What Homeowners Need to Do Before Renovations Begin

Remodeling a home can be quite an adventure if homeowners don’t properly prepare. There are a number of wrong turns that can be made so it is essential to have a full understanding before you jump into renovations of any kind.

Below are a list of things to consider in order to avoid heartache and regret.

It is Important to Fully Understand What You Like

Seems simple, right? I mean what is so hard to understand about wanting a new kitchen or bathroom? It, however, isn’t that simple. Homeowners need to narrow down what a kitchen renovation means to them. Some homeowners want to completely change the layout while others are interested in keeping the layout but installing new cupboards, fixtures, flooring, and more.

It is important for homeowners to work with the designer showing them in detail what they like, important features to them, items on their wish list, and so on. This allows the kitchen contractor/designer to get on the same page with the homeowners. Often times it allows the clients to see how vastly different their visions are as well. This process gets them thinking along the same lines as well.

Run the Numbers, Is the Renovation You Want Within Your Budget?

It’s true that our dream kitchens and bathrooms aren’t always within our means. When this is the case there are a few options: we can wait on your renovation until your budget increases or we can choose to use different materials in the remodel to keep the costs within your budget. A granite counter top might be the dream but engineered stone (quartz) may be a close second in looks and affordability.

Ask Yourself If the Renovation Is Feasible

Some homeowners need a reality check when planning renovations. Some projects seem simple however because of complicated electrical or plumbing are not. Adding a bathroom to a second-floor bedroom sounds pretty easy but not only do you need the space to install a bathroom you need access to plumbing as well as making sure the structure can withstand the renovation. Sometimes the renovation make seem easy but in reality, be harder and more expensive then they are actually worth. These projects often get abandoned before they even begin.

Is This A DIY Renovation or One Left to The Professionals?

For all renovations except for those that are so obviously simple should be overseen by a professional contractor. Most homeowners just do not have the skills or patience to complete a room renovation on their own. Also, lets face it, not everyone has the kind of time it takes to gut and redo renovations to their home.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services. More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

January 10, 2019January 10, 2019

Hiring A Professional Home Remodeler Saves Time, Money, and More

The most limiting factor in renovating your home is the cost. Many homeowners believe they can save thousands of dollars by renovating their own kitchens or bathrooms. Then face the overwhelming fact, months down the road that they are in over their heads. Everyone wants to save money when renovating without compromising quality. The team at JFC Remodeling understands that which is why we specialize in high quality kitchen and bathroom design and remodeling that work within our client’s budget.

Hiring a professional will not only save you time, money, and aggravation, it will also bring you the results you desire. Below are just a few of the many reasons you should hire professional kitchen and bathroom designers and contractors like JFC Remodeling for all of your home improvement needs.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Kitchen and Bath Designers/Contractors

Choosing a design, construction materials, and technology for remodeling projects takes a lot of time. This is time that doesn’t include execution. DIY homeowners often forget to take this into consideration when contemplating a large scaled renovation such as updating their kitchens. This can lead to major delays in completing renovations. Hiring a professional contractor will prevent delays.

Licensed and insured contractors renovate homes in a manner that is efficient. Professional contractors are knowledgeable about all of the latest and greatest technologies, construction methods, and best materials to use. They are also versed in current building codes and standards that are required to pass building inspections on the first attempt.

The goal of remodeling is to have a room that looks more appealing and functional then it previously had been. With the professional expertise of a designer/contractor you get this. The experts at JFC Remodeling work with homeowners to examine their current space, talk about their wants and needs, and create a design that perfectly reflects the overall vision. Once a kitchen design and the desired materials have been chosen the project can begin.

Accuracy is a key element in remodeling. Inexperience can often lead to costly mistakes. One of the most expensive mistakes DIY homeowners make is when it comes to measuring. Materials used in kitchen and bathroom remodeling can be quite expensive. From granite counter tops and exotic wood cabinets, materials add up quite fast. Professional contractors are used to being accurate and therefore measuring mistakes are not something that happens often.

Another major benefit that comes with hiring a professional contractor comes at the end when homeowners are presented with a finished project. Nothing is better than seeing your dream come to life from start to finish. You are making a huge investment in your home and it is important you get exactly what you want and pay for. The professionals at JFC Remodeling can make sure your kitchen and bathroom remodeling dreams come true.

December 20, 2018December 20, 2018

Common errors made on home renovation projects

Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. - 123RF — Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. – 123RF

Home improvement projects can turn a house into a home. Homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into rooms that reflect their personal tastes and comforts.

But homeowners going it alone may find things do not always go as planned. In fact, a Harris Interactive study found that 85 per cent of homeowners say remodelling is a more stressful undertaking than buying a home.

But homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects can make the process go more smoothly by avoiding these common pitfalls.

Failing to understand the scope of the project

Some homeowners don’t realize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty. But understanding the scope of the project, including how much demolition and reconstruction is involved, and how much time a project will take can help homeowners avoid some of the stress that comes with renovation projects.

For example, a bathroom renovation may require the removal of drywall, reinforcement of flooring to accommodate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls. So such a renovation is far more detailed than simply replacing faucets.

Not establishing a budget

Homeowners must develop a project budget to ensure their projects do not drain their finances. If your budget is so inflexible that you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want to postpone the project and save more money so you can eventually afford to do it right.

Without a budget in place, it is easy to overspend, and that can put you in financial peril down the line. Worrying about coming up with money to pay for materials and labour also can induce stress. Avoid the anxiety by setting a firm budget.

Making trendy or personal improvements

Homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the long run have more free rein when it comes to renovating their homes. Such homeowners can create a billiards room or paint a room hot pink if they so prefer.

