Top 10 Steps to Prepare for a Remodel

The planning and researching phases of a project are the most critical steps in the remodeling process. The more knowledgeable and prepared you can be, the better. The team at Almar is always happy to help with questions and guide you throughout the process.

Here are some things you should do while preparing for your remodel:

Kitchen Remodel, Whitman Ma
  1. Research your project. Taking time to research projects will provide a good sense of what is involved such as price, scope of work, return on investment and new product/material options. Also, research property values in your neighborhood to make sure your project is in line with other homes in the area.

  2. Plan project around the long-term. How long do you plan to stay in your home? How might your family structure change over time? Life can change quickly—these questions should be answered early on to ensure your project will fit your lifestyle long after it’s complete.

  3. Set your budget. Deciding on a realistic budget and arranging finances to support your project are essential. This number needs to include everything—the project, products, contingencies, etc. Don’t be afraid to share this with your remodeler; professionals are respectful of a client’s budget and will create a plan around it, not over it.

    Remodeling Magazine Cost vs Value report is a good place to start your budget research. It has budget ranges based on our area, and depending on homeowner’s specific needs is often inline with what we are seeing for pricing.

  4. Use advanced search for professionals. The online world makes it easy to gather information about strangers. Ask friends, family and neighbors for referrals and then spend time researching that person online. Check social media to see how they interact with past clients and peers. And utilize the guide on the Eastern Mass NARI Website.

  5. Ask the right questions. Time and cost are important, but getting the right information requires the right questions. Ask your professional remodeler about their background, training, specialties, longevity. Ask about how the remodeling process will work.

    Questions to Ask

  6. Verify your remodeler. Don’t take their word for it. Check the information given to you such as references, license numbers, insurance information and certifications by calling providers to verify.

  7. Review the paperwork. Professional remodelers have done this before and know what should go in a contract. Pay attention to details about change orders, payment, additional fees, timeline and responsibilities. Understand what is in the scope of work. If it’s not in the contract, it doesn’t exist.

  8. Keep design in mind. Your design guides the entire project. Think about what you dislike about your current space and the intended use of the new space. Use Websites such as Pinterest.com and Houzz.com to gather design ideas. Make sure you can articulate specifically what you like about that design when talking to your designer. Professionals don’t recreate a photo—they incorporate accessibility, functionality, ease of modification, style and value into your design.

  9. Make your selections. Deciding on products and materials is a larger process than most imagine. With so many options to choose from, product selections are one of the primary reasons for project timelines to get extended. Base decisions on quality, function, price, style and availability. Include selections in the contract to lock down pricing and keep your budget intact.

  10. Create a communication plan. A common downfall in remodeling is lack of communication between homeowners and remodelers. Your remodeler should lay out a communication plan at the beginning of the project. If not, ask them to do so. This plan should clarify roles of everyone involved, communication methods, availability, and frequency of communication that is expected.

As a NARI member, Almar Building & Remodeling Co, Inc is proud of our affiliation and commitment to professionalism.  You can feel confident contacting our team to begin planning your dream remodel.

It is important to us that everyone works together to create the best possible experience. If you have questions about your home improvement project, please let us know. https://www.almarbuilding.com (781-826-2577) and watch our videos at http://www.youtube.com/almarbuilding.com

About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the medium for business development, a platform for advocacy and the principal source for industry intelligence. NARI connects homeowners with its professional members and provides tips and tricks so that the consumer has a positive remodeling experience. NARI is a nationwide network of nearly 6,000 member companies and their employees. Consumers may wish to search www.NARI.org to find a qualified NARI professional or call NARI National at (847) 298-9200.

Craig & Allison Guido, CS
Almar Building & Remodeling Co
Hanover Ma
Craig & Allison Guido, CS
Almar Building & Remodeling Co
Hanover Ma

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Almar Building & Remodeling Co (Hanover Ma). As a third-generation family owned and operated company for 60 years Almar Building has all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company. From Additions, Kitchens, Bathroom, Basement Renovations, Siding, Windows, to Doors Almar services the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, and many more towns. 

Craig Guido

With 20 years of remodeling experience both in the field and working in collaboration with homeowners to develop remodeling projects designed to fit your lifestyle.