Key Measurements to Help You Design a Powder Room

At one time a luxury found only in grand homes, the powder room has become a staple in new American residences. When planned for new construction, they are often given ample space. But when you want to fit one in during a remodel or into an addition, you may have constraints. No matter what type of home you have, it helps to understand how much space is needed for these little — or not-so-little — very special rooms.

Powder Room Doors

You can choose from a variety of types and sizes for the powder room door. It can be styled like the rest of your home’s decor or unique. Common widths are 28, 30, or 32 inches (71, 76 or 81 centimeters). Wheelchair-accessible doorways ideally should be at least 36 in. (91 cm) wide. You can go as narrow as 24 in. (61 cm) if absolutely necessary, but anything less than that will likely be uncomfortable, and the door would probably have to be custom fabricated.

Standard door heights are 80 or 96 in. (203 or 244 cm), and you will probably coordinate the height with that of the other doors in your house. Pocket doors and sliding types provide more choices. Double doors can work nicely if detailed well.

Toilets

Toilets also come in a variety of configurations, such as two pieces or one piece. There also are types that can be wall mounted. If you are selecting a toilet, get the manufacturer’s specifications from the website or from a plumbing supplier before making a decision about what type will fit and operate properly in your home.

A powder room may need to fit in a narrow space, under stairs or both. The trick is to place the toilet with its back to the descending ceiling. You will normally bend down to use this area, so you can cheat some space out of it if you are particularly squeezed. However, don’t place it in any space less than about 5 feet (152cm) in height. You might be able to go a few more inches below that, depending on your circumstances, but once the ceiling goes below 4 ft., its best use is for storage accessed from an appropriate opening.

Before and After: Dramatic Kitchen Transformations

Many people want to change their kitchen, whether because it functions poorly, their taste has evolved or they’ve purchased a home in someone else’s style. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these kitchen transformations. Some of the kitchens go from wood cabinets to white, others have updated wood cabinets, and still others combine styles for a two-tone or eclectic look. Perhaps you’ll find your kitchen soul mate here

The homeowners raised the roof 18 inches, allowing for bigger windows and a proper view. The remodel also exposed some of the original beams, and added new ones to highlight the space’s historical character.

The renovation was pretty complete: cabinetry, counters, appliances, windows. The result is a streamlined look, as well as a space that the owners find easy to clean.

The Smiths took out the wall separating the dining room from the kitchen, creating a much larger kitchen. They swapped the old dark wood cabinetry for bright new white cabinets, wooden shelves and a tile backsplash.

The couple installed white cabinets and a farmhouse sink. Not installing upper cabinets helps keep the space feeling more open. Though it isn’t visible, the biggest cost during the renovation was plumbing; the owners installed new water and sewer lines, a new water heater and new drain valves.

How Much It Costs to Work With a Bathroom Designer

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, hiring a professional bathroom designer could be well worth the expense. These specialized professionals have creativity and technical knowledge that can make your new bathroom more beautiful, functional and safe. But how much does it cost to hire one?

What Do Bathroom Designers Do?

Bathroom designers can transform the spark of a remodeling idea into a beautifully refreshed bathroom. They:

Create design concepts. A good bathroom designer will ask questions to find out what isn’t working about your bathroom now — whether it functions poorly, has unappealing style or lacks space. Your designer will want to know who uses the bathroom and how often. He or she may also ask how long you plan to stay in your home and whether you’d like your redesign to include features that support aging in place. “If you’re planning to retire in this home, maybe we’ll look at anti-slip porcelain tile options and opt for a linear drain without shower glass so that one could wheel into the shower should there ever be a need,”

Create design plans. Some bathroom designers plan every detail of the room, from layout changes down to the precise pattern of tile for a shower niche. Others design or select only cabinets and hardware. Either way, bathroom designers create drawings and 3D renderings that offer a realistic preview of how your new bathroom will look. And good bathroom designers can help you prioritize your wish list. “A lot of times we’re working with a limited amount of space, so our clients have to decide what is most important to them — a larger vanity or a larger shower? A walk-in shower or a large tub?”

