What can be said to stress the importance of selecting the proper moldings for your remodel? How about an analogy?
You wouldn't go out and but that new Mercedes S500 and adorn the hood with a set of bull horns, would you? Of course not, everyone knows bull horns are best suited for that fully loaded Cadillac.
Moldings say the same thing about your home that those horns say about your car. Properly selected moldings can be a nice asset to your remodel.
Time and time again I have gone over to a friends home, or perhaps on an estimate, to find that the homeowner has installed door case moldings for base board, or base board for door case moldings. I've seen giant crown moldings used in small rooms and small crown moldings used is huge rooms. I've seen houses where no two rooms had the same moldings.
If you haven't guessed by now from my rantings, these trends are no-nos. Its okay to change the style of your moldings in the newly remodeled areas of your home if you intend to carry out the design through the rest of your home eventually, but if not, its best to keep it consistent.
Its not okay to use moldings intended for a specific purpose in another context. You may prefer the look yourself, but the trained eye of an appraiser will disagree.
When selecting a crown molding or chair rail, keep in mind the size of the room. Proper proportioning is essential to a quality end result.
That's all I can say for now, I'm off to get a new set of white wall tires for my Ferrari!
Happy remodeling,
Rob
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Selecting the right contractor
It is generally assumed that if you pick up a phone and call a contractor, that a qualified, experienced, licensed and insured individual will answer at the other end. The truth is though that if you don't know how to find a good contractor, you could end up disappointed with the results.
Some states (Texas for example) don't even require proof of your experience in the field or even a measure of your skill to issue you a contractors license. So, with that in mind, how do you know who will be good, and who won't?
Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure, but you can do your home work first for the best chance of success. Most people know someone who has had work done, and a referral from a happy customer can be a good place to start.
Don't stop there though. No matter who you ultimately hire, get several references from all of the contractors you are considering. Those references should be for jobs that are similar to the one you are proposing. They should be checked by phone and verified in person if at all possible. After all, that persons idea of quality may be far from your own.
Verify that the person you are getting the bid from is (or is a legal representative of ) a (currently) licensed and insured contractor. This can usually be confirmed by visiting your states contractors license web site (as far as I know every state has their own). While you are there you can check for active and/or resolved disputes and or complaints that contractor may or may not have with previous customers. Any contractor who hopes to stay in business will have no unresolved conflicts or complaints (unless that action is still pending) against them.
Get at least three estimates for your job from only the contractors qualified to do your particular job. Those individuals without the experience or the credentials for the kind of work you need done throw off the curve and should not be considered, even for pricing references.
Understand that a smart contractor will also be interviewing you for the job. For example, if I get a call from a potential client who says they are getting twenty estimates, I will wish them good luck, and decline the opportunity to do the estimate. A contractor who is giving free estimates wants to believe they have a good chance of getting the job, so regardless of the actual number of bids you will get, never admit to more than about three.
Schedule your "in person" interviews with your competing contractors separately. It's very inappropriate for those sessions to overlap. You wouldn't want another patient in the examining room with you, waiting for your doctor while he/she examines you, would you?
Be sure to present the same exact information (a copy of the prepared plans is ideal), and require the same credentials (license, dollar amount of insurance requirements etc...) to each competing bidder in order to accurately compare their estimates.
And finally, require an estimated completion date in writing as well, as this point may help to influence your final decision.
If you wish to reward me for my expertise and wonderful advice, send cash and/or jewels, or simply click the appropriate button below and write me a glowing response!
Good day to you,
Rob
Some states (Texas for example) don't even require proof of your experience in the field or even a measure of your skill to issue you a contractors license. So, with that in mind, how do you know who will be good, and who won't?
Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure, but you can do your home work first for the best chance of success. Most people know someone who has had work done, and a referral from a happy customer can be a good place to start.
Don't stop there though. No matter who you ultimately hire, get several references from all of the contractors you are considering. Those references should be for jobs that are similar to the one you are proposing. They should be checked by phone and verified in person if at all possible. After all, that persons idea of quality may be far from your own.
Verify that the person you are getting the bid from is (or is a legal representative of ) a (currently) licensed and insured contractor. This can usually be confirmed by visiting your states contractors license web site (as far as I know every state has their own). While you are there you can check for active and/or resolved disputes and or complaints that contractor may or may not have with previous customers. Any contractor who hopes to stay in business will have no unresolved conflicts or complaints (unless that action is still pending) against them.
Get at least three estimates for your job from only the contractors qualified to do your particular job. Those individuals without the experience or the credentials for the kind of work you need done throw off the curve and should not be considered, even for pricing references.
