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March 29th, 2010, 10:58 AM
Plan now for spring remodeling project
By Dan Dressman • Enquirer contributor • March 28, 2010
As the warm weather approaches, many home owners grow eager to start remodeling projects to update and refresh their surroundings. Before getting started, it's a good idea to hire a professional remodeler to develop a workable plan for the best results. The HBA web site at www.cincybuilders.com is a great tool to help locate experienced and qualified remodelers.
Here are some recommendations for planning and implementing a successful home remodeling project that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Compile a list of home remodeling ideas and draft a budget for the work.
You likely have some projects in mind, such as modernizing the bathroom, renovating the kitchen, replacing windows or repairing the roof. Prioritize your wish list: Maybe you don't have the budget for your dream remodel, but professional remodelers can maximize your dollars by doing the work in phases, suggesting budget-friendly products and materials, and implementing creative design solutions.
Look for a professional remodeler to help plan the project.
Start by searching the HBA's membership roster at www.cincybuilders.com. You'll get a list of local remodelers to contact. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.
Check the references and background of the remodeler.
After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project's needs, be sure to conduct background research: check with the Better Business Bureau, talk to their references and ask if they are a member of the HBA of Greater Cincinnati. Remodelers with these qualities are more likely to be reliable, and more tend to stay on top of construction and design trends. Additionally, HBA-affiliated remodelers are required to carry workers comp and liability insurance, build according to industry standards and mediate any project disputes.
Agree on a contract.
Talk over the details of the home remodeling project and begin reviewing the contract. You'll want to check the remodelers' insurance coverage to ensure that it's still in force, ask about any warranties on their work, know who is responsible for obtaining any building permits and understand the process for making any change orders after the contract is signed. Get a written commitment on the timeline for the start and finish of the project. Make sure that you and your remodeler see eye to eye before you sign on the dotted line.
More (http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100328/LIFE/3270301/Plan+now+for+spring+remodeling+project)
By Dan Dressman • Enquirer contributor • March 28, 2010
As the warm weather approaches, many home owners grow eager to start remodeling projects to update and refresh their surroundings. Before getting started, it's a good idea to hire a professional remodeler to develop a workable plan for the best results. The HBA web site at www.cincybuilders.com is a great tool to help locate experienced and qualified remodelers.
Here are some recommendations for planning and implementing a successful home remodeling project that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Compile a list of home remodeling ideas and draft a budget for the work.
You likely have some projects in mind, such as modernizing the bathroom, renovating the kitchen, replacing windows or repairing the roof. Prioritize your wish list: Maybe you don't have the budget for your dream remodel, but professional remodelers can maximize your dollars by doing the work in phases, suggesting budget-friendly products and materials, and implementing creative design solutions.
Look for a professional remodeler to help plan the project.
Start by searching the HBA's membership roster at www.cincybuilders.com. You'll get a list of local remodelers to contact. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.
Check the references and background of the remodeler.
After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project's needs, be sure to conduct background research: check with the Better Business Bureau, talk to their references and ask if they are a member of the HBA of Greater Cincinnati. Remodelers with these qualities are more likely to be reliable, and more tend to stay on top of construction and design trends. Additionally, HBA-affiliated remodelers are required to carry workers comp and liability insurance, build according to industry standards and mediate any project disputes.
Agree on a contract.
Talk over the details of the home remodeling project and begin reviewing the contract. You'll want to check the remodelers' insurance coverage to ensure that it's still in force, ask about any warranties on their work, know who is responsible for obtaining any building permits and understand the process for making any change orders after the contract is signed. Get a written commitment on the timeline for the start and finish of the project. Make sure that you and your remodeler see eye to eye before you sign on the dotted line.
More (http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100328/LIFE/3270301/Plan+now+for+spring+remodeling+project)