Confirm a realistic budget. Bathroom designers know current costs for products and materials as well as for making layout changes. Therefore it’s a good idea to share your budget with your bathroom designer at the outset — that way they can help you understand how far it will go. Many homeowners are surprised at the price tag for a bathroom remodel, but when you think about all the components going into a relatively small space, the relatively high price per square foot for bathroom remodels makes more sense. “It is the most complex room in the house, with complex plumbing along with electrical and space constraints,

Select and design products, finishes and materials. Depending on their business models, bathroom designers may recommend cabinet door styles or countertop materials, pick out the fixtures for the sink and shower and talk you through the merits of keeping the tub or going with a shower alone. They also can purchase products and materials that are available only to the trade (not sold directly to homeowners)

What It’s Really Like to Live Through a Remodel

If you’re thinking about remodeling or are about to break ground on your first renovation, odds are you probably know a bit about how the project is going to go. After all, you’ve watched a few TV shows, your cousin’s husband is a general contractor and the guy you sit close to at work tells you every detail of how his wet bar is coming together. So you pretty much know all there is to know, right? Not so fast.

As much as you may be able to glean from friends and family, articles and TV, there’s no experience quite like personally getting down into the dirt (more on this later) of a remodel. And what you don’t often hear about are the harsh realities of wading through such a detailed, often stressful project.

We’ve written before about how remodeling a home is the ultimate litmus test for your relationship. And that’s why I think understanding a few of the common negative things that happen during remodel is a vital component of being prepared.

It Will Upset Your Daily Schedule

Say, for example, every day before you leave for work you like to brew a cup of coffee or tea, settle in with your tablet at your breakfast nook and prepare for the day by going through your emails.

Now picture this exact routine while your kitchen and breakfast nook is under construction. The peace and tranquility (and cleanliness!) of your morning retreat is no more.

The Essentials: Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Home

You know what you want in your new kitchen, bath or bedroom — but will it fit in your space? Architect helps you answer that question with his Key Measurements series, which takes the guesswork out of room planning and design. In stories covering each room of the house, he details the standard sizes of furnishings, appliances and room features and the square footage in which they need to be placed. And he suggests ideal room layouts and dimensions for different architectural styles.

The Kitchen

A well-designed kitchen makes meal preparation and dining more pleasurable. offers measurements and advice for storage areas, prep and cleanup spots, and cooking and baking centers.

Kitchen measurement tip: To get your kitchen cooking, store pots, pans and baking sheets around the burners and oven. You can put your toaster and coffeemaker here as well to keep prep areas free. Seasonings, breadboards and potholders should go in nearby drawers and cupboards. Allow 21 to 36 inches (53 to 92 centimeters) of counter space on either side of your cooktop, and locate a wall oven next to an open countertop so you have a place where you can set down hot food.

The Bathroom

Whether you install a single, double, pedestal, floating or braced sink will depend as much on your available space as on your needs and desires. And that’s just one element of the bathroom. This story examines your options for sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and towel bars.

Bathroom measurement tip: Want to extend your countertop over the toilet tank, as seen here? Counter heights vary from 32 to 36 inches (81 to 91 centimeters), so you’ll need to consider whether your toilet will fit comfortably underneath. You also must be able to lift the lid without obstruction.

How can I renovate my house cheaply?

Smart ways to add value to your house at a low cost:

Kitchen and bathroom revamp

It’s a smart idea to spend money on bathroom and kitchen renovations because you can do this without blowing out your budget but at the same time make a return on investment.

To achieve an impressive kitchen renovation but at the same time stay within budget, consider the following ideas:

• Add composite stone bench tops (cheaper than natural stone)
• Freshen up your cupboard doors with a coat of paint
• Replace cupboard door handles with a modern option
• Replace window coverings with shutters or new blinds
• A splash-back refresh (consider new tiling or glass)

Update your outdoor entertainment space

Do you have a large unused space in your yard, a little nook of wasted space or perhaps it’s just time for an existing backyard revamp? Here are some outdoor entertainment ideas to get you started:

• Level out, then pave, deck or stone an area
• Place outdoor furniture in the area
• Add a pendant light or two above a sitting area
• Build retaining walls to section off your garden
• Add new plants (both in the garden and pot plants)

If you’d like to do more to your garden, it could be a good idea to hire a landscaper to re-do your entire outdoor space.

