Almar Building and Remodeling has being helping families build and remodel their homes on the south shore for over 45 years

Tips on Making Your Remodeling Project Easier

START AT THE BEGINNING:

Write down all the ideas you have about your remodeling project. How would you improve your current space? What would you change? How could your space better meet your needs? Don’t concern yourself with the physical design. Design will come later. Just write down the problems you are trying to solve along with the ideas you have. Think about things like:

٠   Where does the house feel cramped when you entertain?
٠   What do you imagine your home looking like?
٠   Where do you need more space?
٠   How could you create more usable space?
٠   Does your current home fit your lifestyle?
٠   What needs updating? What kind of look would you like?
٠   What amenities do you need?
٠   What do you like about your current home?
٠ Are there spaces that could be used more efficiently?

Think about the possibilities. Consider the following…
* Deck or Screen porch              * Master bedroom suite
* Hot tub                                    * Gourmet kitchen
* Wine cellar                               * Home office
* Master bath                              * Recreation room

The more time you take to define your current problems and the dreams you have for your home, the happier you will be with your project. Professionals can help with the actual design once you have determined your needs.

PUT TOGETHER A BUDGET:

Putting together a realistic budget is the first and most important step. Determine a realistic number for your project with your contractor and then work within that budget. If this is done prior to the design process, you will be able to have a design drawn that is within your budget. You may also seek to determine the increased value remodeling will add to your home.

Need help determining your best financing options? Call Joel Sugarman
Rockland Trust Residential Loan Officer
2036 Washington St.
Hanover, Ma 02339
781-982-6765 (p)
617-686-9885 (c)
joel.sugarman@rocklandtrust.com

FIND A CONTRACTOR WHO CAN DO MORE THAN BUILD:

Even a small remodeling project is complex and involves many people. Your project could involve city officials, county inspectors, tradesmen, craftsmen and vendors, not to mention a bewildering array of materials, equipment and deliveries. Putting this all together in a timely manner takes solid project management skills.

Horror stories abound about contractors who took forever to finish a project because they were ‘good craftsmen’ but terrible project managers. At Almar Building & Remodeling, Inc. we take pride in providing you a team of professionals. We are committed to delivering strong project management to insure that your job will be done right – on time, on budget and with quality throughout.

TAKE THE TIME TO ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS UP FRONT:

Once preliminary plans and budgets have been established there is often a tendency to rush into the construction phase. This can actually slow down the process. Take the time to specify and get firm delivery dates on all items BEFORE you begin construction whenever possible. That way you will find out in advance if there is a long lead time on a particular item and a substitute can be incorporated into the design. At Almar Building & Remodeling, Inc., we take the time to plan and prepare so the actual work can be done quickly.

BE REALISTIC:

Remodeling can be stressful. Acknowledge that your project is a process and that it often gets messier before it gets better. At Almar Building & Remodeling, Inc., we strive to take as much stress out of your project as possible and to communicate with you through each stage.

HAVE FUN WITH THE PROCESS:

The whole idea of your project is to improve your living space and your lifestyle. Having a positive attitude and maintaining enthusiasm for your project will make the process run smoother. Keep visualizing your finished project throughout the process – this helps to keep the focus on having fun with it and knowing it will come to an end.

10 Steps to Stress-Free Remodeling

EDUCATE YOURSELF:

Start by looking for pictures of things you’d like to see in your home. Make a list of all your ideas prior to contacting a remodeling contractor. Take the time before the process begins to learn all you can about remodeling and the products you can use to improve your home.

MEET WITH REMODELING CONTRACTOR:

Go over project ideas and options with your contractor. The goal of this meeting is to discover all the project possibilities and then reach an agreement as to what the estimate will include. During this stage ask questions, get referrals and begin building a relationship with your contractor.

PREPARE PLANS AND SPECS:

If you are working with Almar and our Design Build process you'll be meeting with our design team to create a conceptual idea of your project. This will be your chance to go over plans and specs to make sure nothing is missed.

RECEIVE THE FINAL PROPOSAL:

Review the scope of work. Let Almar know about any selections you have made that have not been included. Be sure to get all your questions answered before signing the contract.

SIGN THE CONTRACT:

Carefully review the contract documents and make adjustments where necessary.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING:

This meeting takes place prior to the project start (on large scale projects). The salesman, project manager and homeowner meet to go over all the project details. This meeting guarantees that all team members are on the same page. Communication is extremely important during this phase. This is also a good time to let Almar know what selections you have made that you haven't given them yet.

GET READY FOR JOB START:

Here it goes! Remember that with remodeling it often gets worse before it gets better. Continually visualize the end result.

KEEP UP ONGOING PROJECT COMMUNICATION:

Communicate changes and problems immediately. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Along with meetings with the production manager and regular phone calls Almar uses e-mails to fill in the gaps and notify you about updates and notes about what to expect next.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE PUNCH LIST:

A final walk through with the contractor at the end of the project will guarantee 100 percent satisfaction with the project. This meeting is designed for pointing out all the items still needing attention.

YOU’RE READY FOR JOB COMPLETION AND WARRANTY

Once punch list items are complete and the final payment is made, you can enjoy your new space. Almar will put together a complete Warranty and Care and Cleaning kit for you, so you have all your project information together in one place.

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Almar Building & Remodeling

1130 Washington St. Suite #3

Hanover, Ma 02339

Phone: 781-826-2577 Fax: 781-826-2578

Almar@almarbuilding.com