Why winter is the time to think about your spring home improvement project.

Tired?  Cold?  Sick of winter?  Is the never ending polar vortex, along with the Siberian air making your brain block out the remodeling project you want to accomplish this spring?  DON’T! Now is the perfect time to get thinking about moving forward with your project.

 

Most people think of April or May as a perfect time for starting construction.  Beginning construction as the weather warms is a fantastic idea, but that means you need to move NOW.

 

Believe it or not, February is almost here.  If you called us today we would most likely schedule an initial consultation in your home within one week, depending on everyone’s schedules.  Once we meet and take measurements, we will set up a time to review the proposal.  Usually it takes about 2-3 weeks to put a bid together.  Why, you ask?  Because we need to send drawings to vendors and sub-contractors.  Depending on the project we may need to get a sub-contractor to your house to take a look at the scope of work.  We never estimate.  Not sure what kind of cabinets and finishes you want and you want to visit the showroom to take a look around and see what is available.  That is fantastic and we encourage it, however; now we need to set-up an appointment and it could be more like 3-4 weeks from the initial consultation to get a bid.

 

WOW!  Now it is late February or possibly early March.  Are you getting multiple bids?  Do you have at least 3 (recommended) to compare?  Are you going to call references?  Do you need to set up financing?  Hiring a contractor is a difficult decision.  Most of our clients take a while before they are ready to go.

 

For the sake of this article, let’s say you were so blown away with our knowledge, products and references that you hire Red Carpet Construction immediately.  The proposal letter is signed and a deposit is put down to hold your spot on our schedule.  Also, for the purpose of this article, let’s say we are about to wrap up a project and there is not another project scheduled ahead of yours.  Fantastic, but usually we’re a couple of months out and even if we are available there is much to be done before construction can begin.  We need to put together a formal contract and have it signed by both parties.  Do we need a permit for your project?  Drawings need to be finalized and cabinets and appliances need to be chosen before the renderings can be completed and submitted to the village.  It can take weeks to get a permit approved and it typically takes 4-8 weeks for cabinets to be built and shipped to your home.  WOW!  Now it’s spring!

 

Please remember this is the best case scenario for moving quickly.  Almost always our homeowners take weeks between the bid review meeting and signing the contract.  Also, if we’re really lucky our schedule is booked for a while and you may have to wait several months to get going.  We signed a contract for a kitchen in late October and since we are having a busy winter (Yay) we will begin in mid-February.  That is almost 4 months and it’s our slow season.

 

Planning a home improvement project this spring?  Call Scott at Red Carpet Construction now so we can begin making your dream remodel into a reality – 847-533-5369.

www.redcarpetconstruction.com

The Real Cost of DIY

Here is an article we found on the NAHB Website about the pros and cons of DIY

 

Weigh Your Options Before a Do-it-Yourself Remodel

According to HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau, home owner do-it-yourself (DIY) projects accounted for 37 percent of all home remodeling projects performed nationwide from 2010-2011. While most professional remodelers understand that home owners will do some of their own home repairs or small renovations, after repairing many a DIY gone awry they overwhelmingly believe that many jobs should be left to the pros.

The desire among home owners to tackle repair and remodeling projects has risen with the popularity of Pinterest and design blogs and the prevalence of home improvement stores. Before attempting to recreate the gorgeous bathroom from your Pinterest board in your own home, consider the following before sinking your resources into the project.

Safety

Without the proper training and preparation, a DIYer can and has landed in the emergency room. Unfamiliarity with new tools and techniques can lead to life-threatening accidents. Follow product directions and safety procedures and always use proper safety equipment.

A good rule of thumb for any home owner is to avoid projects that require a license. Veteran remodelers advise against doing electrical or plumbing work on your own and avoid making structural changes to walls, roofs and floors. You run the risk of compromising the structural integrity of your home and having a large hole in your roof or floor. Leave this work in the hands of professionals with the proper training.

Even projects that appear simple like laying floor tile can result in you stubbing your toes every time you are in that room if improperly installed.

Time

DIYers often tackle larger projects than they can handle before the holidays so that visiting family can enjoy the updates. But when something goes wrong, there is no one to hold to the deadline. Hiring a professional will ensure that you have a contract with a completion date and that the remodeler will bring in whatever help is necessary to get the job finished on time.

Even professional remodelers sometimes need extra time on projects when they find surprises behind walls. Troubleshooting these issues often takes more time and expertise than originally planned. If timing is a priority for your weekend warrior, call a professional remodeler to get your project completed.

Cost

Purchasing new tools is exciting but consider the price of all the specialty tools used for a one-time project when they are sitting untouched in your garage for a few years.

