Thinking about home remodeling? Begin here
Sooner or later you may join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. Perhaps it’s at that moment when you realize that avocado green and harvest gold are no longer the “in” colors for today’s trendy kitchens. Or maybe you have an epiphany one day as you stand in line to use your own bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought crosses your mind: Maybe it’s time to start a home remodel. The reasons for home remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake. Some of these include: Adding more space Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances and fixtures
Creating a floor plan that’s customized for your lifestyle
Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems
Increasing the resale value of your home
Where to start
The first step is to develop an idea of what you want to do with your home remodel. Write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. Look at magazines and websites and collect pictures of homes or remodeling projects you like. The more clearly you can envision the project and describe it on paper, the better prepared you’ll be in making your decision.
Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space. If your decision to remodel involves creating better access for someone with limited mobility, you may want to consider contacting a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.
You may want to improve home efficiency and hire a remodeler for green home remodeling. These projects include replacing windows and doors, upgrading heating and cooling systems, adding insulation, and other remodeling to make the home more energy-efficient, easier to maintain, and comfortable.
Figure out how much money you have to spend on the home remodeling job, furnishings, landscaping or any other cost you might incur.
Choose your options
Once you have created a list of what you would like out of your home, the next step is deciding how to accomplish your vision.
The best way to ensure your home dreams become reality is through the work of a professional home remodeler.
These remodelers are of the highest integrity and standards in the industry.
A professional remodeler offers you an important service — years of experience, the right tools, a network of suppliers and subcontractors, and an in-depth understanding of legal regulations, cost estimating, scheduling, and the latest construction techniques and materials.
This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community. For information on this article, please contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net. To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, please visit www. ghba.org.