However, if the goal is to make improvements in order to sell a property, overly personal touches may make a property less appealing to prospective buyers. Trends come and go, and improvements can be expensive.

If your ultimate goal is to sell your home, opt for renovations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid bold choices that may only appeal to a select few buyers.

Forgetting to properly vet all workers

It is important to vet your contractor, but don’t forget to vet potential subcontractors as well. Failing to do so can prove a costly mistake. Contractors often look to subcontractors to perform certain parts of a job, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to vet these workers.

Expecting everything to go as planned

Optimism is great, but you also should be a realist. Knowing what potentially could go wrong puts you in a better position to handle any problems should they arise. The project might go off without a hitch, but plan for a few hiccups along the way.

Overestimating DIY abilities

Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. In the long run, leaving the work to a professional may save you money.

Home improvements can be stressful, but homeowners can lessen that stress by avoiding common renovation mistakes.

Original source: https://www.digbycourier.ca/living/homes/common-errors-made-on-home-renovation-projects-262104/

Original Date: Nov 23 2018

Original Author: Metro Creative

December 14, 2018December 14, 2018

Avoid These Mistakes in Remodeling

There are plenty of mistakes that can be made when you are having your home renovated. From a freshly designed kitchen with upgraded cabinets to completing wasted attic space for an office, renovations can quickly go from smooth sailing to looking like the Titanic. Below are common problems that are often ran into when remodeling especially if choosing the DYI approach. Hiring a professional home improvement contractor is always your best bet but when you do decide you want to tackle a project on your own avoid the following:

Using Cut-Rate Materials: The old adage is true for a reason, you do get what you pay for. This is especially true when it comes to remodeling projects. If you don’t have the funds to do the renovation properly then wait and save money until you have money to do it correctly. Materials of lower quality can reduce property value instead of adding to it as you wanted.
Failing to Consider the Budget: In any renovation a budget is important. Not sticking to your budget can quickly derail your plan. Many people fail to create a budget or just stop referencing it which leads to running out of money before the renovation is complete. New construction project soften are spoiled because funds ran low.
Inaccurate Measurements: Incorrect measuring is one of the biggest mistakes in renovating. It is true when measuring, “Measure Twice, Cut Once”. This will prevent costly, time-consuming errors from occurring.
Forgetting About Layered Lighting: Natural lighting is a perfect addition to any room but once the sun sets and the lighting disappears it needs to be replaced. Lighting should be done in layers: ambient, accent, and task. All three aspects should be included in each and every renovation.
Too Many Trends and Overly Bold Colors: Trends fade fast and bold colors grow old quickly. The last thing that you want to do is to plan a major renovation on details that will fade fast and be outdated before too long. It is okay to include trends and color but be sure it can easily be switched out. Add trends and bold colors into your design with throw pillows, window treatments,and more.
Forgetting About the Environment: There is no reason to forget about the environment in your renovations. Being eco-friendly is not that much more expensive and can lead to less expensive monthly utility bills. It is also simple to do with the installation of energy efficient appliances, light bulbs, and using recycled materials.

The best way to avoid mistakes is to pre-plan. Whether you DIY or hire a professional when making home improvements, planning thoroughly can help you avoid making one of the many mistakes listed above.

November 29, 2018November 29, 2018

Home Improvements During the Holidays

No matter what time of year you are preparing to renovate your home, you will be under extra stress, it’s even worse when those renovations are taking place during the holiday. Remodeling done in the months of November and December can come with a mixed set of emotions. You are thrilled to have the home improvements underway but are a bit ready for them to be completed so you can get on with the celebration aspect of the season.

To avoid emotions that are already on fire from turning into a full-blown boil it is important to manage your frustrations while preparing your space for the holiday you desire despite the holiday celebration happening around it. Obviously, there are greater issues when the renovation is of a kitchen or bathroom however, these basic tips will help you manage.

Managing Home Improvement Projects During the Holiday

Include Your Contractor in Your Holiday Plans: This doesn’t mean inviting them over for dinner or purchasing them new tools for Christmas but instead making sure they know your plans in regards to having people over and when you will be using the space so that they know they have to clean up more appropriately.
Be Realistic: Work in conjunction with the contractors and subcontractors to create a schedule to make sure you are all on the same page. This will also help contractors when hiring subcontractors as well as making sure tasks that need to be completed are when they need to be. For instance, if you need the toilet in the first-floor bathroom to accommodate company then it is important it is installed and ready before they are set to come over.
Create an Environment of Honesty and Solid Communication: Don’t beat around the bush when communicating your expectations of requirements. Your contractor will tell you if the expectation is realistic or if your requests are way off base. This allows you to plan accordingly. If you find that something is not working how you thought it would and you need to reevaluate the holiday renovation it is crucial you feel able to do so.
Set a Spot Aside for Materials and Tools When Not in Use: Holiday accessories already quickly clutter the limited space within your home with added company in the mix. The last thing you want is to have the renovation materials and contractors’ tools in the mix of any already chaotic space. To prevent this from occurring have a space to place materials and tools when they are not in use and company is expected. Of course, this is not something that should be expected on a nightly basis especially when contractors will be performing work the next day.
Create Flexibility: All relationships are based on flexibility and so should the one that you have with your home improvement contractor. Everyone is working towards the same goal, you want your renovation completed in a timely manner with minimal stress and your contractor wants to please you and complete the renovation in a timely manner all with minimal stress.

The holiday season is stressful all alone let alone adding in a major or minor home improvement project. Working with your contractor will allow the two of you to manage this stress while allowing the holiday happenings to continue on around it without major disruption.