Understand that a smart contractor will also be interviewing you for the job. For example, if I get a call from a potential client who says they are getting twenty estimates, I will wish them good luck, and decline the opportunity to do the estimate. A contractor who is giving free estimates wants to believe they have a good chance of getting the job, so regardless of the actual number of bids you will get, never admit to more than about three.
Schedule your "in person" interviews with your competing contractors separately. It's very inappropriate for those sessions to overlap. You wouldn't want another patient in the examining room with you, waiting for your doctor while he/she examines you, would you?
Be sure to present the same exact information (a copy of the prepared plans is ideal), and require the same credentials (license, dollar amount of insurance requirements etc...) to each competing bidder in order to accurately compare their estimates.
And finally, require an estimated completion date in writing as well, as this point may help to influence your final decision.
If you wish to reward me for my expertise and wonderful advice, send cash and/or jewels, or simply click the appropriate button below and write me a glowing response!
Good day to you,
Rob
Monday, October 19, 2009
Should you spend the money?
To say that these are financially troubling times is like saying out loud that you need to go to the bathroom. It may be true, but most of us don't want to hear it.
While it may be true that not everyone is affected by the current global economic crisis, it can surely be assumed that most of us have suffered financially in some way as a direct result of this well publicized situation.
While I myself have previously taken for granted that my clients were working within their financial means on their remodeling projects, I can no longer ethically assume that to be the case.
Where I was previously compelled to "sell the job", I now feel the need to offer other more affordable options to potential customers seeking home improvements. In many cases repairs can be done in lieu of extensive remodels and the customer can keep that saved money in case times become difficult for them.
Here are a few things to consider before committing to a major remodel, whether you will do it your self, or hire it out.
While it may be true that not everyone is affected by the current global economic crisis, it can surely be assumed that most of us have suffered financially in some way as a direct result of this well publicized situation.
While I myself have previously taken for granted that my clients were working within their financial means on their remodeling projects, I can no longer ethically assume that to be the case.
Where I was previously compelled to "sell the job", I now feel the need to offer other more affordable options to potential customers seeking home improvements. In many cases repairs can be done in lieu of extensive remodels and the customer can keep that saved money in case times become difficult for them.
Here are a few things to consider before committing to a major remodel, whether you will do it your self, or hire it out.
- Do you truly have the secure means (job security, money in the bank, etc...) to see the project through from start to finish? If not, maybe you should consider postponing the work or scaling back on the project size.
- Are you assuming that a remodel will add value to your residence? If so, do your homework carefully on the matter and check the local real estate market for comparable homes, both in the condition of your home before the proposed remodel, and after completion.
- Even in the best of times a remodel can take a toll on relationships. Be aware of that before starting and be prepared compromise with your spouse or partner. Make an extra effort to communicate during the process, after all, more can be lost than just money in these troubling times.
Approach your remodel with realistic expectations and you should be able to enjoy the results for years to come.
Don't forget to post your comments and ask your questions! I promise to answer the ones I can, and throw away all of the tough ones!
Smile at someone today,
Rob
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sequencing
Life in general is composed of sequential occurrences. For example, with few exceptions we learn to crawl before we walk, we learn to walk before we run, and we mess up a lot of diapers long before we have the need for a nice bathroom.
Once we get to the point that we are indeed in need of that nice bathroom though, people tend to overlook the proper sequences that should be part of your remodel project.
This might be due to the fact that many homeowners aren't aware of the proper order in which a house is built, or it may at times be due to budgetary considerations. It's important to consider though that the best quality work is work that was sequenced in the proper order.
Whether you are simply painting a room (remove cover plates and light fixtures), or doing a complete remodel, you will start with the removal or demolition of the components in the area you are working on. Demolition is most effectively done in exact reverse order of the installation process.
With that done, now is the time to address the mechanical components, new plumbing fixture and electrical fixture rough in etc... Sheetrock, tape, texture, doors and door moldings, paint, cabinets, tops, tile, flooring, baseboards (preferably pre-painted and simply touched up after installation), and finally electrical and plumbing finish trim.
Its a safe bet that you didn't marry your spouse before you got to know him/her for a day or two, and that you didn't make last nights dinner without first going to the grocery store. Remember that the best jobs were done thoroughly and in the proper sequence. First the egg, and then the chicken. Or was it the chicken and then the egg?
Happy remodeling to you,
Rob
Once we get to the point that we are indeed in need of that nice bathroom though, people tend to overlook the proper sequences that should be part of your remodel project.
This might be due to the fact that many homeowners aren't aware of the proper order in which a house is built, or it may at times be due to budgetary considerations. It's important to consider though that the best quality work is work that was sequenced in the proper order.
