Thinking About Home Remodeling?

Sooner or later you may join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. Perhaps it was that moment when you realized that avocado green and harvest gold is no longer the "in" colors. Or maybe you want to finish your basement to add to your existing living space. Whatever the situation, the thought has crossed your mind: Maybe it's time to start a home remodel. The reasons for home remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake.

Some of these include:

• Adding more space
• Finishing your basement
• Upgrading cabinets, counters, fixtures and appliances
• Modifying your current floor plan
• Improving energy efficiency
• Renovating your outdated bathroom
• Increasing the resale value of your home

Where to Begin?
First, develop an idea of what you want to do with your home remodeling project. Write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. Look at magazines and Web sites and collect pictures of remodeling projects you like. The more information you collect the better prepared you'll be in making your decision.

Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space.

You may want to improve home efficiency by replacing the windows and doors, upgrading your heating and cooling systems, adding or replacing insulation, and any other items to make your home more energy-efficient.

Figure out your budget; how much money do you have to spend on the remodeling project. Include all costs such as: materials to complete the job, furnishings, landscaping or any other cost you might incur.

Choose Your Options
Once you have created a list of what you would like then next step is deciding how to accomplish your project.

The best way to ensure your project becomes reality is through the work of a professional home remodeler. Call the remodeling companies to get a free quote. You should not have to pay a company to quote your job. Call the Renovation Guys and we will come out and go through your entire project in detail. We will take all our notes and photos back to the office to complete a detailed quote.

For individuals that are handy then a do-it-yourself project is both rewarding and cost-effective. However, more than 30% of remodeling jobs performed failed by do-it-yourselfers.

Should I Hire a Professional?
Do-it-yourself projects have skyrocketed in recent years from popular home improvement shows. A DIY project can be rewarding and fun if you are prepared and have the proper skills. But before you start knocking down walls, changing wiring, modifying plumbing ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have a complete understanding of what this project entails?
• Do you have the required tools for this project?
• Do you have the time to complete this project and be realistic?
• Have you ever done a project like this before?
• Do you know what building codes to abide by?
• Do you know which permit you will need?
• Do you think you will enjoy doing this project?
• Do you have the skills to complete this project properly?
• How much money do you need to invest for new tools or rentals?
• Are you and your family prepared to handle the inconvenience of not completing this project on time?
• Will you need to hire any subcontractors to perform work that you cannot do on your own?
• Will your friend or family help; if so, do they have the time to assist you on your schedule?
• Are you familiar with the structure of your home, such as knocking down a wall? Is this wall load bearing?
• If your project is not up to professional standards then you may actually decrease the value of your home and incur additional costs fix it in the future.

The Home Owner's
TOOLBOX

One important responsibility of owning a home is maintaining your investment through regular maintenance and care. Like many things in life, the right tool can make your maintenance tasks easier and quicker. Following is a list of the basic tools that home owners should have on hand to take care of routine maintenance around the house.

• Claw hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Set of screwdrivers
• Drill and drill bits
• Paintbrushes
• Medium-sized adjustable wrench
• Pliers Needle-nose pliers with wire cutter
• Crosscut saw
• Measuring tape
• Assorted nails, screws, nuts, bolts & washers
• Level
• Safety goggles
• Heavy gloves
• Utility knife
• Caulking gun
• Putty knife