed properly.

AT HOME MAGAZINE – 2017 ISSUE


{Home care & Decor}

Maximizing Smaller Spaces when Remodeling

by Alison Windham, Windham Construction

When considering a remodel of a smaller home, there are some things to consider that might help with functionality, budget and aesthetics.

Whether your house was built in the 1940’s or 1980’s, there are some universal floorplans seen in many. The rooms in common areas are mostly defined and closed in by walls or partial walls. Some people like the separation, others do not. The first line item in a lot of remodels is to open up the space. Barrier walls between kitchen and family room, dining room, even bedrooms are desired. These changes can help traffic flow, sight range and just makes things feel bigger. Keep in mind load bearing walls are just that, and you must make sure there is reinforcement before it can be removed. It’s always wise to consult with a reputable contractor that can advise for correct wall removal. If there is plumbing, electrical or duct work in the wall, it will have to be relocated. Sometimes this can be a cost deterrent. So what do you do if that happens?

If structural changes aren’t in the game plan, there are some things you can do to achieve more functionality in a remodel.

In the kitchen it’s all about organization and storage. New cabinetry with pull out shelves, spice racks, and corner drawers can open up dead space and allow for more storage. Built-ins in the eating area, or extending counters can also increase surface space. Sometimes reconfiguring the fridge, stove and appliances can create better prep and traffic flow.

The same premise can work in the bathroom. New cabinetry that houses more toiletries, towels and even laundry will free up cluttered space. Sometimes reconfiguring the shower and eliminating the tub will make a bathroom feel much bigger. The laundry room is another often neglected space that often needs some better cabinetry, cubbies or hanging racks to get things organized and manageable. Finding organizational answers will eliminate the clutter that can over power a house.

After those issues are solved, it’s time to consider color palate. Smaller homes need color that joins everything together. Different colors in the bedrooms are fine, but the common areas need fluidity and continuity. A good neutral color that’s warm, cool, or in between will make the house feel open and fresh. The pops of color can be integrated in the kitchen backsplash, countertops, flooring and your decorative touches. Creating a calm background color will allow for different colors from furniture, art and accessories to come into sight.

Remodeling a home involves consideration of the homeowners’ preferences, lifestyle and structure of the house. Choosing a contractor that can address all of these factors will help the client achieve the results they want. Sometimes it takes guided interviews and information impartation to help the client understand what the finished product will allow for in form and functionality. Once that understanding is reached it’s time to get started!

When you decide to renovate your home, you can get in over your head fast if you don’t watch out for some common mistakes. Setting a budget that allows for overages, setting realistic expectations, and working with the style of your home are all important steps.  Here are some common mistakes that homeowners make when the embark on a home renovation

1. Expectations that don’t match your budget

If you’re doing the work yourself or if you’re hiring a contractor, you have to work with the home and budget you have. It’s not going to look just like a picture in a magazine because that picture wasn’t taken in your home. You can, however, get close. If you’re reasonable and patient, you can feel good about your renovation.

2. Choosing the wrong professionals

Whether it’s the designer or the construction company, you need to be sure you’re working with the right people. Hiring the first name you see or just taking the lowest bid will not always lead to quality work. Hire experienced professionals. When it comes to your home there’s never a good time to let someone that’s inexperienced take a shot.

3. Gutting everything

A small job can get much bigger if you aren’t careful. With a good plan, you can make sure you don’t get in too deep. Hiring a professional to do the work will prevent some of the drama.

4. Renovating for a future buyer and ignoring your own needs

Unless you can see the future and read minds, renovating for a potential future buyer is a mistake. If you think about what a future buyer might want, the renovation won’t work out as well for you. Design and build to suit your own needs.  If you are planning to sell in the next few years, you can keep the colors neutral to appeal to a larger audience, but don’t skip out on features that you like.

5. Skipping important rooms

Opening up space in a bedroom and living area is a wonderful idea, but don’t forget other rooms that you use frequently. The kitchen and bathroom can often use remodeling to make better use of space than the home builder had in mind. A home remodeling project that doesn’t include the kitchen and bathroom is a missed opportunity.

6. Not considering your location

Home remodeling in a sunny place like Bryan-College Station, Texas will often take a different turn than a home remodel up north. Here in Brazos Valley, TX home remodeling can include outdoor spaces like decks and sunrooms. There’s plenty of sunshine to enjoy in our part of the state.

7. Ignoring needed renovations

Granite countertops are more fun and attractive than replacing moldy drywall, but if you have mold, you need to get that taken care of. Not all renovations will be apparent. Some things just need to be done for health and safety reasons.

8. Trying to do it all yourself

You may be very good at DIY projects, but there are times when you need to bring in a professional. Hiring professionals can ensure that you get the right permits and that the job is done well the first time. Also, having a construction crew in your house will get the job done faster.

Most of these mistakes can be avoided with the right professionals by your side. Hire a professional crew and your life will be easier.