Whether you are simply painting a room (remove cover plates and light fixtures), or doing a complete remodel, you will start with the removal or demolition of the components in the area you are working on. Demolition is most effectively done in exact reverse order of the installation process.
With that done, now is the time to address the mechanical components, new plumbing fixture and electrical fixture rough in etc... Sheetrock, tape, texture, doors and door moldings, paint, cabinets, tops, tile, flooring, baseboards (preferably pre-painted and simply touched up after installation), and finally electrical and plumbing finish trim.
Its a safe bet that you didn't marry your spouse before you got to know him/her for a day or two, and that you didn't make last nights dinner without first going to the grocery store. Remember that the best jobs were done thoroughly and in the proper sequence. First the egg, and then the chicken. Or was it the chicken and then the egg?
Happy remodeling to you,
Rob
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Going green
"Going green" is certainly a phrase that we here a a lot these days, but what does it really mean to the home remodeler?
Mrs. Smith was green with envy when she saw her next door neighbors (Mrs. Jones) freshly remodeled bathroom. Could there be more to it than that? Perhaps Mrs. Jones painted the walls green too?
Not all too long ago that may well have been enough "green" in a remodel. But in these times with the damage we have done and are continuing to do to our environment there is much more at stake than just bragging rights over who has the better bathroom.
Not everyone has it within their budget to add a photovoltaic solar array to their residence, though that is a wonderful thing to do if it is within your means.
Everyone that is contemplating a home remodel though can certainly help the environmental effort by carefully considering the materials you select for your project. Instead of selecting Honduran mahogany for your wood trim for example, consider a sustainable farmed product instead.
Consider insulation, energy efficient doors, windows, appliances, and lighting before you consume your budget on aesthetics.
What will you do with the components you remove for your remodel? Most cities have salvage yards that will take your re-usable sinks, tubs, doors and other similar components and offer those items to others at reasonable prices. Not only is this good for the environment, but you might just be able to put some green back into your pocket! In some cases you may even be preserving historical pieces someone else may be in need of for their own remodel.
Consider all of your remodeling actions and materials carefully and we can begin to put right what we have been destroying for generations. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all are components of our environment that can benefit from the more careful deliberation of our remodeling projects.
Mrs. Smith was green with envy when she saw her next door neighbors (Mrs. Jones) freshly remodeled bathroom. Could there be more to it than that? Perhaps Mrs. Jones painted the walls green too?
Not all too long ago that may well have been enough "green" in a remodel. But in these times with the damage we have done and are continuing to do to our environment there is much more at stake than just bragging rights over who has the better bathroom.
Not everyone has it within their budget to add a photovoltaic solar array to their residence, though that is a wonderful thing to do if it is within your means.
Everyone that is contemplating a home remodel though can certainly help the environmental effort by carefully considering the materials you select for your project. Instead of selecting Honduran mahogany for your wood trim for example, consider a sustainable farmed product instead.
Consider insulation, energy efficient doors, windows, appliances, and lighting before you consume your budget on aesthetics.
What will you do with the components you remove for your remodel? Most cities have salvage yards that will take your re-usable sinks, tubs, doors and other similar components and offer those items to others at reasonable prices. Not only is this good for the environment, but you might just be able to put some green back into your pocket! In some cases you may even be preserving historical pieces someone else may be in need of for their own remodel.
Consider all of your remodeling actions and materials carefully and we can begin to put right what we have been destroying for generations. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all are components of our environment that can benefit from the more careful deliberation of our remodeling projects.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Do it yourself, or hire it out?
So you have a remodeling project in mind but you aren't sure if you want to do it yourself, or hire it out. Maybe you have made a choice, but could still be swayed. It's a tricky subject in this day and age and does require more than just a passing thought.
There are perhaps countless things that a homeowner can do to their own home with little or no experience, and the advice of a friend or book on the matter. Even some blogs offer the informed web surfer step by step instructions on just about anything you could think of doing (some better than others).
It should be considered though, that there are few things a homeowner can do as well or as fast as a good contractor. Many homeowners begin a project with the belief that it will look as good when completed as it would had a professional done the work. Some can actually pull it off, but most end up with a job that looks as if it was done by an amateur.
There is nothing wrong with an amateur doing a job as long as it looks good in the end, but the whole purpose of doing a remodel is to make your place look better, right? Perhaps even to increase the value (if that's possible in this economy). Consider this though, a poorly done remodel job will most likely decrease the value of your home and can even make it harder to sell.
