A homeowner hires a contractor to remodel their kitchen. After they hand over a check for supplies and materials, work begins. The contractor asks for more money but one day leaves the job. The homeowner tries to contact the contractor but again and again fails, the contractor has disappeared leaving the job incomplete, incorrect and unsafe. The homeowner has lost thousands of dollars and then finds out the so called contractor isn’t licensed with the state. It’s a story that you have no doubt heard many times on the news. So why is a license so important?

When a general contractor is licensed it means they have earned a trade license as required by their state and local laws. They have put in the time required to pass competency tests about business practices, safety measures, and trade skills. They are also required to provide proof of insurance, which protects you, your family, and home from bodily injury and property damage that could potentially happen during a project.

 A general contractor will serve as a single point of contact and manages all the aspects of your project. This includes securing builders permits, scheduling inspections, and ordering building materials. They schedule and supervise all trades required to be on your project – electricians, plumbers, tile installers, HVAC technicians, drywallers – to name a few.

Not every contractor uses the same steps to complete a project. But when licensed, a contractor carefully plans out the whole process before starting the work keeping in mind federal, state, and local ordinances. Keeping open communication with you, the homeowner, is a top priority.  A contractor will also make sure there is a legal signed contract between the two of you to ensure all commitments are met and adhered to as a protection for both the homeowner and remodeler.

Hiring a licensed general contractor may cost a bit more, but it is a long term investment that will save you time, worry, and trouble.  GMH will be with you every step of the way until your project is complete and you are more than satisfied.

Being a Wisconsin-based business, we support the efforts of other local businesses. If you are in need of a new heating & cooling system or a repair, we invite you to learn more from the licensed contractors at  Action Heating & Cooling of Milwaukee. And if you are looking for hardscaping or landscaping services throughout Southeast WI, check out Green Hills Contracting.

What do you like most about managing projects?

Every project is different and has its own unique design, I like the variety that every project presents.   I enjoy seeing progress on a job everyday and making sure the customer is getting what they have envisioned. I enjoy working along with our team – carpenters, electricians, plumbers, tilers. We have fun and take pride in our work. 

How does GMH differ from others in the industry? 

Since we are a family owned business and a close knit group, we work well together and that means better service for our customers. Our time and energy isn’t spread thin so we can develop better relationships and beautiful homes. 

What are some challenges to remodeling?

Staying up to date with the industries best practices – codes and regulations can be a big challenge. Also trends in design are always changing. We want to deliver what the customer wants and needs so we need to constantly educate ourselves on new methods of construction and products.

Tell us a little bit about you… 

I live in Waukesha with my wife of 7 years and our 8 month old son. We have two cats, Leo and Obi. In our free time we love working on our home and spending time with family and friends.   I love spending time outside playing golf with my buddies. 

If you have never remodeled before or are taking on a big project, you may feel a little nervous. Between the large expense and the excitement of anticipating your finished remodel or home addition, it’s hard not to feel apprehensive.  When you know what to expect it can help allay your fears and make you better prepared for what’s to come. In this month’s and next month posts, we will discuss 11 things to keep in mind and expect during remodels.

1. Dust and Debris.  Even with preventative measures, a fine layer of dust can gather in parts of your home far from construction. However, there are a few ways to control it. Steps that may be taken include closing off the construction area from the rest of your home with a compression fit temporary wall or plastic barrier wall and running a hepa-filter machine. Additional recommendations include heating the house without your furnace if possible or completely blocking the warm-air and cold-air returns in the construction area.  Floor protection may also be placed in work areas and at the end of the day, the workers will do their best to clean up the area by sweeping, vacuuming and throwing out debris.

2. Noise and Traffic. It will be constant. Whining saws, sanders and thumping nail guns followed by bellowing compressors: in short, little peace or quiet. This may present a challenge if you have small children or pets. And if you work from home, you may need to find another location unless your home office is far away from the construction zone. Also, please keep in mind that workers may sometimes need to utilize additional space in the house, such as the garage for storage or the basement for electrical and plumbing access.

3. Triumphant highs. For you it may be the demolition of the ugly vinyl floors in your kitchen. For others it may be the installation of the carefully selected backsplash tile. Others still may feel elated only when they see walls go up, drywall go in or when they can relax in their completely done kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel.

4. Multiple sighs. It may be that you just want to be done or that you are tried of answering so many questions and writing so many checks. Or you may just be tired of having so many people in your house. While we work hard for you and making things as unobtrusive as possible – hang in there – remodeling fatigue will be short lived when you get to move back into your newly remodeled space.

5. The unexpected. If you expect anything, expect this. Asbestos, rot, irregular framing, jerry-rigged wiring, funny plumbing and more unexpected surprises are bound to arise. No, you won’t be laughing, and neither will your general contractor. Count on finding something no one could have anticipated in your budget and time frame, this way you will be well prepared when it happens.

Adapted from an Article By : A. Higuera CGR, CAPS – HOUZZ Contributor

Next Month’s Blog: 6 more things to expect with your remodel.

Kitchens may be the heart of the home but bathrooms are the muscle. Where else can you do your makeup and cleanup the kids after playing in the mud? When designing your new bathroom, a vanity is essential.  A vanity can add style to your design and create a functional place for storage. From simple to modern, white to wood, there are thousands of options to chose from.

Double Sink

In most bathrooms, a double vanity is a great choice.  It’s a sure way to impress and as a added benefit, it will add value to your home if you decide to sell in the future.  A double sink is a very attractive choice to couples and large families since there is no need to fight over one sink during the busy rush of getting ready in the morning.

Grey

The color grey is a very popular choice for any project and bathroom vanities are no expectation. Grey looks great in traditional, modern or rustic bathrooms. Grey is also timeless. It goes great with a multitude of colors, whether you prefer a bright room or one with darker tones. 

Granite Top

A granite top is a beautiful addition to a bathroom. Even though they cost more then laminate, they stand the test of time. They are heat, stain and scratch resistant and come in many color options. Undermount sinks are common in granite tops. This is a great benefit as this allows dirt to be wiped directly into the sink without it being caught around the lip of a mounted sink.

Open Shelf

An open shelf vanity can open up space in your bathroom helping it feel bigger, which is great for small bathrooms. With an open shelf you can place a basket or two for storage and a set of towels, just like you might see in a spa. 

As the family grows up and out, you may find that space or rooms in the house are no longer needed or do not meet the needs of your changing lifestyle.

Aging-in-place shower features – low curb, walk-in, grab bars, bench, non-slip floor, and hand shower

Perhaps you want to take advantage of the built-up equity in the home. For an empty nester, now may be the perfect time to resettle before undertaking a downsizing becomes too overwhelming. Moving into a smaller home or condo where you could spend the next 20-30 years comfortably may be an ideal solution.

For those who are not ready to move, a home remodel to redefine the space for your new lifestyle and interests can be an exciting event. Give your home a new breath of life with an expanded kitchen for entertaining, a recreation space or theater in the basement, or reallocate space to make a larger master suite with spa-like bathroom.

Perhaps you’ve already found a home that is perfect size for you after retirement. In that case, remodeling to make the kitchen and bathroom more accessible as you age will be an invaluable investment. Easy to access walk-in showers, accessible lower cabinets with drawers, and plenty of space to move between elements are key features for aging-in-place. Improving safety, accessibility, and ease of use will allow you to maintain independence and healthy living.

If you love where you live… talk to a remodeling contractor today to see if a fresh design and renovation can make your home fit your new lifestyle and needs!