Remodeling is expected to increase in 2013 as more homeowners opt to renovate their homes over making a big move. But is a big project too. If you take important factors into consideration before you begin you’ll increase the the chances of having a highly successful remodel that delivers exactly what your wanted. Here are few things you should consider before tackling a remodel.
Do your homework. In today’s highly digital world, many homeowners start by launching their Internet browser to find the information they need. This is a good start. Explore the different options in home remodels for kitchens. Take a look at pinterest.com, houzz.com, Instagram.com, and facebook.com for ideas on about what you’d like in a kitchen remodel. Many of these sites let you collect and make virtual boards where you can curate your images and even resource articles about home design and remodeling. Collecting these photos will help you clearly define your plans so that when you sit down with your remodeling firm you can show them your vision.
The next part of this phase is to reach out to expert and highly qualified remodelers. Most of us don’t have the time or energy to spend weeks interviewing contractors for the job. That’s why looking at a remodeling company’s history is important. Today, thanks to the Web, it’s easier than ever. Visit LinkedIn.com for a look at the company’s business profile. Do they have a twitter.com feed and are they offering valuable information to their social media followers. A reputable company that has a strong understanding of consumers’ needs will try to be a problem-solver. The staff will be readily available to meet your needs. You can see this from even the most surface levels such as their social media efforts. A desire to help, a knowledge of the industry, and a care for the client will permeate their posts, blogs, articles, videos, and newsletters. Look to see if they have a YouTube.com channel. What kind of educational content are they producing about remodeling. Is it strictly self-serving or are they storytellers helping offer solutions for your remodeling needs.
Once you’ve thoroughly researched a company on the Web schedule a meeting with them. If it’s a forward-thinking company, they likely have videos and articles that introduce their team, but now it’s time to meet them in person. Bring your ideas, hopes, dreams, and tough questions.
Look for a design-build firm. The benefits are numerous for hiring a firm that has the capability to do all of the work under one roof. When you hire a design/build firm they do all the research, scheduling, planning, designing, and building. They coordinate everything because, for example, the architects are drawing the plans and the builders are in the same firm, they can easily coordinate and keep your remodeling project on target for completion and within the allotted budget.
