{"id":787,"date":"2011-03-03T11:03:40","date_gmt":"2011-03-03T18:03:40","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?page_id=787"},"modified":"2011-09-05T19:36:22","modified_gmt":"2011-09-06T02:36:22","slug":"home-remodeling-tips","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.isearchdecor.com\/blog\/home-remodeling-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Remodeling Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"iSearch-Get-Started-Box\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Need assistance finding Licensed\/Bonded Professionals for your Home Remodeling Project?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Use the online form in the purple box.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get referred to experts in an instant!<\/strong><\/p>\n

______________________________________________________<\/strong><\/p>\n

Home Improvement and Remodeling<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>Phoenix homeowners are deciding to \u201cstay put\u201d for the time being due to the downturn in the economy and the decrease in home values. For those considering a remodeling project<\/strong>, here are a few tips to keep in mind that will minimize stress and ensure the completion of a remodel without a hitch.<\/p>\n

#1\u00a0\u00a0 Create a list of the desired home improvement<\/strong> projects to be completed<\/p>\n

Be detailed with this list.\u00a0 If the project is for a kitchen remodel <\/strong> for example, create a separate line item for each aspect of the renovation such as appliances, granite countertops, new cabinets, hardwood flooring, sinks, faucets, pendant lighting, etc. Consider projects with long \u2013term environmental and cost saving effects (ie: using \u201cgreen\u201d products and\/or the use of \u00a0\u201csolar\u201d products).<\/p>\n

#2\u00a0\u00a0 Rank the order of importance of each remodel project<\/p>\n

If there is more than one decision maker, independently rank the priority of each item of the remodel.\u00a0 Compare each other\u2019s rankings, and together determine the final list of items ranked in order of priority. This exercise may seem daunting, but it is important to jointly decide on the most important aspects of the project.<\/p>\n

#3\u00a0\u00a0 Check with your HOA and with the city for any approvals or permits needed\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether it is a kitchen, bath or pool remodeling<\/strong> project, make sure there are no restrictions in the CC&Rs.\u00a0 For those living in a community with a Homeowner\u2019s Association, board approval may be required for certain renovations<\/strong>.\u00a0 Also, check with the city on whether any special permits are required.\u00a0 It would be a waste of time and money to begin the project only to find out the necessary approvals and\/or permits were not obtained.<\/p>\n

#4\u00a0\u00a0 Set a budget for your Remodel<\/strong><\/p>\n

Set a budget for the project and stick to it.\u00a0 Included in the budget should be a 30% allowance for unforeseen expenses.\u00a0 There are always unexpected situations that arise with remodeling, so be prepared. <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>#5 <\/strong>Collect pictures of the look you want to achieve<\/p>\n

Look through magazines and tear out pictures of your desired look. Keeping a collection of photos will make the bidding process from remodeling contractors<\/strong> much easier and help the remodeling contractor understand the end result.<\/p>\n

#6\u00a0\u00a0 Get bids from qualified,\u00a0 <\/strong>remodeling contractors<\/p>\n

Get estimates from 2-3 qualified remodeling contractors<\/strong>.\u00a0 Support local <\/strong>merchants! Estimates should include the scope of work to be performed, details on the deliverables and the timeline for completion. As the bids are received, record the estimates for each line item of the project.\u00a0 Also ask about the payment terms.\u00a0 Never pay for the entire project upfront.\u00a0 Payment should be based on an agreed upon amount at the start, and then upon the completion of specific milestones.<\/p>\n

#7\u00a0\u00a0 Draw the line where your budget is set.<\/p>\n

Look at your ranked priorities.\u00a0 Anything falling below the budget line will have to wait. If eliminating certain elements of the Phoenix remodel<\/strong> is not possible, then there are two choices: 1) delay the project until the budget can be increased, or 2) adjust the selections in order to fit more into the existing budget.<\/p>\n

#8\u00a0\u00a0 Select the appropriate remodeling contractors for your project<\/p>\n

Ask to see a portfolio of the work each contractor has completed.\u00a0 Also, check references and be sure to check for licensing and bonding if required for the work that is being performed.<\/p>\n

#9\u00a0\u00a0 Consider the use of an interior designer<\/strong><\/p>\n

Calling in the assistance of a trained, professional interior designer will ensure the cohesiveness of the project, and it can eliminate the agony of having a less than desirable finished product.\u00a0\u00a0 It may well be worth it to add this cost into your overall budget.<\/p>\n

#10\u00a0 Decide on the best time of year to conduct your home improvement project<\/strong><\/p>\n

Summer may be the best time of year to remodel since vacations can be taken during the time it is necessary to be out of the house (like when the tile floor is being jack hammered).\u00a0 Keep in mind that new bathroom or kitchen cabinets\u00a0 usually take 6-8 weeks to receive, so be sure to plan accordingly around holidays and other major life events.<\/p>\n

A home improvement project can go smoothly if planned appropriately.\u00a0 These easy tips, when implemented, can lead to a successful, less stressful remodeling<\/strong> experience.<\/p>\n

One last tip, try to enjoy the journey while creating a vision of comfort and luxury for your home.<\/p>\n

An Easy, Free Online Tool to help with a Home Improvement or Remodeling <\/strong>Project
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

iSearchD\u00e9cor helps by providing you with the perfect match to furniture stores, <\/strong>service providers, \u00a0interior designers, and remodeling contractors. <\/strong>Our unique website allows you the ability to check off the home d\u00e9cor items and service professionals you are looking for, complete a quick profile, and voila, you will get a perfect match to furniture stores, home d\u00e9cor stores, stores, flooring stores, interior designers and remodeling contractors.<\/p>\n

Our Service allows you to be very specific about what you are looking for.\u00a0 Not only can you specify by room your exact needs, you can also drill down into details such as whether you are looking for materials and accessories for a kitchen or bathroom remodel.<\/p>\n

All of the furniture stores, remodeling contractors and interior designers<\/strong> in the iSearchDecor system are locally-owned businesses, with outstanding Better Business Bureau records.\u00a0 They are the true \u201chidden gems\u201d of the area that would be very difficult to find on your own.\u00a0 In addition, iSearchDecor has pre-negotiated savings that are exclusive to iSearchDecor users.\u00a0 It is a fantastic way to save both time and money on your next redecorating or remodeling project.<\/p>\n

Get Free Referrals Now<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Need assistance finding Licensed\/Bonded Professionals for your Home Remodeling Project? Use the online form in the purple box. Get referred to experts in an instant! ______________________________________________________ Home Improvement and Remodeling Phoenix homeowners are deciding to \u201cstay put\u201d for the time being due to the downturn in the economy and the decrease in home values. For […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.isearchdecor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/787"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.isearchdecor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.isearchdecor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.isearchdecor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.isearchdecor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=787"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"http:\/\/www.isearchdecor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/787\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":875,"href":"http:\/\/www.isearchdecor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/787\/revisions\/875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.isearchdecor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}