DIY storage solutions

If you’re an IKEA fan, installing smart storage space is probably up your alley. If you’d like to save your pennies for structural work, we’d recommend adding storage space yourself if you’re handy with tools. You can purchase storage flat packs at a reasonable cost. And, if you’re not confident in building them yourself, you can hire someone to set them up for you which can also be cheaper than having something built from scratch.

Here are a few smart built-in storage solution ideas:

• Storage at your property’s entrance – a great spot for shoes, keys, umbrellas and so on.
• An office nook – if you have a spare unused corner, why not build in a desk to store away your life admin?
• Open cupboard space – to achieve a stylish kitchen, take away clunky overhead cupboards and display your kitchenware with open cupboards.

Add natural light where possible

If you’re making small structural changes, consider adding windows where possible. Adding natural light can reduce your energy costs by up to 75%, and has also been proven to have significant health benefits too. Natural light on the side of your property where you get morning sun is ideal as the sun isn’t as hot in the morning so it won’t heat your house too much! If you’re renovating with the intention of selling, adding natural light can add thousands of dollars onto your final sale price.

Don’t underestimate the power of paint

Lift the mood of a room by applying the perfect coat of paint. If you have darker walls throughout your property, consider painting the walls lighter or white. This can give the illusion of more space, and simply looks fresher.

It’s a good idea to look for durable paint supplies which you’ll be able to find for a good price.

Balance High and Low End Materials

Get the most bang for your buck by spending more on statement items, such as quartz countertops or a statement stove, but reserve funds in other less impactful areas. This is a balance you’ll have to figure out yourself, since it varies so much depending on your project and style inclinations. But, in general, I like to spend more money on hardware and less on doors/cabinets. Find your own balance, but don’t make the mistake of going too fancy with an appliance only to install cheap formica countertops. The key is to find balance, not extremes.

Wait For Sales Before Making Big Purchases

There are times of the year that are better for purchasing certain big-ticket items, such as American holidays for appliances, Black Friday for electronics and power tools, and the end of summer for outdoor furniture and lawn care items. Research the best time to make your purchase, and don’t let your impatience steer you away from getting a good deal. And don’t forget about buying scratch-and-dent appliances or floor models!

Home renovation tips

You want to remodel everything, but you basically cannot afford major renovations.

Budgeting

First and most important rule according to home addition builders is that you should plan your renovation budget. Estimate an amount which you can afford for renovation and then split it into sections so that it would become easy for you to figure how much money you can spend on a particular part.

Research

Once you have estimated your budget, now start inquiring for the things you wish for. Buying brand new things will always go out of your budget. Try searching second-hand machines or furniture. Remember, you can always get good quality used products, you just need to search for them carefully. Don’t forget to surf online stores and take advantage from them.

Painting Your Home

It would be expensive for you if you’ll choose different colored palettes. Opt for a classy theme such as black and white, it will give your home an advance modern look and won’t even cost you much – or if you want to add some colors to your home, you can paint a single wall which looks so attractive. You should also discuss this with your architects builder to see if there is any better option.

Kitchen

The heart and soul of every home, renovating your kitchen is an easy game changer when it comes to selling your property.

• Counters: Taking out your old, worn out counter and replacing it with a simple and natural stone counter top is a relatively simple task. Just pick up a counter top at your local hardware store and bring your kitchen to life with a sleek new counter top. (Average cost: $600)
• Kitchen cabinets: Have any plastic cabinets? Swap them out for some solid wood cabinets to give your kitchen a more antique look. Simply unscrew the hinges of your old cabinets and secure your new ones in. (Average cost: $60 per cabinet)
• Handles: An easy fix for any worn out kitchen – just use a screwdriver to get rid of those old rusty handles and replace them with several new ones. (Average cost: $6 per handle)
• Remember to stage your kitchen for sale. This doesn’t have to cost you a dollar – it’s all about making the space clean, uncluttered and inviting for when prospective buyers inspect the property.

