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Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018
Whether you’re doing a guest bedroom, bathroom or a kitchen remodel, it pays to be a good neighbor throughout. Featured in this photo is the upcoming Hooker Furniture Bedroom Beaumont King Upholstered Bed.
The remodel or renovation of a home can have a huge impact on any homeowner’s life. The stress could come from the anticipation of the project or it could be because your neighbors aren’t as cooperative as you wanted them to be. These are your neighbors and so it is, of course, crucial that you build a positive relationship with them. So what could you do to still be the perfect neighbor when you’re about to remodel?
Okay, remodeling a home entails loud noises, debris, and lots of mess. There could also be a time when the street becomes less spacious because the parking could be eaten up by the goings-on during the renovation.
Whether you’re planning to remodel the bathroom or the roof, this type of extensive project could literally change your lifestyle as well as your neighbors’. You might just think of the immediate impact to your family but there are, inevitably, effects to your neighbors, too.
Be kind and here are some ways that you can be nice to them during the construction phase –
Get Necessary Permits
It is a courtesy to your neighbors to get all the necessary papers for the remodel. This will ensure everyone in your neighborhood that you are abiding by the local building codes. This becomes doubly important when you have plans of selling your house someday.
Your neighbors will also be ascertained that your safety and theirs have been considered. Just make sure that you display the permit on the window where your neighbors can best see it. This is to deter any possible questions that they may have if this piece of paper is absent.
Inform the Neighbors
As a part of the neighborhood, it is your responsibility to inform the nearby homes of the upcoming remodeling project. You don’t have to knock from one door to the next, though. You can just write a letter detailing the part that’s going to be remodeled in your home, why you’re remodeling, and the timeline for this project.
You should also include your contact information. You could also thank them by sending some baked goods (yes, these are very effective in mitigating concerns). There are also communities that have their own regulations on whom to notify when you will remodel.
Notify two to three houses down.
Emphasize the Work Hours
One of the most important parts of your letter is that section where you write the work hours as well as the project timeline.
Will the workers do the construction tasks during the morning? Normally, the construction hours take about 12 hours each day so, ideally, it should be between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The contractor must be informed of your preferred work hours so that they do not end up annoying your neighbors who are expecting that the noise would stop at a certain time.
Contain the Mess
Deck or roofing installations could create a huge mess. These projects involve demolishing parts of your home and some scraps building up in your yard. Some of this debris could get to your neighbor’s lawn – this is what you would not want to happen.
Tell your contractors to be respectful of the nearby properties. Check on your shortlisted contractors’ cleanup processes so that you get to choose the one that creates the least impact on other people’s homes.
Be Gentle and Considerate
Even when you prepared amply, there could be complaints from neighbors who will not be happy with the ongoing remodeling project. Instead of reacting straightaway, you could sit down with your neighbor and come up with a solution. Have your neighbor speak to the contractor who would be able to explain to them what’s going on and for how long.
Be sure to thank your neighbor for bearing with the inconveniences.
Tags: home remodeling, home renovation, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, reconstruction, remodeling, renovation
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Remodeling Around Not-So-Sweet Neighbors? 5 To-Do’s During Renovation
Friday, January 27th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Blanco 46in Foyer Dining Table
Marrying your remodeling dreams with your pocketful of dollars can be a challenge. At least this is the case with most homeowners. But there are a lot of things that you can do in your home if you know how to manage your expenditure. What you need are a few tips that will help you get the hands that you need at the initial budget that you have set.
Today, you will focus on working with professionals that will help you realize your remodeling vision and understand the realistic cost behind it. You will also refine your plans so that your budget for the remodeling project will be commensurate to your visualization. You will, in essence, be acting like your own general contractor though you are expected to hire a team of professionals in the end.
Concocting the Dream Plan
Once you have chosen which experts to hire, it is time to sit down and discuss your renovation plan and budget with them. They are the professionals so expect to hear suggestions.
