New Year, New Project?

New Year, New Project?

Owning a home is both rewarding and, at times, stressful. However, one of the most rewarding times you will have while owning your home is at the completion of a project you’ve always wanted to do.

New year, new project?  This time of year always seems to ignite thoughts of change.  It could be that you want to eat healthier. Maybe you’re considering a career change. Or, perhaps you want to travel more.  Whatever your thoughts are this year, don’t forget about that project you’ve been putting off at your home.  Is this going to be the year you finally get that kitchen you’ve always wanted? Or will it be the spa-like master bathroom?  Is that deck going to make it through one more season? 

Owning a home is both rewarding and, at times, stressful. However, one of the most rewarding times you will have while owning your home is at the completion of a project you’ve always wanted to do. Imagine how good it would feel to wake up to your morning shower surrounded by tiles that you selected.  Or walking into the kitchen for your morning coffee to see the hand crafted custom cabinets, quartz counters and the farmhouse sink you’ve been dreaming about.  

Thinking about the possibilities aren’t you?  Here are some tips to make sure your project gets started on the right foot-

  1. Establish a budget and don’t be afraid to share it- having a budget will let you know if the project is even feasible and what level of finishes you can expect
  1. Gather Inspiration. Having pictures of things you like will help guide the project to make sure the finished product is what you had envisioned
  1. Contact a reputable remodeling company. Asking for a referral on a public social media platform is not the best way to find someone.  Ask family and friends, do a  Google search and read reviews, and visit their website.  
  1. Get a proposal in writing. Anytime you agree to have work done on your home make sure it is in writing.  At minimum, the proposal or bid should include the complete scope of work, the type of materials being used, total price and payment schedule. 
  1.  Don’t put too much money down. Most companies require a down payment or deposit to get your project on their schedule.  This should only be a small percentage of the cost of the project, somewhere around 20-30%. 
  1. Have patience. If the company you have hired is good, they will have several jobs already in their pipeline. There is also a lot of planning that goes into a project before it can begin-selecting and ordering materials, scheduling a crew and any trades, to name a few.  Don’t be surprised if it takes several months to have your project start after you have accepted the proposal  
  1. Mentally prepare yourself for the project. Depending on the project, you can expect there to be some level of disruption to your normal routine for the duration of the project.  Consider how it will affect your daily life and make alternate plans to help save your sanity and know that it’s all worth it!

Enjoy! Now that the project is done, sit back and enjoy your new space. Cook that family meal with plenty of room for gathering around, take that extra long shower or bath while admiring all the details of the things you picked out, or have a get together on your new composite deck knowing you won’t spend any time staining or sealing it, ever.  Then, when you realize you should have done this project long ago, you can start planning the next one!  

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