Bathroom

Whilst buyers can overlook some aspects of a property, bathrooms are definitely a sensitive point for most buyers. A dirty bathroom is generally off-putting and can be disastrous to the value of your property if left unattended.

• Updating: Simply swapping out old tap handles and shower heads can easily change your bathroom appearance from mouldy and ageing, to new and modern. Make sure you take off any excess grease which may come off when changing the handles and heads. (Average Cost: $200 tap handles; $500 shower heads)
• Tiles: Renovating your bathroom floor is a sure way to completely invigorate your bathroom’s appearance. Using large, light coloured tiles can make a bathroom appear more spacious and appealing. (Average cost: $15 per tile *500x500mm tile)
• Plumbing: For some of the more keen eyed buyers, easily and inexpensively update plumbing by re-piping with PEX or plastic tubing. (Average cost: $3 per metre PEX pipe)
• Don’t forget to make the space as clean, spacious and inviting as possible on inspection day. An outdated bathroom can be overlooked if it is well cared for, but dirt and grime is never ok.

General

To make your house look accommodating and new without having to go through every nook and cranny, here are a few general rules of thumb to keep in mind when renovating common living spaces and rooms:

Paint Job: A paint job is a simple way to lighten up your house and get rid of any furniture marks or signs of wear. Look for lighter cream colours to make your house more welcoming and well lit. (Average cost: $13 per litre)

Floors: Old and ageing carpet can be off-putting and give a bad first impression to home buyers. Rip them up and put in some new timber floors to give your house a fresh and younger look. Already have timber floors? Bring them weathered hardwood floors back to life with a coat of timber oil to make them look as good as new. (Average cost: $55 per 1.5 SQM timber floors; $25 per litre timber oil)

Curtains: Exchange any old or outdated curtains you may have with simple blinds to make your rooms appear more spacious and tidy. Simply detach your old railings and install your new blinds in. (Average cost: $25 per metre)

How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor

Deciding to renovate your home is an exciting time, but some people get stuck when it comes to choosing the right contractor in Tampa, FL. It’s hard to know how to evaluate a company’s work and prices if you’ve never worked with a contractor before. The key is to interview multiple contractors, get verification of their qualifications and get reviews from former and current clients to find the best fit. As with any company or job candidate, the perfect contractor for your home remodel may be different than another person’s

We’ve put together an overview to demystify the process and help you choose the right home remodeler in Tampa, FL:

Identify potential contractors: The first thing you need to decide is who you’ll consider for the job. Look up home remodeling contractors in your area, ask your friends and family who they would recommend and make a list of at least 10 different companies. (Social media can be particularly helpful in times like these.) You may be able to visit their home and look at the contractor’s work in person, which is invaluable information.

Evaluate their body of work: After you’ve identified your list of potential contractors, you’ll need to compare their portfolios. Most contractors have at least some of their work posted online, so you can get a sense of their style and range. Look for a contractor with specific experience in the type of remodel you want to do.

Ask for license and insurance information: When you call a contractor to get more information, make sure you ask for their licenses and insurance information. Hiring a legitimate and insured contractor will ensure that you have recourse if the work they do isn’t up to par, and insurance will protect all of you if someone is injured on the job.

Ask for references and testimonials: Getting client references is a great way to find out more about the contractor. Did they complete the job on time and within their quote? Was the work done up to the client’s standards? Did they treat the home and the client’s time respectfully? How is the work holding up? Online reviews like Yelp and Google can also be invaluable—look for a general pattern of feedback.

Get bids on the job: Next, choose your top three to five contractors and ask them to bid on the job. When the bids are in, you can compare factors such as budget, timeline and your overall impressions of the work they’ve done.

Choose your contractor: Finally, you’ll choose a contractor—and as with any major purchase, the lowest price does not necessarily indicate the best home remodeler for the job. Once you’ve settled on the final proposal and budget estimate, you can confidently sign the contract and move forward.

How To Choose The Best Home Remodeling Contractor?

Ask For Referrals

An easy and effective way to do this is to check with your friends who have recently had their home renovated. See what they have to say about their contractor. This is the best way to find Calgary home renovation contractors for your home. Your friends will be able to tell you how their contractor handled problems and whether they would go for the same contractor again.