Make a list of all the things that drive you crazy in your home (excluding your mother-in-law). Show also a collection of home images which inspire you; this way, the pros will have an idea on what to begin with. Also, they will have an idea on what materials as well as styles you prefer.
Are you the eclectic type? Or do you prefer the stark yet elegant look that Scandinavian style offers? This will soon be clearly defined.
Have a measured drawing of your current home often referred to by architects as the as-built. This will come as a useful tool on the duration of the project.
Check the Budget
As the initial dimensions are set, it’s time for the rough order of magnitude. This is the cost comparison when you send the first plans to contractors for a quote. This is not similar to bidding so reasonable ballpark figures would do.
Your final number depends hugely on the kinds of materials and finishes that you choose. Majority of contractors do the price comparison for free though there are some who already charge for a minimal fee so be sure to ask.
Redefine Your Vision
As you receive the cost estimates, your architect will be your best friend since he will help you scale back especially when the ideal budget does not suit the project. He will also suggest alternatives so that you will remain on budget. This is referred to as value engineering.
Even if you have cash to burn, it pays to create features that are only worth their price. Ask yourself this important question – does this really matter?
Reward Due Diligence
As you near the completion of your design plan, ask your contractor to find some trivial things such as rotting walls, which walls are load-bearing, which rooms have water damage, etc.
It is not good to set foot to a project with a handful of unanticipated issues. Remember that a single mistake could cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
A few contractors offer pre-construction due diligence as a part of the project. When you contractor does not go through this step prior to work commencement, you could always ask how much he would charge for it.
Minor research on which parts of the home will affect the overall remodeling budget could be as cheap as $200 or a bigger researc could cost as much as $12,000. The latter is for a full set of the architectural plans.
This is an effective step to take prior to signing off on your final plan with the general contractor. Remember that this research is all too important and could definitely affect the scope of the eventual work (as well as the price).
Tags: home remodeling, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, remodeling, remodeling budget, renovation, renovation budget
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Match the Renovation Project With Your Budget
Monday, August 22nd, 2016
FFDM Circa 12602
In our kind of economy, you might be tempted to skip small home repairs. This is also the case with professional cleanups and inspection jobs. Minor repairs may appear, well, minor but if you keep putting off such projects, you could end up with thousands to tens of thousands. The $200 that you save today could easily turn to an expense of $3,000 the following month.
Invest a Little Dough
Consider allotting some money for small home repairs. Again, these seemingly small tasks could easily morph to huge, expensive jobs later. If you want to be ahead of many homeowners and save some money in the process, then you should be ready to take on even the smallest repair jobs. An ugly duckling house could be the next swan if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and do a little maintenance work (or at least be willing to pay for the repairs).
It is a known fact that most homeowners have no idea what to look for when it comes to crucial repairs. Majority cannot see past an unpainted door, thick shrubbery and the like. In their eyes, the best homes are those that are beaming with activity, were pricey when it was offered in the market, and is pleasing to the eye (to begin with).
Necessary Cosmetic Work
When talking about cosmetic repairs or improvement, these are projects that do not require major construction tasks. For instance, installing new carpeting may be categorized as a cosmetic improvement in a home. On the other hand, the repair of a rotten bandboard is a repair project that cannot be handled by a non-professional.
Here are examples of cosmetic improvements that every home needs –
If you are able to do all these kinds of work by yourself, you’ll soon find out that your savings will compound annually. Obviously, you should leave some kinds of repairs to the professionals.
An example is electrical repair. Even if you think that replacing fuse is fairly easy, it is best to leave it to a licensed electrician.
House Repairs for Staged Homes
There are two kinds of pre-loved homes that are being sold in the market – one is the kind that is already painted, with grounds well-kempt, new carpets and such; while the other one is the kind of property that has deferred maintenance.
