Project Planning

       
    
     The second step in planning is to decide the quality of materials to be used.
There are endless options available to the consumer when it comes to materials. You have to decide what is most important to you and how it relates to the budget you've set.  Remember, you can't drink champagne on a beer budget.
    
    R&R is a term we use to describe some remodels. It means "rip out and replace." This is the third step in planning a remodel. Is everything staying in the exact location or is something being moved? If you are replacing fixtures and leaving them where they are, this keeps the cost down. If you are relocating these fixtures, you have extra costs to consider. Plumbing, drain lines, venting, electrical and gas lines are all examples of extra cost you can count tact on to your remodel. So, be realistic when setting that budget. All utility lines are in the places you don't see. If they have to be moved, there is labor and material cost involved.

    Choosing your appliances or fixtures is the next step in planning. Construction of any kind has a "snowball effect." If you don't plan, you will have a problem that grows larger and larger and larger. That is code for more cost, more cost and even more cost later. Appliances must have ample room to be placed in a space. They breathe, the have utilities hooked up to them and they contain appendages. It is imperative that you measure and research all specs. for any appliance or fixture you intend to put in your space. You don't want to bump your behind on the kitchen island when you are putting in the Thanksgiving turkey.

    As you plan your remodel, it is important to remember that you will be required to update your existing utilities. What that means is you will be required to bring all electrical, venting and plumbing to current building codes.
So, if your house was built 25 years ago, or even 2 years ago, the codes change periodically. Most likely there will be added costs to your remodeling budget.

    The majority of our work is bathroom and kitchen remodels. Both contain cabinets that need replacing. Depending on your budget, you may choose custom or modular cabinetry.  Custom cabinetry is built off site by a cabinet maker. Once it is installed, it will be stained and lacquered in place. It is usually considered for higher end remodels, hence "custom" or in remodels where space and shape are an issue. Modular cabinets are made in a factory. They are manufactured in 3" increments. Such as a base cabinet that would hold your kitchen sink; it can be a 30", 33" or 36" and so on. They come in a variety of colors, styles and heights. When done correctly, they can look just as good or in some instances better that custom made cabinets. Keep in mind, custom cabinets may be comparable in price at first, but they need to be stained and lacquered. Don't forget to figure that in to your budget!

    Finish materials are the "gingerbread" of your remodeling project. Faucets, sinks, tile, stone, flooring etc.. are some example of finish materials. Beware! This is where the budget goes right throught the window. That "gingerbread" adds up quickly. You will need a rough idea of how much material you need to purchase when you shop. Do the math! Tile, granite and flooring are sold by the square foot. To find the square foot, take the length x width. Don't be lazy, be prepared!

    Even if you choose to do a simple remodel, make sure you make a precise preliminary drawing or have a professional provide one for you. Having all of your cabinets, appliances or fixures laid out on paper will prevent you from making a costly error. Take the specs. from the manufactures and plot them on gridded paper. You can purchase graph paper (4 squares per inch) and start to plan your remodel. Let each square represent 6". Measure your room and start to draw in the cabinets or showers by size. Don't forget to mark down windows, doors, traffic patterns and the door swing of the appliances!

    We are all interested in saving a buck or two when we can. The next piece of advice we can give you is to get a bid from a ligitimate contractor. How do you do this? Find one that is licensed in your state. Make sure the license is active.  California residents www.cslb.ca.gov  Contractors should provide you with proof of an active license, workers compensation insurance and general liability. If they cannot, you should not let them on your property. A referral from a friend is not enough to protect you incase something goes wrong! Would you go to a doctor that was unlicensed? I don't think so.

    Referrals. This is the biggest bunch of hog wash out there. Do you think a contractor is actually going to give you a bad referral? Your contractor should have lists of clients that are pleased with the services rovided. Go see the job! If they don't want you to go, there is a problem! How long has the contractor been in business? Make sure you do your homework, you need to spend the same amount of time looking for your contractor as you to choosing your dishwasher!
Take it from us, you get what you pay for so don't just take the lowest price.