Seven Tips For Planning A Successful Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling can improve your kitchen's functionality as well as put your personal design stamp on a home. However, remodeling can create havoc if homeowners are not aware of some possible stumbling blocks. Here is how you can avoid costly mistakes on your kitchen remodeling project.

Know Why You Are Remodeling

Have a clear idea of your goals before you start. Are you planning to remodel for long-term living, trading your home up in a few years or do you just need a change? Two questions often asked are; "will this remodeling project increase the value of my home?" and "can I recover the costs?" Remodeling almost always increases value; people are reluctant to buy a home that has an outdated kitchen or bath. While payback of your project is an important consideration, it should be secondary to family needs, preferences and the enjoyment gained from living in a home that meets your lifestyle requirements. Remodeling the basement to give the kids more room to play might not yield the best financial return, but it may be the right project for your family. 

 Start With a Realistic Budget

While online research might get you in the ballpark, your best option is to sit down with your contractor and allow them to help create a budget. 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during a remodel is not being open and honest regarding your budget. 

The contractor and homeowners working together to establish a reasonable cost is essential. A true remodeling professional can provide insight into the costs associated with the project. They will also be able to suggest alternatives that might help create the desired design with lower costs. When you are planning your budget, leave at least 5% of the total budget for unforeseen problems or last minute changes that can occur during the remodel.

  

 Planning

Perhaps the biggest remodeling mistake made by homeowners is rushing into their remodeling project too quickly. Proper planning saves time, money and stress!  The planning stage is where your contractor and his/her team can assist you with designing your new kitchen. NAHB Remodelers Council suggests that homeowners develop an idea of what they want to do, and write a prioritized list of needs and wants. Look at magazines and websites and collect pictures of what you like. This will help you to more clearly envision the project and communicate your wants to your contractor. Think about traffic patterns, furniture placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space. Kitchen remodeling is complex and can entail interior design, space planning, electrical work, plumbing, tiling, and a number of other components. This is the time to work out as many details as possible, the more time you spend planning now will mean less time fixing problems that will arise later on in the project. 

Homeowners who have spent the most time on making the important decisions and planning with their contractor will get the best remodeling results.

Communication

A remodel project is something that is customized specifically for you and your lifestyle.  Your contractor cannot guarantee the best results without your input.  Think of the remodel process as a partnership between the homeowner, the contractor and his or her team, it is essential that everyone be in accord. The best of contractors cannot satisfy your needs without good communication.

If you notice a potential problem, do not assume that your contractor has it under control.  Construction mistakes happen all the time, even the most qualified contractors can make a mistake and it is the homeowner’s job to be aware of their remodeling project.  Do not be afraid of being a pest or asking a dumb question. If something is on your mind, you need to communicate with your contractor.  Set up specific times to do a walk through, where your contractor can explain the process and you can express your concerns.

Contractor Selection

We often hear from potential customers that they are getting three bids on their project to determine whom they are going to hire. While this approach is common, it is not necessarily the best approach to selecting your contractor.

We suggest that you evaluate the project based on a slightly different criterion in order to select the best fit for your project. We suggest that you interview contractors and select a contractor based on a “negotiated contract”. This will remove the assumption that the builder is focused solely cost of the bid. Not only does the negotiated contract process result in a more accurate estimate of cost, it is also far superior to the three-bid rule in matching the personalities of the client and the remodeler. The process also reveals the best match between a particular project and a contractor’s skills and experience. By first narrowing the field, and then by selecting one remodeling firm based on everything except the cost of the project, a homeowner can better ensure that the project will remain on budget and schedule. Both homeowner and contractor are now on track for a finished project that meets or exceeds expectations. Considering how closely contractors work with homeowners during a typical remodeling project, these criteria can be the best predictors of client satisfaction.

 

To Permit or Not To Permit 

When homeowners start a remodeling project, they are often far more focused on choosing fixtures or the type of granite to use on a kitchen counter-top than worrying about the building permit. That could be a huge mistake; a building permit ensures you meet local building codes and safety regulations. It is an absolute necessity if you are having major work done on your house, normally any project that makes a structural change to your home. Make sure your remodeling contractor has the right permits BEFORE work begins. A project that does not require a permit in one jurisdiction may need one in another.