As a contractor and a homeowner I have walked away from purchasing homes in ideal locations because of poorly crafted work to the residences. I knew that I would have had to un-do what had been done, and re-do the work to trade standards. This can work for a purchaser if the property is priced enough below market value to make it worth the effort, but in most cases the homeowners don't realize they have actually adversely affected the value of the property.
There are other options though for those who enjoy doing the work, or maybe just want or need to save some money. First, consider carefully and realistically what parts of the job you are capable of doing yourself. Perhaps you have a friend or two that is (are) verifiably proficient in areas you may be lacking? Don't be afraid to take advantage of those opportunities if you can.
Understand the need though, and budget for skilled and licensed craftsmen to fill in the gaps of the things you aren't proficient at doing yourself. In a thorough bathroom remodel you may need the skills of a carpenter, electrician, plumber, drywall/tape texture person, painter, glazier, tile installer, wall paper hanger and even a designer. That's a lot of hats for one inexperienced homeowner to put on and expect to do well at them all.
Tread lightly here, use your best discretion and remember, your home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make. Treat it well, and it should return the favor.
Now if you will excuse me; my dentist has agreed to loan me his tools so I can fill a cavity that has been bugging me for some time!
Good luck with your projects, Rob
There are perhaps countless things that a homeowner can do to their own home with little or no experience, and the advice of a friend or book on the matter. Even some blogs offer the informed web surfer step by step instructions on just about anything you could think of doing (some better than others).
It should be considered though, that there are few things a homeowner can do as well or as fast as a good contractor. Many homeowners begin a project with the belief that it will look as good when completed as it would had a professional done the work. Some can actually pull it off, but most end up with a job that looks as if it was done by an amateur.
There is nothing wrong with an amateur doing a job as long as it looks good in the end, but the whole purpose of doing a remodel is to make your place look better, right? Perhaps even to increase the value (if that's possible in this economy). Consider this though, a poorly done remodel job will most likely decrease the value of your home and can even make it harder to sell.
As a contractor and a homeowner I have walked away from purchasing homes in ideal locations because of poorly crafted work to the residences. I knew that I would have had to un-do what had been done, and re-do the work to trade standards. This can work for a purchaser if the property is priced enough below market value to make it worth the effort, but in most cases the homeowners don't realize they have actually adversely affected the value of the property.
There are other options though for those who enjoy doing the work, or maybe just want or need to save some money. First, consider carefully and realistically what parts of the job you are capable of doing yourself. Perhaps you have a friend or two that is (are) verifiably proficient in areas you may be lacking? Don't be afraid to take advantage of those opportunities if you can.
Understand the need though, and budget for skilled and licensed craftsmen to fill in the gaps of the things you aren't proficient at doing yourself. In a thorough bathroom remodel you may need the skills of a carpenter, electrician, plumber, drywall/tape texture person, painter, glazier, tile installer, wall paper hanger and even a designer. That's a lot of hats for one inexperienced homeowner to put on and expect to do well at them all.
Tread lightly here, use your best discretion and remember, your home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make. Treat it well, and it should return the favor.
Now if you will excuse me; my dentist has agreed to loan me his tools so I can fill a cavity that has been bugging me for some time!
Good luck with your projects, Rob
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Are you ready for fall?
Greetings and salutations!
I apologize in advance for deviating from my remodeling tips for this post, but I thought I might cover an important seasonal subject that many of us may tend to overlook.
With summer just a memory and fall upon us, most of us look forward to the change. I mean really, you can put away the bikinis and the sandals and actually eat again, at least until next spring.
As you day dream about pumpkin pies, turkey sandwiches, and football games, don't forget to get your place ready for the return of the cold weather.
Do you have a fireplace? Get the chimney cleaned! If you use your fireplace with any regularity at all, creosote and soot will build up in the chimney and could cause a chimney fire. A cleaning by a professional usually includes an inspection as well ,which can reveal any possible defects or degradation in the components, which could also lead to dangerous conditions. For your safety as well as the safety of your family and neighbors this should be done each year prior to lighting your first fire in the fire place. Mrs. Claus will thank you as well, as her laundry load on December 26th will be much lighter!
Often overlooked as well are the furnace filters. Depending on the filter type and media, they require replacement as often as once a month in some cases. A clean filter will improve the performance of your heating system and ultimately save you money on utility consumption while making the indoor air cleaner and easier to breath.
If you have exposed pipes out doors, this is the time to insulate! The materials and the time it takes you to do it now is far less than the cost of one emergency plumber call! Save that money for something you really need, like bail money for your crazy nephew, or cat food.
