Expert Advice

Consider Your Long-Range Plan

• Remodel rooms in a logical order giving consideration to the placement of pipes and wiring to avoid unnecessary changes. For example, if you remodel the kitchen before the upstairs bath, you may have to tear our the kitchen wall to move bathroom plumbing later.
• Work with a remodeler on an ongoing basis so that he/she will becomes familiar with your long-range plan, your tastes, your home and neighbor- hood. Choose someone you are comfortable with and with whom you communicate well.

Consider The Value

• Will the project increase the resale value of your home? You should also consider how much the project will improve your quality of life.
• Make certain you don't over-remodel for the neighborhood-you may not get a return on your investment if homes in the area sell for less.

Consider The Disruption

• Get a realistic estimate of disruptions likely to occur over the course of the project. Using a qualified and experienced remodeling company can keep disruptions to a minimum.
• Time of year is a major consideration. Summer is good for major projects involving extensive work outside the home, while winter is a good time for most interior work. Remember to plan ahead to make certain the remodeler of your choice is available.
• Be specific about starting and completion dates. However, realize that some delays are beyond the remodeler's control.

Consider The Options

• Do-it-yourself projects generally take a great deal of time-especially when you work only during the evenings and weekends.
• Materials are expensive and can cost even more if you make a mistake and have to repurchase items. A remodeler can obtain high-quality materials and labor, usually at lower prices than the average consumer would pay because of quality discounts and market knowledge.
• The project may not meet building code. A good remodeler is familiar with building codes, construction practices, design options and other factors.
• You may get in too deep and find that you have to call a plumber or electrician in an emergency-which can be quite expensive.
• Resist the temptation to hire the remodeler offering the lowest bid on a project. You may be sacrificing quality for price.

Overall . . .

A good remodeler can save you time, wasted effort, materials and money. REMEMBER: A well-done remodeling project can substantially increase the value of your property-the opposite is true of a poorly done project.