July 2013 Style Magazine1

PLAN YOUR REMODELING BUDGET

Every home remodeling project starts with two crucial steps: budgeting and planning. Budgeting should come first. Before looking at what you want to do, look at what you can do. How much money do you already have set aside for the project? Do you need to wait to save more? Whatever amount you ultimately budget toward a project, make sure you have some in reserve in case last minute expenses or changes are needed. This also lets you have some flexibility for choosing between different products.

Your budget will help guide you through the rest of the project, especially when determining which remodeling

tasks you should prioritize. Starting a project you don’t have the money for could leave you stranded in a half-finished home until you can come up with the money to finish the job.

SET YOUR PRIORITIES FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT

Now the fun really starts. First, make a list of all the updates you’d like to make. It could include replacing the insulation in the attic, installing an island unit in the kitchen, redesigning the kitchen shelves for a better arrangement, installing replacement windows for better insulation, knocking down a couple walls to create an open floor plan, and so on. Take some time making this list, and think of as many ideas

Home remodeling projects are fun

opportunities to update the look,

energy efficiency, and usability

of different areas of your home.

Starting out the project right,

though, is key in keeping this a

positive experience. It can be easy

to be overwhelmed with all the effort

that goes into even a basic home

remodel. However, if homeowners

can keep in mind a few basic steps,

they will be well on their way to

stress-free home improvement.

as you can. Are you tired of looking at anything? Are some rooms always cold or hot? Do you have trouble accessing certain rooms or storage spaces? Now’s your chance to fix all of it.

With your exhaustive list of potential updates, pick out the ones you’d like to see happen most. Make a new list putting them all in order. You can also group them by size or expense. If you don’t have the budget to make everything happen in one run, this list will help you parse out the changes that you could keep living without for now. Start researching how much it would cost to make each of these changes happen. Ask friends and family how much they’ve spent on similar projects and start getting quotes from contractors.

RESEARCH POTENTIAL REMODELING CONTRACTORS & AGENCIES

If you are going to need expert help for technical remodeling work, make sure to check the references of anyone you are considering for the job. Be sure to ask if contractors are part of a building or trade association and have manufacturer’s certification for the products they would be installing. The same applies to remodeling agencies. If products fail or underperform later on, warrantees may not hold up if the product was installed by an unlicensed contractor.

Get multiple quotes for your project from different remodeling contractors, at least three. First, it is always a good idea to shop around for remodeling services. It will also give you a baseline for how much the project should cost. If a contractor gives you an outrageous deal, it may not be on the up and up.

CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT

After the budgeting and planning stages, the rest of the remodeling process has a fairly specific order to it:

• Demolition: The old stuff has to come out before you can put in the new walls, appliances, flooring, etc. Pulling up tile, stripping wall paper, knocking down walls, etc. are the first steps to getting a room ready for an upgrade.

• Framing: Any new walls that are being built will first require the framework of studs to be installed.

• Rough Electrical: For the first stage of electrical wiring, cables and electrical boxes are installed between the studs while the walls are still open.

• Rough Plumbing: For the initial plumbing stage, hot and cold water as well as drainage pipes are installed between the walls and connected to the municipal system. All pipes should be properly insulated and protected from the elements.

• Drywall: After the cables and pipes are installed, the framing is sealed up with drywall.

• Cabinetry: Cabinets will be installed from top to bottom so that lower cabinets aren’t in the way when hanging upper cabinets.

• Countertops: Countertops should be fastened securely to the cabinets with all corners joined tightly and the back sealed

against the wall. Counters should also be trimmed and laminated at the ends to prevent sharp overhanging edges. The sink opening should also be appropriately sized to prevent gaps.

• Flooring: The process behind flooring will depend on the type of flooring you decide on. Laminate, hard wood, and tile all have different installation procedures. Generally, you have to clean and prep the subfloor before installing the topside flooring.

• Trim Work (Millwork) : Crown molding, baseboards, and door casings follow the flooring, giving rooms a finished look by hiding where the ceiling and floor meet the walls.

• Paint: Painting can be done at several different stages depending on when it’s most convenient. Lay down sheets of plastic to protect flooring, carpet, and furniture. Use painter’s tape to protect the edges of window sills, trim work, and existing outlets. Keep in mind that the later you paint during the remodeling process, the less chance there will be of damaging the new paint job while other items are still being installed.

• Finish Electrical: Outlets and switches are finally installed.

• Finish Plumbing: Fixtures, like faucets and showerheads, are installed.

GENERAL TIPS

• Check contractor work at the end of every construction day to make sure you like all the changes while they’re still in progress.

• New designs should be ergonomic. Be sure of counter heights, the usability of new arrangements, and other measurements before finalizing the remodeling plans.

• It is cheaper to keep windows where they are in a remodel, but you can still make small spaces appear larger by installing replacement bow windows instead.

• If you are planning on moving or selling your home, even in the distant future, think about how major changes will affect the value of the home. Ultra-modern installations, specialized rooms (e.g., home offices, saunas, game rooms), ornate fixtures, and designs that don’t seem to match the neighborhood may not be a hit with buyers.

Legacy Remodeling has been

serving the Pittsburgh area for

over 25 years as a full-service

remodeling contractor. From

installing replacement windows

to custom kitchen remodeling,

Legacy can help homeowners

update the look and feel of

their home with energy efficient

fixtures. For more information

about how Legacy can help you

redesign your home, contact

a Legacy remodeler today.