In most Greater Des Moines municipalities, a building permit is required for exterior window, door, and skylight replacements, re-roofs, decks, garage or basement additions and interior remodeling. Des Moines does not require a permit for painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter-tops, and other similar finish work.

If you live within a historic district, a permit is often required to ensure any exterior changes to your home are in line with neighborhood guidelines.

 

Expect the Unexpected

When going into your remodel project expect the unexpected!  Often the contractor discovers a costly surprise during the construction process.  Even if you do your due diligence and bring in a contractor, architect, or inspector to examine your home some problems may remain hidden until you actually begin your project.  After opening up a wall, you could find dangerous electrical problems, structural damage, mold, termites, etc.  You will greatly reduce stress during the construction process if you prepare for the possible unexpected expenses that you may incur.   

A great contractor is aware of potential problem areas, will communicate with you immediately and offer solutions to get the project back on track as soon as possible. 

Once the installation process begins, which involves the demolition, framing, drywall and painting, it is going to get messy.  Be prepared to make peace with the fact that there will be dirt and dust even after the demolition process is finished.  A great contractor will do everything possible to minimize dust and debris, but expect the adjoining area to have some dust for the majority of the construction process.  In addition, do not expect a complete working kitchen until the project is finished.  You may be without running water and a sink for the majority of the install.  In some instances, it can help to set up a temporary kitchen and prepare meals in advance so that you do not have to eat out every day.

 

Number 1 Reason to Remodel: Simple Desire for New Amenities

According to remodelers who answered special questions on NAHB’s Remodeling Market Index (RMI) survey for the 1st quarter of 2014, a simple “desire for better/newer amenities” ranked as the number one reason customers choose to remodel their homes. On a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 indicates never or almost never, and 5 is very often), the average remodeler’s response was 4.3.

“Desire for better/newer amenities” edged out the second place “need to repair/replace old components” by one tenth of a point. These traditional market drivers were the only reasons to remodel with an average rating above 4.0. Another fairly traditional reason, “desire/need for more space” came in third at 3.7.
Reasons to remodel that are of special interest to particular stakeholders—like aging in place and energy efficiency—were further down the list, with average responses near the 3.0 center of the scale. Relatively low average ratings for increasing the home’s investment value or preparing it for a sale continue to support the idea that owners are more likely to remodel for themselves than for future owners. Getting a property ready for a distressed sale scored a particularly low 1.3 (very near the minimum possible 1.0).At the margin, of course, less common reasons to remodel can still fuel an increase in activity if they are on the rise. However, this is only the second time we’ve asked the “reasons to remodel” question on the RMI survey (the first being in the first quarter of 2012), and most of the answers on average changed very little in the intervening two years. Indeed, the average rating for 9 of the 12 categories changed by one tenth of a point or less.
One exception was an increase from 2.8 to 3.0 in the “desire to be able to age in place,” something many observers were probably expecting given the aging population. “Desire/need for more space” also increased two tenths of a point. “Desire for better/newer amenities” posted the largest gain, going from 4.0 to 4.3. A rise in remodeling projects motivated by desire for more space or better amenities is consistent with the general housing market recovery that many experts expect to continue.

Originally posted on Eye on Housing:

3 Hot spots For Aging In Place Design

3 Hot spots For Aging In Place Design

There are three areas of the average home that cause the biggest inconveniences in Aging in Place design and remodeling. The kitchen and bathroom areas are obvious, the third area is the entrance to the home. These areas need special attention for aging in place design whether you are building a new home, buying an existing home or remodeling.

Here we are walking up to the front door and the first entrance barrier hits us right away. Outdoor steps can be a fall waiting for the unwary, an annoyance for you as well as your visitors, especially when old man winter comes to stay. In Iowa, full basements are common which typically means that the first floor can be at least 18" above ground level.The standard way of dealing with this height offset is stairs up to your exterior doors.