Additionally, many of the products purchased for the DIY market, although designated by a name brand, are not always the same quality available to contractors. It is also important to verify the terms of the product warranty. Many warranties become void by improper installation.

Robert Criner, GMR, CAPS, CGP of Criner Remodeling in Yorktown, Va.cautions all motivated DIYers, “Does it really pay to do the job twice when you can pay a professional to do it once?”

There are some home projects that professional remodelers believe can be tackled by determined DIYers such as hanging pictures, interior painting, caulking, changing door knobs and cabinet pulls, and some aesthetic work (depending on skill level) such as installing crown molding. Just consider the safety risks, time and cost involved in a DIY project of any size.

Still think you can tackle a big remodeling project? Just remember, DIY projects should be fun and suit your skill level. If they’re not, then consider hiring a professional.

For information about hiring a remodeler, contact [insert local home builder association information] and its affiliated remodelers council.  Search the Directory of Professional Remodelers (www.nahb.org/remodelerdirectory) to find a professional remodeler in your area. Visit www.nahb.org/remodel for more information on remodeling.

 

How to Hire a Professional Remodeler

May is National Remodeling Month and to honor it we are posting articles and information from the NAHB website.  These articles contain important information that all homeowners should be aware of, especially those that plan on doing home improvement projects in the future. 

Here is great information posted by the NAHB on how to hire a professional remodeler.  Our comments are below in red. 

"Check out these steps for hiring a professional remodeler:

1. Collect names of remodeling companies.
   Start by searching the National Association of Home Builders’ Directory of Professional Remodelers at www.nahb.org/remodel. You’ll get a list of nearby remodelers to contact. Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.  Also use resources such as BBB or your local Chamber of Commerce to find qualified remodelers.  Search for virtual showrooms too - houzz, pinterest,, and instagram are fantastic places to view previous work.
   
   
2. Discuss your project with a couple remodelers.
   Call a few remodelers from your list to discuss your project. Describe what you envision for the home remodel, styles you like, your estimated budget, and other ideas for the remodeling work. Ask the remodeler if they can provide background information on their expertise. They may have a website or brochure they can share that describes their experience and accomplishments.  It is essential to discuss all of your goals and wishes, set a realistic budget and discuss it in detail with your contractor.  They can often help your prioritize your wish list and point you in the right direction when making material selections.
   
   
3. Ask if the remodeler has general liability insurance.
   Be sure to ask some important questions about the remodeler’s business that will help ensure you hire the best professional. Does the remodeler have a license, if required in your state? Do they have general liability insurance in case of an accident on the job? Do they guarantee their work? How do they handle any problems that may arise on the project? Having these answers in advance will prevent future problems and nail down the best professional remodeler for the job.  Also, ask about workers comp insurance.  Many homeowners don't think about this, but it protects the homeowner from lawsuits if a worker gets injured on their property.  DO NOT overlook this - it is essential.
   
   
4. Check the references and background of the remodeler.
   After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references, and asking if they are a trade association member (such as NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated, and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.  Also, check for memberships in NKBA and NARI, in addition to being in a local Chamber of Commerce.  Contractors that spend the money and time on these memberships are often more qualified and perform a higher quality of work than those that don't participate in these organizations.
   
   
5. Don’t fall for the lowest bidder.
   Many people may be lured by the lowest price to their remodeling project, thinking that they have found a great deal. But beware of these alluring low prices. These bids may be more costly in the end if the contractor is cutting corners, not taking into account certain costs, or is inexperienced. Professional remodelers have stories about coming into homes to fix remodels from unscrupulous contractors who did shoddy work or failed to complete the job. Often times, the lowest price may not ultimately provide the best value for your home remodel.  True, true, true - cheap is usually not the best way to go when doing a home improvement project!!! Often you end up paying more later on to fix poor quality work.

Make the smartest investment in your home by hiring a professional remodeler. They’ll help you stay on budget, solve remodeling challenges, and provide a higher-quality service."

 

Cyndi

www.redcarpetconstruction.com

Kitchen Trends for 2013

In December we posted an article that we found about home improvement trends for 2013. The article focused on exterior issues such as roofs, windows and siding. Now we would like to share some current kitchen trends. These are materials and design ideas that we have seen our clients gravitating towards in the past several months and design trends that we will continue to see in the foreseeable future.

Cabinetry- More and more we are installing white wood cabinets with a dark java colored glaze. We have seen them in MDF and poplar and they are available in other wood species as well. They also come in many styles with varying details. This creates a timeless, classic feel and will be as beautiful in 15 years as it is today.