The second type is a home that is often in need of painting, carpeting, lawn repairs, etc. Examples are homes during the ‘70s with badly-damaged paint, kitchens with rotten cabinets, and rooms that are out of date. It could also be a home that still houses stove, refrigerators, and dishwasher.
The real estate market is a competitive one. If you are actively looking for a property at the moment but don’t have ample budget for a brand new home, then you have to know which repairs you need to address later on.
Caution
When buying a whole house that needs repairs, make sure that you hold an inspection. Allow a competent professional to do the assessments for you. For example, you may ask different experts such as a plumber, electrician and an engineer to look at specific areas in the house.
There are a couple of reasons why thorough inspections must be done before you begin further construction or interior design projects. First, cosmetic repairs may just be indications of more serious problems deep within the house. A wall that needs painting, for instance, could be the façade of a water-damaged inner wall.
The next time you encounter a minor house repair, you already know why you shouldn’t delay.
Tags: crucial home repairs, home remodeling, home repair, home repairs, important home repairs, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, remodel, remodeling a home, renovation, renovation and remodeling, renovation budget, renovation guidelines, renovation project, renovation tips, tips
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Remodeling | No Comments »
Monday, August 8th, 2016
1586-75900B-MULTI6 Resort Fabric Covered Sideboard
As a home renovation client, you might feel that you have very little influence when it comes to the makeover project; yet you have more control that you might actually lead yourself to think. Keep in mind that the scope of the project and the materials to be used are all going to be up to you.
The secret to working on a renovation project and keeping it on schedule and on the right budget is to plan all the details before the ground even breaks. If you have not renovated or rebuilt a home in the past, then it’s time that you learn some tricks on how to complete the project.
Know Your Goal
Before you even meet up with a professional, you must know what you would want to accomplish. Would you like to renovate the entire kitchen or just a portion of it? Would you want an elegant upgrade, complete replacement of the furnishings, or would you just like to replace a long-loved backsplash?
A few homeowners know when it is time to renovate their current home yet most of them aren’t sure how to go about with the project. Most of them end up deciding to work with professionals who help in interior design advice and developing a plan.
Prepare the Construction Plans
One of the most crucial documents that you will use are construction plans. These building plans should have the approval of an agency to ascertain that the home meets safety and local codes. If you are not familiar with the building codes as well as construction methods, then you should think of hiring a professional to draft the plans for you.
Different states have different drafting rules. These can also depend on the type and size of the renovation project. Ask people from the local building department to explain the current rules in your area.
Every profession emphasizes different roles. Interior designers and architects are the ones that come up with concepts. They are also the ones that usually draw plans. General contractors are the ones that build the plans while landscape architects create plans and designs for the outdoors.
Know Your Options
Many experts provide a range of services from project management to the final construction. There are those who charge by the hour and those who compute per project. There are also architectural firms that provide design services.
After knowing which team to handle your design project, then you should make your choice regarding who to become your first member. Most hire a designer, architect, builder or a remodeler depending on their current priorities.
Interview a few people then ask for references. Take the time to drive to their past projects. Follow these basic guidelines when hiring an interior designer.
FFDM American Cherry Collection
Set the Right Budget
Not everyone may stay on budget, in fact, only about a third is able to work on a renovation project within their initial budget. Another third exceeded their budgets while only about 3% were able to achieve a project that’s below their budget. The worst group was those who had no budget to begin with. Those who went over their budgets reasoned that they chose more elegant materials and finishes.
Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $50,700 or more depending on the square feet that need to be worked on. Master bathroom renovation could include furniture and appliance replacement. Asking for an estimate should give you ample leeway in terms of budget. Rather than do the project yourself and risk possible mishaps, it’s way better to ask a team of professionals to complete the project for you.
Tags: home renovation, home renovation projects, home renovations, interior design project, interior renovations, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, renovation, renovation and remodeling, renovation budget, renovation guidelines, renovation project, renovation tips, tips
Posted in Design Contractor, Interior Design 101, The Interior Designer | No Comments »
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