Hiring Home Remodeling Experts in New York When remodeling your home the first step is deciding what you want to have done, but the step that immediately follows should be  WHO is going to do the remodeling for you? Many people try to save money by hiring friends, family, neighbors or someone listed in the yellow pages or that they found online. While avoiding exorbitant prices is a good thing, it is nevertheless important to get a contractor to do your remodeling job in the time frame promised and at the price quoted without needless or unnecessary delays. Some contractors have even been known to disappear in the middle of a job making it necessary to start your search from scratch and try to remedy a job that is halfway finished.
Horror stories run rampant about contractors that left homeowners with shoddy workmanship and/or kept making demands for more money or who were juggling several jobs at the same time so you never knew when you could expect him to return. So getting a good price is important, but more important is getting the right contractor that is an experienced professional that will do the job he contracted to do without any problems. So where do you start?
You should ask friends, family members and neighbors or co-workers for referrals to reputable contractors if they were pleased with the results of their own home remodeling projects. But you should not just hire someone based on that. You should interview the referrals as well as any others that you discover. Have each person come to your home and physically see the home so that they are familiar with the remodeling job that is required. This will give them the opportunity to ask questions and learn all the details of the remodeling job you want done. It is imperative to be as specific as possible about what the remodeling project is so that you get quotes that are comparing apple to apples. Providing a checklist of the project and explaining in detail to each prospective contractor will ensure that you are getting bids that are for the same detailed items.
You should get at least three written bids that are as detailed as possible so that you know that the contractor completely understands the ramifications of the total project. The bid should include a detailed task list with completion dates, cost of materials and any anticipated problems. Taking the lowest bid is not necessarily the right option unless or until you know that the contractor is bidding on the complete job without cutting any corners. Always get everything in writing even if it is a change midway through the project, you should ask for the changes in writing with all the specifics to ensure that you have an accurate record of what is to be done. Saving money at the expense of safety or shoddy workmanship will end up costing you far more in the long run than getting the right person to perform the job in the first place. If he underbids to get the project but then uses inferior materials you are the one that will suffer from the consequences in the future.
You should check out the credentials of the contractor that you select or even do this prior to getting bids so that you know that you are dealing with a professional who has a valid contractor’s license that has not expired or that does not have any complaints filed against it. You can also ask for proof of the contractor’s liability insurance that will ensure that he and his workers are all covered in case of accident or injury on the job. Checking references is important and if possible you should ask to see some of the contractor’s previous work – particularly a job that is similar to the remodeling project that you are asking for a bid on. This will give you the opportunity to see the results and to ask the person for their personal opinion on whether the contractor was reliable and trustworthy and kept to his schedule so that the project was finished on time.
One of the most important considerations is communications. Do you feel comfortable with being able to effectively deal with this individual and/or his company on a daily basis for a long period of time – in some cases months – while your home is being remodeled? You must be able to effectively communicate any concerns or issues with him and ensure that all problems are resolved effectively. This person will have access to your home whether you are there or not so you should trust him completely and know that your children and family are safe with the members of his team who will be working closely in your home. More than anything you must feel confident that this contractor totally understands what your requirements and needs are and that he will responsibly perform the remodeling in your best interests within the budget and within the time frame estimated. You want someone who will listen to you when you ask questions and who will make you feel comfortable that he will serve you well. Some contractors if left on their own will make decisions on behalf of the homeowner that might not reflect the owner’s visions of what the job was supposed to be or what they wanted. If problems arise, the contractor should immediately inform the homeowner and work together to resolve any issues.
Another important aspect of home remodeling is the possible need for building permits that are required by the city or the location of the site being remodeled. Your contractor should be responsible for  obtaining those permits and ensuring that the job is completed within any code requirements and notify you if there are any restrictions or obstacles that might affect the remodeling job. Sometimes architectural drawings are required that might be able to be handled through the contractor but might also require the need to hire someone specific for a particular task. Your contractor should be up to date on any new codes or industry requirements for electrical, plumbing or other needs that might arise.
