Remodeling Straight Talk by Cheryl Sandella

Remodeling Straight Talk

According to a study at Harvard University, the number home improvement projects undertaken by American homeowners, “which include high-end kitchen and bath remodels,” is projected to grow by almost 40% in the 10 years between 2005 and 2015.  Some even predict higher numbers.

Estimated return of 92 percent of what you spend on a kitchen and 105 percent of what you spend on the master bath

 Tamara Newwell, CKD, CBD and vice chairman of an advisory council of designers for the National Kitchen & Bath Association advises homeowners not to expect low-cost, quick-fix renovations to pay off very well. A complete renovation is a better investment.  

 Kitchen remodels are viewed by women consumers as the premier design and remodel project.  Men give entertainment spaces, garages and the exterior a higher regard.

 Women take the vast responsibility of kitchen and bath decisions.  They give more input on style, color, materials and brands. 

 Sticking to a budget can sometimes be challenging so make sure you set a realistic budget.  Don’t cut corners – invest in quality because it will pay off in the long run for sure. 

 Remodeling is messy and there’s no getting around it.  Sometimes projects can take longer, and cost more, than planned.

 Do your homework and ask a lot of questions.  Be sure the people you hire are reputable and conscientious.  They will be worth their weight in gold

 It’s wise to hire a general contractor and/or an interior designer to manage your project so you don’t have to.  It will be the difference between having peace of mind verses giving some a piece of your mind. 

 Find the balance…be around enough to know what is going on but stay away enough to keep your sanity. 

 On tough and noisy days take a break, relax and close your eyes; try to visualize what the room will look like and see yourself enjoying it.  Leave the corkscrew out -it is sure to come in handy on days like theseJ 

 I’ve heard people compare remodeling to giving birth. The pain is only temporary and the end result has a way of making it so worthwhile. 

A few words of wisdom:

 Pain fades with time

 There are no problems – only opportunities

 Remodeling is creation, action and collaboration

 If you pinch a contractor too tight so they can’t make money, harbor resentment and cut corners then no one will win – you both lose.  Make it a win-win situation!

 If someone helps you acknowledge them because generous people are hard to come by

 Don’t forget to enjoy the experience…your making memories

 Remember everything comes to an end so don’t get stressed

© 2010 SANDELLA CUSTOM HOMES AND INTERIORS, LLC.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Want to create a design notebook?  Go to http://www.sandella.net – its free!

About Cheryl:

Cheryl Sandella, Interior Designer ASID Allied Member, works with her husband and partner of 30 years, Al Sandella, General Contractor. They own Sandella Custom Homes and Interiors in Fountain Hills Arizona and design, remodel and build homes in the valley. To read more about her go to http://www.sandella.net/aboutus/aboutus.html

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Cheryl Sandella, Interior Designer publishes a monthly eZine called “Bespoke Home”. If you want Tools, Tips and Guidance to design, remodel and build your custom home, be sure to get your complimentary subscription at http://www.sandella.net

Cheryl Sandella

Sandella Custom Homes & Interiors

PO Box 18132

Fountain Hills, AZ 85269

480.836.1543 – office

480.816.4233 – Cheryl’s personal line

http://www.sandella.net

Remodeling Advice by Sandella

REMOLDING ADVICE

 

 

Have realistic expectations.  Remodeling can be very messy; there is no getting around that.  Sometimes projects can take longer and cost more than expected or planned for.

 

Be sure to ask lots of questions and do your homework ahead of time to ensure that the people you hire are reputable and conscientious.  They will be worth their weight in gold.

 

It is best not to cut corners when it comes to how you trim out your house in regards to appliances, materials or fixtures.  When you invest in quality, it will pay off in the long run.

 

Be sure the company you hire as a “go to” person so you can ask him/her daily questions, such as:  What time will the workers will be arriving the next day. Don’t take it for granted that they will be back – ask. Also find out what time they will be starting and finishing.  Make sure you find out what work will be going on.  I always recommend getting an approximate schedule for the week in advance.  Knowing the answers can mean the difference between having peace of mind and giving someone a piece of your mind. 

 

Find the right balance…you’ll need to be around to do some supervision, but you’ll also need to stay away to keep your sanity.

 

Finally, make sure you do some fun or relaxing things for yourself so you can get through it in a positive way.  Keep this thought – Remodeling is like having a baby, the pain is difficult but only temporary and the final results have a way of making it all worthwhile. 

 

Remodeling will give you benefits if you decide to sell your home.  A good estimate is you’ll get a return of 92% or what you invested into a kitchen remodel and 105% of your investment back on a master bathroom remodel.

 

Be mindful – don’t expect low-cost, quick fix remedies to pay off very well.  A complete renovation using quality materials and experienced contractors will be much wiser and a better investment.

 

Good luck with your remodel.

 

© 2008 Sandella Custom Homes and Interiors LLC.  All rights reserved

 

 

Room Additions & Home Expansions

 

Whether you need to expand, remodel or build from scratch, Enhance Remodeling by Sandella, provides the architect, contractor and interior designer.  Enhance Remodeling accesses things like usage, pattern flow and privacy needs to design spaces that work for the whole family. We create environments that are more than just living spaces.  Let us create what you imagine. 

 

 

 

Need help with your project?  Start a Design Notebook.  Get the FREE how to guide at www.sandella.net and click on FREE STUFF!

 

About Cheryl: 

Cheryl Sandella, Interior Designer ASID Allied Member, works with her husband and partner of 30 years, Al Sandella, General Contractor.  They own Sandella Custom Homes &Interiors, and Enhance Remodeling in Fountain Hills Arizona.   They design, build and remodel homes in the valley.  To read more about her go to www.sandella.net/aboutus/aboutus.html

   

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE?  You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Cheryl Sandella, Interior Designer publishes a monthly eZine called “Bespoke Home”.  If you want Tools, Tips and Guidance to design and build your custom home, be sure to get your complimentary subscription at http://sandella.net

Cheryl Sandella

Sandella Custom Homes & Interiors

Enhance Remodeling

PO Box 18132

Fountain Hills, AZ  85269

480.836.1543 – office

480.816.4233 – Cheryl’s personal line

bespokehome@ymail.com

www.sandella.net

www.enhanceremodeling.com