Five Tips for First Time Remodelers

It can be a daunting task to remodel your home. What if my selections don’t match? How do I find a contractor who will treat me fairly and honestly? Can I do this project on a limited budget? Below are five tips to help you navigate these questions and feel more confident in your final decisions.

Start idea boards – Whether a bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel, or finished basement, starting with idea boards on Pinterest, Houzz or other similar sites can help you narrow down what you like and don’t like. After finding the right contractor, their Interior Designer can then guide you the rest of the way with your final selections to get the exact look and feel you want.

Research general contractors – There are plenty of horror stories about contractors who don’t show up on the job or do shotty work because they were underqualified. But for every bad story, there are dozens of positive experiences.
Just do your homework. Start with a national or local associations who back their members and require strict adherence to a code of ethics. Then look for online reviews – Google, Facebook, Houzz, or similar sites will not just have star ratings, but will often have written reviews from prior customers outlining exactly what went well on their project. If those reviews check your boxes, then interview a few of the contractors.
GMH Construction is happy to have a discussion with you about your renovation project either by phone or an in-person consultation. Take your time picking the right company, because the remodeling process is a long-term relationship requiring trust and open communication.

Understand actual costs and timing – Often times DIY or remodeling TV shows today give unrealistic expectations on costs and timing of a remodel. During your interviews with contractors ask for budgetary amounts and project timelines. Although your final decision should not be based solely on price, that may be an important factor to narrow down those contractors who are overpriced or underpriced.

Be prepared for the unexpected – General contractors are smart people who can typically point out where trouble spots might be in a home remodel and cover those costs in their early renovation proposal. However, they are not superhuman and cannot see through walls to identify possible hidden issues. Be prepared for around 10% overage due to change orders early in the remodel process. Even though these are rare, it is better to be safe than sorry and can help soften the blow if you are aware they may occur. Trust me, your contractor is just as unhappy to tell you about them as you may be to hear them – but it is the reality of the situation.

Fall in Love with Your Home All Over Again

Once the project is done, you will likely forget about the long journey it took to get there and you can finally take the time to bask in your new space!

Have a dinner party in your newly renovated open kitchen!

Post pics of your trendy, spa-like master bathroom!

It’s yours, you worked hard to get here – ENJOY!

 

 

Call GMH Construction, Inc. for a free consultation to help put your mind at ease when embarking on a remodeling project. (262) 696-8131