Houston Chronicle Sunday

Remodeling challenges can be conquered

- By Kevin Vick This article was provided by the GHBA Remodelers Council. For informatio­n, contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsu­lting.net. To join the council or to find a profession­al remodeler in your area, visit www.ghba.org.

It is not unusual for people to feel stressed when simply thinking about the prospect of remodeling, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

When you are looking for a remodeling profession­al, there are some preliminar­y steps you can take to put your mind at ease:

• Check out the company’s rating on the Better Business Bureau website;

• Make sure the remodeler has references and good reviews;

• Check if your remodeler belongs to profession­al organizati­ons; and • View project photos on their website. When you first meet your potential remodeler, an important quality to look for is good communicat­ion. You should feel comfortabl­e expressing your expectatio­ns and concerns and feel that they are adequately addressed. You want someone who listens to your wants and needs. Effective communicat­ion with the remodeler you choose will help ensure a successful project.

Common remodeling concerns:

Disruption in the home: You need to have an element of trust with a remodeler and their crew. Meeting them will give you the opportunit­y to make sure you are all on the same page. Find out if your remodeler will be on site during the project or be easily reached to answer your questions and concerns as they come up. Find out if your remodeler uses the same crews on all their projects. This is important because your remodeler needs to be familiar with who will be in your home and the quality of their work.

Health and safety: The health and safety of your family and pets during a remodel should be a priority. When choosing a remodeler, ask about specific processes and equipment used to keep the area safe and as dust-free as possible.

Timeframe and budget: Realize that many projects may have unexpected delays. Be up front about your expectatio­ns.

A profession­al remodeler will help guide you through the remodeling process and timeline as well as present you with choices when it comes to solutions and budget. Proper planning ahead of time will help your project go smoothly, stay on schedule and stay within budget.

 ?? Photo courtesy of Vick Constructi­on & Remodeling ?? The remodeled kitchen offers a better layout, plus more space and storage.
Photo courtesy of Vick Constructi­on & Remodeling The remodeled kitchen offers a better layout, plus more space and storage.

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