 Building a new home, it's relatively easy to avoid the steps by taking advantage of natural slopes and/or landscaping to make at least one exterior door a ground level entry.  When remodeling and retrofitting, it can take a little more work to deal with the elevation, but there are good options. A wood, aluminum or concrete ramp is probably the most cost effective solution. You can also combine a ramp and deck for a more graceful solution. Depending on your lot restrictions you can also use landscaping to build up a berm of dirt and build a new walkway to the existing building. Another alternative is mechanical lifting equipment, which in a typical Iowa winter climate can be problematic to keep in running condition.

Some other things to be considered when planning your entrance would be:

• Door needs to be a minimum of 36" wide
• Porch floor, stoop, or landing, ideally, at the same level as the floor inside the home so there is no awkward step up or step down when entering the home.
•  Door locks should be easy to operate, consider keyless locks with a remote control or keypad. 
•  Lever-style door handles are much easier to open then round or oval door knobs.
• Adequate lighting both inside and outside the entrance. 
•   No raised threshold – much easier for strollers, wheelchairs, rolling luggage and reduces the risk of tripping. 
•  Roof, canopy, or awning to protect the entrance from rain and snow, especially when there isn't a raised threshold.   
•  When possible, landing space both outside and inside the entry, at least 5' x 5' for the outside landing. The outside landing should be offset on the handle side of the door to be out of the way of the door swing.
• A bench outside the door makes a great place to set things down while opening the door, setting down to take boots off or a place to rest before continuing. 

Other things to consider if for a friendlier entrance:

• Lighted doorbell
• Intercom system
• Large house numbers, easily visible from the street
• Power activated door for easy entrance 

The entrance is the first impression of your home, eliminate the barriers.

Guest Blog- Starting A Remodeling Project?

By Sharon Rooney Chair, PR Committee, Remodelers Council

Taking care of your home with maintenance and remodeling better insures the longevity, comfort and value of your most important personal investment. Homeowners often don't know where to start, even when it comes to choosing a remodeling project! Local remodelers will tell you that kitchens and baths are the most popular rooms to remodel, primarily because they get the most use, and are the most essential rooms in a home. In order to help you, the homeowner, make this important decision, we talked with members of the HBA of Greater Des Moines' Remodelers Council. Devan Kaufman of Kaufman Construction says, "Kitchens and baths are always your best investments, but another way to analyze investment potential is to look around your neighborhood and notice what things the nicer homes in your neighborhood have that yours doesn't. Bringing your home up to these standards will maximize its value. “Two questions I'm often asked," adds Barry Elings, owner of Remodeling Solutions by Elings, "will this remodeling project increase the value of my home and can I recover the costs?" Elings says that remodeling almost always increases the value because people are more reluctant to buy a home that hasn't been maintained or has an outdated kitchen or bath. "While payback value of your project is a consideration, it should be secondary to family needs, preferences and the enjoyment you will gain from living in a home that meets your lifestyle." Owner of Remodeling Contractors, Rollie Clarkson, echoes Elings remarks. "The cost vs. value ratio can be determined many ways, not always by a balance sheet. A more useful project, such as more room for kids to play-accomplished with a basement finish-may not yield the best financial return, but it may be the right project for your family. “The National Association of Homebuilders Remodelers Council suggests that homeowners develop an idea of what they want to do, and write a prioritized list of needs and wants. Look at magazines and websites and collect pictures of what you like. This will help you to more clearly envision the project and describe it on paper. Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space. If your decision to remodel involves creating better access for someone with limited mobility, you may want to consider contacting a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. Local council member Toby Tyler, owner of MarbleWorks, adds, "Along with the look, be sure to consider the ongoing maintenance when choosing the products that will go into your remodeled spaces. Envision yourself several years from now maintaining the item you are considering.

Top Five Remodeling Projects of 2013

May Is National Remodeling Month!

According to the calendar, spring is here!   Traditionally this is the time of year when those of us in the remodeling industry experience an increase in the number of calls from homeowners.  To honor that trend, the National Association of Home Builders designates May as National Home Remodeling Month.

