|
Dig out those magazine clippings and photos you’ve been collecting
along with your paint chips and fabric swatches and start finalizing
all your product decisions; make sure everything you want is
available, and if required have your building permit in hand before
you drive that first nail in.
Now is the time to thoroughly think through the small things that
could make a big difference and save a lot of headaches later in your
project. Also determine where you will you store furniture and
materials during the process. Remodelling a portion of your home at a
time ensures that no matter how long the project takes, you have a
place to eat, sleep and bathe.
Some people hire design professionals/general contractors who can
often do wonders recognizing structural limitations, assessing
existing space and devising ways to integrate old and new, all of
which can save you time, money and hassles. Use professionals you can
trust, with established reputations in your area. When drywalling hire
a drywaller, when tiling use a tile setter, when carpentry work is to
be done hire the appropriate carpenter whether rough or finish. These
people perform their individual tasks every day. Use the appropriate
trades people and you won’t be sorry.
What gives the best return on investment? Painting – nothing freshens
up a home more than a fresh coat of paint; and nothing makes a
drywaller weep like a cheap can of paint, so spend the money on good
brand name products. And don’t forget two-thirds of reflective light
comes from your ceiling, so keep it light.
Flooring – vinyl is out! Hardwood is beautiful and timeless but if you
must stay within a budget, laminate is an alternative. Debating
between hardwood and broadloom? Go with the hardwood floors and use
area rugs where you really need the softness; it’s a cleaner,
healthier choice.
Kitchens – keep them light and bright, flooring should be resilient
and textured or matte. If you can open up the kitchen to the family
room, do so; the open-concept works well for families with small
children as well as for entertaining.
Bathrooms – adding a bathroom or remodelling existing bathrooms is a
sound investment. With the exception of the main floor powder room,
adding a shower stall to two-piece baths greatly increase their
usefulness.
If I can be of any help to you, your friends, relatives
or associates, please do not hesitate to
contact me. Your referrals are greatly appreciated. |
Printable
PDF Version