Houston Chronicle Sunday

Improve your world, improve your home

- By Kevin Vick

The year 2020 has arrived, and a new year is usually the time when you make resolution­s to improve your life.

What do you want to accomplish in this new year? Is it time for a fresh start? If your goals include remodeling your home, it’s a time to plan your projects. When planning for remodeling, focus on ways to improve your home such as updating the design, reconfigur­ing the layout, or adding more space to accommodat­e an expanding family, or simply to help declutter your life.

Start planning early to be prepared for what’s in store, especially if it’s a larger remodeling project. Take the time to do your homework and gather ideas and inspiratio­n related to design styles, types of materials and products that you would like to use in your project. Then create a list of prioritize­d needs and goals, which can be discussed with your remodeler.

Determinin­g the budget and timeline for your project is an important part of project planning. For example, how much money do you want to invest in your project, and do you plan to be in your home long term? Depending on the size and scope of your project, the timeline or budget may not exactly be what you think it ought to be. Remodeling in real life is often not like what you see on tv where the timeline is compressed because many process steps are not shown, and budgets are not necessaril­y accurate because of discounts on materials, labor, and difference­s in geographic locations. A good remodeler will suggest the best possible materials for your budget and assist you in making selections through the vendors with whom they work regularly. This will help mitigate delays in order to keep you on your desired timeline.

Hiring a profession­al remodeler is the best way to ensure your project’s success. As a part of the selection process, think about the qualities you want in a remodeler and company with whom you choose to work. Profession­al organizati­ons such as the Greater Houston Builders Associatio­n (GHBA.org) make a strong commitment to the profession­alism of its members who are dedicated to maintainin­g the highest integrity and standards in the industry.

When you choose your remodeler, the successful completion of your project depends on several things such as: effective communicat­ion, trust, organizati­onal skills, and experience in the home remodeling industry. It is also very important that the remodeling company you select be a competent team of remodeling profession­als who are licensed and insured. Be sure to check reviews and contact a few of your prospectiv­e remodelers’ past clients to help ensure that your prospectiv­e remodeler possesses these attributes and that they are a good fit for you and your project.

In the new year, what better way to start improving yourself than with your home? Your home reflects who you are, so improving the world in which you live will be launching you on a journey to improve yourself. Happy remodeling in the new year.

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. To contact the author directly email kevin@vick-constructi­on.com. For informatio­n on this article, contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsu­lting.net. To join the council or to find a profession­al remodeler in your area, visit www.ghba.org.

 ?? Courtesy of Vick Constructi­on & Remodeling ?? This kitchen remodel has a touch of rustic charm with wood shelving, beams and natural stone.
Courtesy of Vick Constructi­on & Remodeling This kitchen remodel has a touch of rustic charm with wood shelving, beams and natural stone.

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