Some homeowners rely on the contractor to purchase any materials required for the job while some homeowners might have a hand in the purchase. This should be clearly defined at the time of the bid and if the materials are a part of the bid it should include a breakdown of these items in detail. For instance, in a kitchen remodel, there will likely be cabinets, appliances and countertops as well as flooring to be purchased along with all the ancillary accessories required for a complex project such as this. If the contractor is purchasing appliances or anything with a warranty you should ensure that that is outlined in the bid so that it is clear. Some owners might want to purchase the appliances separately but need to know any parameters such as measurements and power supply type, that are important to the design to ensure that everything fits and works.
Some contractors do everything from demolition to resurfacing and rebuilding to finishing work like painting. Again, each specific item needs to be spelled out with a due date so that the time line flows smoothly and there are no glitches. If the homeowner is purchasing the appliances they need to know the date they should be delivered to ensure there are no interruptions in the project’s progress. Having a good contractor who coordinates everything and everyone even if he is not responsible for the whole project will help tremendously. Whether it is him or it is you who serve as project manager, you will then be in control of the process and timing of every step of the project and can keep track of the schedule and know the timing for each phase.
Your contract should be able to give you helpful ideas that will eliminate problems or to suggest alternatives if something you want to do isn’t possible or will not meet the code requirements. You want someone who will offer solutions rather than create problems for you. He should be able to provide guidance on preventative maintenance and show you how to avoid any obstacles. Saving energy is becoming a larger issue every day and your contractor should be in tune with ways that you can improve your energy consumption with the types of appliances and other expenditures that you make during this remodeling project. Ask him to provide you with suggestions on more energy efficient windows, doors or water saving devices that will pay for themselves over and over long term.
Choose your house renovation or remodeling contractor as you would any other important purchase and do lots of research so you can get the best value for your money while preserving future costs. With the right contractor you will reap the benefits of having a home remodeling project go smoothly without any time consuming delays or costly mistakes that could make a renovation more of a horror story than a happily ever after renovation project!
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New York Home Improvements Although it is a tough economy and most people are minimizing the amount of money spent, some home improvements can be an effective means of increasing your home’s value without too much cash outlay. If you have decided that making some changes to your house is the best alternative rather than trying to sell, it is important to make the right decisions now on what improvements are really necessary and what one’s are frivolous.
With people who were originally planning to sell their home because it was too small or lacked another bath or bedroom perhaps making these home improvements will serve you well now and offer a benefit longer term when you do decide to put your house on the market. Making your home more comfortable and livable is wise and if in the process you can reap the benefits of some energy saving improvements, you will win all around!
Although things are tight right now, it is actually a good time to get financing for home improvements because the rates are much lower than they have been in a long time. With many contractors less busy or even inactive because of the downturn in the economy you should be able to find the materials and finance the project at a good price all around. Many homeowners have equity lines of credit that also offer an alternative to trying to finance home improvements. So now that you have determined that this is in fact a good time to finance a project, it is important to know which ones are going to add the most value to your home while still benefiting you now.
The first impression that anyone has of your home is the outside façade. Whatever type of siding you have on your home – wood, stucco, vinyl, brick – if it is in need of painting or repair due to damage from the weather or age, it presents an image to the first time visitor. This image can be either positive or negative and can set the stage for someone being impressed or turned off by what they see. Replacing the siding on a home is a huge investment and yet it can be a critical factor in whether your home sells if you were to put it on the market at any time in the future. Depending on the type of siding that you install, this can be costly or affordable if you look at the long-term value and how much maintenance or longevity the siding will have. You should also consider whether you plan to stay for a long time in this home or eventually to sell it.