Do Some Homework

Before you start making calls to contractors, you should do some research on social media sites. There you will find reviews of a particular contractor which could be helpful for you. Check for any unresolved complaints with the renovation company you are looking at. You need to select the one who has little to no record of complaints or the one’s whose complaints have been resolved to the satisfaction of the consumer.

Interview The Contractors

You need to narrow down your list and set up meetings. Meeting with 3-4 renovation companies should be enough as meeting any more will leave you confused. You also need to see how well a contractor answers your questions. They should ask questions to you as well. This will let you know about their level of knowledge about the job.

Call The References Given By The Contractor

You should always take a look at the other projects done by a contractor. You can also request for references and make calls to the contractor’s former customers to get a review from them

Don’t Let The Price Be The Deciding Factor

Something to keep in mind is that the cheapest offers often turn out to be the most expensive jobs in the long run. Hence, when choosing the best home renovations, price should not be the deciding factor. You need to understand that price reflects quality. The lowest bid might not always be the best. It could mean that the contractor makes use of sub-par materials or does not have quality workers. You can always take a bid that is not too expensive and not too cheap but is somewhere in the middle.

Tips on Choosing the Best Home Improvement Company

Remodeling and improving your home is one of the few projects you should entrust to an experienced contractor. Working with an experienced team means all of your efforts will be focused on budgeting and scheduling the project instead of the more complicated technical aspects.

Work With a Company That Offers Roof Replacement

Out of all of your remodeling and home improvement projects, the roof should be the number one priority. Old and damaged roofs pose a real threat to your home; leaks, for example, can affect your home’s comfort levels and energy efficiency due to water damage.

Work With a Company That Offers Siding

Siding is a great addition. Unlike exterior wall paint, it doesn’t need reapplication and doubles as a secondary weather barrier that protects your home from rain and heat exposure. It also adds value to your home; in fact, installing new siding is one of the easiest ways to increase your home’s curb appeal.

Work With a “Green” Contractor

Energy-efficient or “green” home improvement is no longer a fad; it’s now a necessity that helps you save money on your energy bills. Eco-friendly design and materials also make your home more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell it later on. Ask the experts at Triangle Home Exteriors for our green home improvement services and their advantages

The Exceedingly Comprehensive Guide to DIY Home Improvement for First-Time Homeowners

How to Repair, Remodel and Renovate Your New Home

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as tearing up an old linoleum floor and laying down some beautiful old growth hardwood in its place, especially when you did it all yourself. But getting to that level of DIY accomplishment requires a lot of time and patience, and a healthy dollop of research.

I See a Red Door and I Want to Paint it Black

Painting is one of the easier tasks that a first-time homeowner can take on. It doesn’t require professional trade skills like electrical or plumbing work, nor does it require specialized tools. However, that doesn’t mean your first brush stroke will equal that of a professional painter. Read along and we’ll show you how to tackle any paint job around the home.

How to Prep a Room Before Painting

There’s a lot of work that should be done before you ever get your paint brush wet. This includes prepping the room that you’ll be painting and prepping the walls themselves. Skipping the room prep is a surefire recipe for drips and splatters—and therefore a surefire recipe for ruined floors, baseboards, ceilings or furniture. Not to mention the work of getting them clean again! Skipping the wall prep can mean your new paint doesn’t adhere to the wall properly, or that imperfection will show through to mar your hard work.

Protect Your Furniture

Remove all furniture from the room or move everything to the center and cover with drop cloths. Also spread drop cloths over the floor.

Remove Outlet Covers

Remove the plates covering your outlets and switches. Tape the screws to them so you don’t lose them. If you’re painting your ceiling, unscrew the cover plates of any light fixtures and allow them to slide down, then wrap the light fixture in plastic. If you have a fan in the room, you can remove the blades to make covering the fixture easier.