Do you have rain gutters and down spouts? (I believe doctors are working on a vaccination for that) Seriously though, blocked down spouts means rain water wont drain from the gutters. This is problematic not just because the rain will fill up the gutters and run over the edges, but the extra weight of all of that water can actually bring the gutters down. They may be easier to clean if that happens, but where will you hang your Christmas lights?
Now is a good time for a visual roof inspection as well. Take a quick look and make sure all of your shingles, tiles or other roofing material is completely intact and in good condition. If you find missing or damaged components, take care of it now before the weather gets bad.
And finally, possibly the most important thing you can do to get ready for the colder weather is to maintain and upgrade your smoke detectors. Maintaining is simple enough, change the batteries and test each unit. Whats that you say? Your smoke detector doesn't have a place for batteries? That calls for an upgrade. Some early models of smoke detectors did not have a battery back up option. If that's true of yours, what do you think will happen if a fire should start in your home during a power outage? Scary, huh? Some smoke detectors operate on battery power alone, some use alternating current from your homes electrical system and also have a battery back up, and some detect carbon monoxide as well. (If your home has even a single gas consuming appliance, at least one carbon monoxide detector should be installed near the bedrooms) Determine which kind you will need and swap out any older non-functioning or non battery back up units before its too late. Smoke detectors are required by law in most (if not all) states in each bedroom, and in the hall way areas where bedrooms are located. If so equipped, be sure you turn off the electricity to the units you may be replacing prior to the job and be sure to conform to all of your local, state and federal codes on the subject. If there is any doubt in your mind about your ability to follow those guidelines, hire a professional electrical contractor to do the job right, and sleep well knowing that you and your family are well protected.
Thats all for now, Rob
I apologize in advance for deviating from my remodeling tips for this post, but I thought I might cover an important seasonal subject that many of us may tend to overlook.
With summer just a memory and fall upon us, most of us look forward to the change. I mean really, you can put away the bikinis and the sandals and actually eat again, at least until next spring.
As you day dream about pumpkin pies, turkey sandwiches, and football games, don't forget to get your place ready for the return of the cold weather.
Do you have a fireplace? Get the chimney cleaned! If you use your fireplace with any regularity at all, creosote and soot will build up in the chimney and could cause a chimney fire. A cleaning by a professional usually includes an inspection as well ,which can reveal any possible defects or degradation in the components, which could also lead to dangerous conditions. For your safety as well as the safety of your family and neighbors this should be done each year prior to lighting your first fire in the fire place. Mrs. Claus will thank you as well, as her laundry load on December 26th will be much lighter!
Often overlooked as well are the furnace filters. Depending on the filter type and media, they require replacement as often as once a month in some cases. A clean filter will improve the performance of your heating system and ultimately save you money on utility consumption while making the indoor air cleaner and easier to breath.
If you have exposed pipes out doors, this is the time to insulate! The materials and the time it takes you to do it now is far less than the cost of one emergency plumber call! Save that money for something you really need, like bail money for your crazy nephew, or cat food.
Do you have rain gutters and down spouts? (I believe doctors are working on a vaccination for that) Seriously though, blocked down spouts means rain water wont drain from the gutters. This is problematic not just because the rain will fill up the gutters and run over the edges, but the extra weight of all of that water can actually bring the gutters down. They may be easier to clean if that happens, but where will you hang your Christmas lights?
Now is a good time for a visual roof inspection as well. Take a quick look and make sure all of your shingles, tiles or other roofing material is completely intact and in good condition. If you find missing or damaged components, take care of it now before the weather gets bad.
And finally, possibly the most important thing you can do to get ready for the colder weather is to maintain and upgrade your smoke detectors. Maintaining is simple enough, change the batteries and test each unit. Whats that you say? Your smoke detector doesn't have a place for batteries? That calls for an upgrade. Some early models of smoke detectors did not have a battery back up option. If that's true of yours, what do you think will happen if a fire should start in your home during a power outage? Scary, huh? Some smoke detectors operate on battery power alone, some use alternating current from your homes electrical system and also have a battery back up, and some detect carbon monoxide as well. (If your home has even a single gas consuming appliance, at least one carbon monoxide detector should be installed near the bedrooms) Determine which kind you will need and swap out any older non-functioning or non battery back up units before its too late. Smoke detectors are required by law in most (if not all) states in each bedroom, and in the hall way areas where bedrooms are located. If so equipped, be sure you turn off the electricity to the units you may be replacing prior to the job and be sure to conform to all of your local, state and federal codes on the subject. If there is any doubt in your mind about your ability to follow those guidelines, hire a professional electrical contractor to do the job right, and sleep well knowing that you and your family are well protected.
Thats all for now, Rob
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