If you add a wooden deck or a patio to your backyard you can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value simply because you are increasing the ability to sell it. A home that has recreational options such as a deck or patio or even a balcony off a bedroom or other room in the home expands the home making it more inviting for people as a gathering place or area that can be used for relaxation and or barbeques with friends and family. When selling a home that has one of these added features, you are expanding the living space to the outside so that you can take advantage of nice weather to be outdoors without going far from home.
Remodeling a kitchen is a must for most homes that are over fifteen to twenty years old as the appliances and the designs are usually dated and tired. With an improved kitchen design that takes advantage of all available space you can open up the kitchen  to other living areas making a great room or improve the access to other areas. Many times the same amount space is used without expanding walls but the results can be dramatic and will add lots of value to your home. The first thing that a woman looks at in a home is the kitchen as that is where she spends a lot of her valuable time. If there is not adequate counter space or storage it can be a dilemma. Having that space be comfortable and convenient makes a huge difference and with the addition of bar or other access to a family room, everyone can enjoy being together without being in the same room.
Replacing windows or sliding doors with more modern and up to date models makes a world of difference in a home that has old-fashioned or outmoded styles that were installed more for their functional than for their attractiveness. Adding a slider to a patio that takes advantage of a view or a stylish window that needs no curtains, shades or other coverings will add lots of value and improve the aesthetics of the room. Changing a window from a non-opening type to one that just opens outward for fresh air will do a lot as well.
Like a kitchen, a bathroom can get very tired looking especially if it gets lots of use or is not designed well to take advantage of its space. Many times a simple redrawing of a plan design can make a vast improvement to the area. Sometimes all it takes is the removal of a bathtub that never gets used and replacing it with a roomy shower that is more energy efficient and attractive will make family members happy. Changing the cabinetry, stripping the wallpaper or adding different fixtures are all easy fixes that are affordable and easy. Stripping up old linoleum and replacing it with tile or a more water resistant floor covering gives this space an enormous boost.
Changing an attic or other unused room into a bedroom can make a world of difference – particularly to the family member who has been sharing with another or has had inadequate space to sleep. This can be more costly than some renovations but its long term value will enhance your home by giving you another bedroom that you didn’t have before making it more valuable for resale. Likewise finishing a basement space into a workroom or a children’s playroom can give family members more space and be a convenient place for people to gather. These costs too will add value to your home. If you want to add another floor to your home this requires a more substantial investment, however having a second story is a nice addition and will increase your home’s resale value although you should be sure that there are no restrictions in your neighborhood for adding a second story that might obstruct someone’s view. Other options are adding on a garage if you don’t have one or upgrading a bathroom with a new sink, toilet or cabinetry. Some home improvements add more value than others so you need to determine which makes the most sense for you and your situation.
Costs for any of these improvements can run the gamut from inexpensive and affordable to high end top of the line expensive. Simple renovations can just mean replacing tired bathroom mirrors or light fixtures with updated ones or stripping wallpaper from a room and giving it a fresh coat of paint. Replacing doors on a shower or adding new accessories goes a long way towards giving a room a brighter look that might not be exactly what you want but it will give a room an updated look. Some improvements might be more suited to your needs and not be something that will be as valuable for a new owner so research whether any of your neighbors have done similar projects and if possible check them out to see what you like or don’t like and then make your decisions. Your neighbors might also know of reputable contractors that you might consider as any home improvements should be done by someone who is knowledgeable about the improvements you want to make.
No matter what home improvements you make, it is important to decide what makes the most sense for you and your situation. If you desperately need another bathroom or need to update your kitchen, then look at all the alternatives and decide on a budget and then go from there. Research is essential as there are lots of options to choose from and there are many that are affordable and others that might be out of your price range. With today’s marketplace of products being offered for less, contractors services being more readily available and the ability to negotiate a good price a good possibility – and financing with or without your equity line of credit at more reasonable terms than have been offered in a long time, it is probably a good time to look into those home improvements that will add value to your home. Look at your long-term objectives – of whether you will stay in this house forever – or plan to sell at some future date and then decide what your best options are and then start your research.
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