Countertops- Cambria is the next IT item in countertops. We are now installing this product more often than granite. They are eco-friendly, quartz countertops that come in many different styles and colors and blend with every design style. Durable and beautiful!

Backsplashes- The current trend is moving away from the linear glass, stone and metal mosaics that we have been seeing. More and more people are choosing tumbled marble. Sometimes in squares, some in the rectangular subway pattern and some with glass or other materials used as accent pieces. Tumbled marble has been around forever and isn't going to look dated anytime soon.

Flooring- Wood is in. Our customers are selecting wood over tile almost every time. We have seen pre-finished, site-finished, floating floors and many different species and stains. The wood look is very popular and not going anywhere. Many of our clients are having wood floors installed throughout the entire first floor for a seemless, flowing effect from room to room. A huge plus is not having to worry about dirty grout.

Appliances- the microwave drawer is the newest, fun appliance. It is so functional - freeing up counter space and not being placed over the stove where younger children can't reach. The drawer is convenient for everyone and can blend in any decor style.

Happy Planning!
Cyndi - www.redcarpetconstruction.com

What it means to be licensed and insured

What does it mean to be licensed and insured?  Any contractor you hire to work in your home should have a contractor’s license and carry insurance – both general liability and worker’s compensation.  This is intended to protect the homeowner, but most homeowners don’t recognize the true meaning and importance of being licensed and insured so we are going to explain it. 

In Illinois, only roofing contractors, electricians and plumbers are required to have a license.  A general contractor does not need to obtain a license or pass any exam.   However, having a license sets a contractor apart from those that don’t.  Generally if a contractor doesn’t make the effort to get a license there is a good chance that they won’t take the time to get insurance.  Possessing the correct licensing tells the homeowner that the contractor takes his work seriously and that he has the ability and knowledge to perform a quality job. 

Another essential aspect to think about when hiring a contractor is not only that they are insured, but the type of insurance that they carry.  Did you now that sometimes contractor’s advertise that they have insurance when in fact their work truck is all that is insured?  Having the proper insurance is a large expense, but a quality contractor will spend the money – it protects the homeowner.  The minimum amount of insurance a contractor should have is general liability.  Liability insurance protects the homeowner from property damage.  If there is damage done to the home due to the contractor’s negligence it will not be covered by homeowner’s insurance.  If you hire an electrician without liability insurance and a bad wiring job causes a house fire your homeowner’s insurance WILL NOT cover the damage, it is the contractor’s general liability insurance that would cover any damage to the home. 

There is also worker’s compensation insurance which is so important and many contractors don’t have this type of insurance because it is expensive and not required.  Workers compensation protects the homeowners from liability if a worker is injured in their home.  Did you know that if a worker is injured in your home and the contractor doesn’t have workers comp the homeowner could be held responsible for medical costs and lost wages?   If that happens, you better hope it is covered by your homeowner’s insurance or the out of pocket cost could be astronomical.

Whenever you hire a contractor you should ask to see a copy of a current license and certificates of insurance.  A good contractor will be happy to provide this information.  They have gone out of their way to insure your safety and as a professional they want to show their client’s that they have the skills and knowledge to perform high quality work. 

Cyndi - www.redcarpetconstruction.com

Keeping your pipes from bursting in this freezing cold weather

Not only is this bitter weather dangerous for people, but it can also cause problems in your home.  The most common cold weather problem in homes is frozen, bursting pipes.  Here is a great list of tips to prevent your pipes from bursting.  We would love to come work in your home, but only when you are ready - not because a broken pipe forced you into a renovation. 

http://www.ehow.com/how_7402720_prevent-pipes-during-freezing-weather.html

Cyndi - www.redcarpetconstruction.com

Start planning your 2013 home improvement project now

Yes, I know it is January, but it is time to start getting a jump start on those spring projects that you want to accomplish.  It can take weeks and sometimes months to get bids, get a contract put together and get on your contractors schedule.  In addition you will probably need 6-8 weeks to order cabinets and other construction materials.  Now is the time to start gathering ideas about what you want your new kitchen/bathroom/basement to look like.  Go buy a pocket folder and spend some time gathering photos of rooms/styles that you like.  It is really helpful to know your style once you start working with a contractor.  Visit design sites - houzz.com is one of our favorites.  They have thousands of photos to look through.  Your local bookstore and library can often be fantastic places to find samples too.  Here is a link to our web page that has out project idea book that we often give to customers to help them prioritize their goals in completing their home improvement project.  Please print it out and use it to help you get moving on your project.  Then call Scott to get going - 847-533-5369.

http://www.redcarpetconstruction.com/project_design.html

Cyndi - www.redcarpetconstruction.com