Renovating a House: The Ultimate Guide

Considering renovating a house? Don’t start until you have read our complete guide, covering everything from finding and buying a project to putting the final flourishes to the decorating scheme

Renovating a house can be both exciting and daunting — not to mention the potential for making a profit that it offers. From discovering original features hidden under years worth of dust or the chance to put your own stamp on something — or perhaps the best route to getting a bigger house in a better area than you would otherwise be able to afford

A Schedule of Works For Renovation

A schedule of works is essential to anyone renovating a house. It basically outlines every single job that needs to be done from start to finish of a project, in the right order. Ideally you also want to include who is doing what and how much it will cost on the list.

How to Find a Renovation Project

Whilst a renovation project might look like the ideal opportunity at first glance, further investigation may prove otherwise. Knowing when to walk away from a project is crucial if you are to avoid buying a money pit.

Whilst a quick look at renovation opportunities for sale will undoubtedly bring up many ‘houses in need of modernisation,’ not all of these will necessarily offer value for money.

How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor

When choosing a contractor to head up your remodel, these simple steps can mean the difference between complete confidence and sleepless nights

Ask for Referrals

Word of mouth-hands down, is the best way to find a qualified professional to tackle the job. Ask relatives, friends and neighbors whom they’ve had good experiences with. And ask what made it a positive experience, how the contractor handled problems and whether he or she would use the same contractor again.

Look at Credentials

With recommendations in hand, do some preliminary research, whether it’s with a phone call or a visit to the contractor’s website. Find out whether he or she holds all the required licenses from state and local municipalities, along with designations from any professional associations such as the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Homebuilders. Look for contractors who have invested in course work and passed rigorous tests to earn particular certifications. Be aware, however, that not all certifications are created equal. Do some homework and find out the requirements.

Interview Candidates

Narrow down the list of contenders and set up meetings. Try to keep it to three contractors, because things can get confusing beyond that. How a contractor answers questions is extremely important, but communication goes both ways. Candidates should ask plenty of questions, too

Check References

Ask to see some of the contractors’ projects. If you approve of them, request references and call contractors’ former customers to check up on them. Ask how the contractors did at executing the projects. Were they on time and on budget? Were the customers pleased with the outcome? Was there anything that could have been done differently?

How to Choose the Right Home Remodeling Contractor

Often times, the hardest part of starting a home remodel is choosing a remodeling contractor. What do you look for? Do you hire an architect or a design-build firm? How do you choose? Searching for the right contractor takes work. To make it easier for you, and to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible with the fewest regrets, we’ve put together a few steps for you to consider as you begin the selection process. Use these guidelines to ensure that you hire the right contractor for your next home remodel.

Know What You Want and How You Want to Live

Beyond knowing what you want your kitchen or bathroom remodel to look like or where you want to add or expand living space in your home, you should also consider having an important conversation with your remodeling contractor about how you plan to live, work and play in your home (in 5 years, 10 to 15 years or even a lifetime). Do you have plans to keep your home in the family for many generations? Do your family members have any health or physical needs that will need to be accommodated now or in the future? How does the flow in and around rooms currently function for you? What challenges are you experiencing with your home, or anticipate in the future?

Decide Which Delivery Method is Best for You

If you’re considering a major remodel, it’s important to explore the two most common delivery methods for your home remodel. Many homeowners start by hiring an architect, working with him/her to come up with a plan set, then shop around for a building contractor. With this approach, the homeowner makes decisions about almost every detail of the home remodel design and building process without any input from the contractor.

Ask for Referrals from Friends & Family

Reputable home remodeling contractors generate glowing recommendations. When you’re ready to remodel, be sure to ask your friends, family, neighbors, and other acquaintances to identify a remodeling contractor that they trust and would use again. Asking for a recommendation helps you narrow down your selection, and may also help you determine which contractors to avoid. Look for someone who has experience in your neighborhood or specific remodeling expertise (e.g., you need someone who has experience remodeling kitchens).

Review Their Reviews

Put your computer to work and take the time to read online reviews. And, look for places where reviews are hard to fake, such as Houzz, Google, Yelp and a third party customer satisfaction surveying service, like GuildQuality. What are people saying about the company and their experience with them? And better yet, how is the home remodeling contractor addressing complaints? Look for someone who is able to provide quality references and don’t be afraid to ask to see some of their completed projects in person or to speak to their past clients! This simple exercise can tell you a lot about your contractor prospects and help you hire the right one.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LOCAL CONTRACTORS FOR YOUR HOME RENOVATION

Are you dreaming of a new kitchen, an updated bathroom, or about adding a room to your home? Or perhaps you’re in the process of building your dream house? Before you can start any of these projects, you need to find the right local contractor for the job.

