Hiring Professionals
Hiring a Contractor
If you are looking for a contractor ask for references and ask if you can see a sample of their work. This way you can see first hand what type of finishing they were responsible for. I have seen many beautifully built new homes in this area as well as a few homes that look great until you get close up and see poor installation of cabinets, flooring, millwork, walls that are warped, and the list can go on. There are plenty of renovations and new homes going up fast and furious and some of them show it. If you have to wait for a good contractor because they are all busy it is usually worth the wait.
Getting Estimates
For cabinets, counter tops, and flooring it is a good idea to get more than one quote from reputable companies. Generally the prices should be similar if the companies are pricing the same thing. If one of the estimates is really different from the other you should question why. What does the price include and what doesn’t it include. Many companies will give a base price but do not always include everything until after you sign. If they both say all the items you requested are included and the price difference is still substantial then you might want to question the quality and service. Make sure the company will come back for service if something goes wrong. I havn’t worked on a construction project yet that didn’t have something that needed to be tweaked or fixed. If you go with the lowest price you may never see these people again. Saving now may cost you later. I would pay a bit more and wait a little longer for a better product and deal with a company with great service that stands behind what they sell. We also should support local business’.
Don’t settle for second best
Renovations tend to be a bit more expensive per SQ FT because there is more demolition and prep work as well as unforeseen cost but if there is something you really wanted like granite counter tops in your kitchen and you really need to redo your cabinets soon try and postpone the renovation until you save up for what you want instead of settling for what you think you can afford. There is nothing worse than having a client of mine disappointed because they settled for something they didn’t want and are now fairly happy with their new kitchen. Get all your pricing up front and budget to complete the renovation in phases if that will bring the desired results. If you can do a kitchen renovation in phases you may want to postpone the new stainless steel appliances you would like and work them into your new design with the hopes of purchasing them in six months time. I guarantee it will be worth the money and wait time. Do not settle for second best.
I know people who really wanted heated tile floors and decided it was not in the budget or time frame. They now have a beautiful bathroom that anyone would die for and all they talk about is that they should have put heat in the floor. Do not live a life of regret for such simple things.
If you are looking for a contractor ask for references and ask if you can see a sample of their work. This way you can see first hand what type of finishing they were responsible for. I have seen many beautifully built new homes in this area as well as a few homes that look great until you get close up and see poor installation of cabinets, flooring, millwork, walls that are warped, and the list can go on. There are plenty of renovations and new homes going up fast and furious and some of them show it. If you have to wait for a good contractor because they are all busy it is usually worth the wait.
Getting Estimates
For cabinets, counter tops, and flooring it is a good idea to get more than one quote from reputable companies. Generally the prices should be similar if the companies are pricing the same thing. If one of the estimates is really different from the other you should question why. What does the price include and what doesn’t it include. Many companies will give a base price but do not always include everything until after you sign. If they both say all the items you requested are included and the price difference is still substantial then you might want to question the quality and service. Make sure the company will come back for service if something goes wrong. I havn’t worked on a construction project yet that didn’t have something that needed to be tweaked or fixed. If you go with the lowest price you may never see these people again. Saving now may cost you later. I would pay a bit more and wait a little longer for a better product and deal with a company with great service that stands behind what they sell. We also should support local business’.
Don’t settle for second best
Renovations tend to be a bit more expensive per SQ FT because there is more demolition and prep work as well as unforeseen cost but if there is something you really wanted like granite counter tops in your kitchen and you really need to redo your cabinets soon try and postpone the renovation until you save up for what you want instead of settling for what you think you can afford. There is nothing worse than having a client of mine disappointed because they settled for something they didn’t want and are now fairly happy with their new kitchen. Get all your pricing up front and budget to complete the renovation in phases if that will bring the desired results. If you can do a kitchen renovation in phases you may want to postpone the new stainless steel appliances you would like and work them into your new design with the hopes of purchasing them in six months time. I guarantee it will be worth the money and wait time. Do not settle for second best.
I know people who really wanted heated tile floors and decided it was not in the budget or time frame. They now have a beautiful bathroom that anyone would die for and all they talk about is that they should have put heat in the floor. Do not live a life of regret for such simple things.
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