Use the Right Search Engine

Before you can choose the right local contractors for your home remodeling project, know where to look for

Find a Specialist

Different types of work you need to have done around the home require a different type of contractor. No matter the type of work you want to do, there’s at least a few local contractors out there who would be great for the job. The trick is finding them.

Check the Reviews

Once you’ve narrowed your search, assess your options. Luckily, online reviews make this a breeze. They are just as good as asking a friend or neighbor for their opinion

Screen Potential Contractors

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to contractors with great online reviews, it’s time to start screening. This is an important step. Websites allow you to book services online, and can make it tempting to skip this step. But resist the temptation.

How to Choose the Right Renovation Company

People are becoming increasingly aware of how to achieve that luxurious, statement home when new construction is not an option – that’s right, it’s home renovations! There are so many advantages of house renovations, starting with the improved comfort and increased value of your home.

When done correctly, home renovations will:

Decrease the amount of building maintenance required

Improve appearance and functionality

Add decades of life to your home – achieved by strengthening the bases and structures

A home that’s on point with the latest, yet timeless, trends and designs

For most, it makes complete sense that the final outcome is going to vary greatly and depend on the experience and workmanship of the renovation company you choose. If you want all the benefits listed above, plus some, choosing the right home renovations company is imperative! For others, cheaper is better… but unfortunately this is usually where the “renovation nightmare” stories originate.

Be ready! There’s no point jumping on Google and contacting endless amounts of contractors and building companies if you don’t have a plan. Know what you want and when you want it. It’s also much easier, and wise, to set a budget for your home renovations too.

Obtain quotes. All the best home renovation companies offer free quotes. Extensions offers a FREE, no obligation consultation with one of our specialist design consultants.

Set appointments. By now you’ve checked references, compared quotes, viewed a history of their workmanship and you’ve narrowed it down to two or three of Sydney’s best home renovation companies. It’s time to book those first appointments and see who’s really going to deliver the goods!

Tips for Choosing a Home Remodeling Contractor

When it comes to home improvement projects, you may find that many of them are not “do it yourself.” If it’s time for a home remodel, it may be in your best interest to leave it to a professional who knows what it takes to deliver high-quality results. Choosing a contractor to lead the project is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, who you hire could have a huge impact on the outcome of the project and your level of satisfaction.

Experience

The type of remodeling project you’re considering can play a huge role in which contractor you choose. For example, if you’re making changes to your bathroom, you don’t want to hire a contractor that doesn’t have experience in . Whether you’re changing the look of one room or doing a major overhaul of your home, it’s best to find a contractor who has experience and expertise in many different types of remodeling projects. Ideally, you want someone who can do it all. It’s also important to consider how long they’ve been in business and how many similar projects they’ve completed.

Project Details

Be sure you know exactly what you want to accomplish. Be specific about how you want the finished project to look. Think about the materials you want to use and how much money you have in your budget. Are you willing to compromise on certain elements if you need to? Which changes are top priority? Letting the contractors you’re interviewing know these things up front can give you an idea of whether or not they’ll be able to deliver the results you’re envisioning.

Interviews

Choosing a contractor to remodel your home should be taken very seriously. After all, their expertise directly impacts the quality of the project, and a remodel is a significant financial investment. As a general rule, it’s wise to interview at least three contractors for your job before you make a decision. Use that time to get to know the contractor. Try to get a feel for their work ethics, priorities, and overall dedication. Don’t be shy when it comes to asking questions. It’s better to be thorough now than regretful later. The answers you get could be the deciding factor between one contractor and another.

Insurance

Before you hire a contractor, check with your insurance agent to see what’s covered by your homeowner’s policy regarding home repairs and remodeling. Make sure the contractors you’re interviewing have insurance, as well, and that their policy has adequate coverage for your projects. Checking this out ahead of time could help save you a huge headache later.