Remodeling indicators are showing major growth for the future, for the first time in six years, the overall average cost-value ratio, for remodeling projects, has improved, reaching 60.6%. This is up 2.9 points over 2011–12. Harvard University’s Remodeling Futures Program LIRA  report— its Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity — “shows the pace of spending growth is accelerating from an 8.8% rise in the first quarter from the opening three months of 2013 ….to a 20.2% rise for the four quarters of this year vs. all of 2012.”

To celebrate National Remodeling Month and beyond, here are my Hottest Five predictions of what’s going to be heating up the remodeling front for the next year:

Kitchen Remodels

After being on the back burner, kitchen remodels will be making a comeback.  After keeping the heart of the home on life support the last few years, homeowners want to upgrade. Look for them to choose function and style over the huge restaurant style kitchens of the past.

Accessibility

      I know, we’ve heard this story before, but from personal experience I know that the baby boomers are still advancing. In the past, we have made remodeling changes in homes to accommodate the aging in place lifestyle because of necessity. I believe in the future taking accessibility concerns into consideration during the planning phase will become second nature.

Outdoor Living Spaces

A trend that began a few years ago will continue to have appeal. Homeowners are looking to expand their living area beyond the traditional four walls and beyond decks and patios. These spaces have the functionality of an indoor room and all the benefits of being outdoors. This may include better furnishings, fire pits, kitchen areas, even television and audio systems.

Green Remodeling

While green remodeling, as a whole, may not become mainstream, I think energy-efficient updating will continue to expand. Continuing advancements in technology and construction practices make window and door replacement, wall systems and insulation a wise investment for the homeowner.

Interest in sustainable products and materials will continue, mainly when it comes to the easier add-ons such as paints, countertops, lighting, and flooring

Basement Remodels

The Basement Remodel, man cave or not, is still the most cost effective way to add living space. With consumer confidence increasing and the cost versus value for basements being one of the gains for 2013, homeowners will again be looking downward to increase thief living space.

Does Green Remodeling Makes Sense?

Some of us might still remember the '70s version of the green movement. Fueled by an oil embargo, causing a moratorium on natural gas in new housing developments, builders were being forced to examine the meaning of energy efficient housing, many for the first time. I remember watching dome homes, hexagonal and berm homes rising up.  As homeowners struggled to lower utility bills, solar panels and metal pods sprouting from windows became more common. It was during this time spray foam insulation began being used in residential interior and exterior walls. Although this era passed rather quickly, it did forever change the way builders looked at a home’s thermal envelope.
Today’s green movement seems to have sprung more from resource conservation than energy conservation, appearing more sustainable than the 70’s cousin. Today, sustainable design looks more like the house next door than a science experiment gone wrong. Remodelers and the construction industry, as a whole, have become both target and coordinator to meet homeowners' increasing demands for green products and craftsmanship without breaking the budget. 

So How Big is Green Remodeling?

According to a NAHB Remodelers survey:

• 87% of remodelers already incorporate low-emissivity windows into their projects, 70% upgrade existing insulation and 60% install argon gas windows

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•  Over 80% of remodelers use alternatives to dimension lumber to minimize the amount of lumber taken from old-growth forests, such as recycling from previous structures and using engineered lumber

 

• 91% of remodelers use energy efficient windows and 86% install Energy Star® rated appliances.

• 70% of remodelers already incorporate recycled or recyclable materials into their projects.

•   72% of consumers report energy efficient features in a home would influence their purchase decision.

• 61% of consumers would spend more than $5,000 upfront to save on utility costs.

• The U.S. has about 125 million single family homes with the majority built before energy efficiency developments, suggesting a huge market for green remodeling

  

Why Remodelers?

Remodeling a home is the perfect opportunity to incorporate sustainable systems and practices. When working with an existing building, it typically takes fewer resources to make a home more environmentally friendly. Sustainability at its best, capitalizes on the energy and materials that have already been invested into making your house a home.

A holistic approach to green remodeling encompasses indoor air quality, energy conservation, resource conservation, reduced material waste, and the use of products that are best for the environment. Remodeling does not always involve the entire home, with green design, it is easy to pick and choose elements that fit each particular situation and homeowner.

We, as remodeling contractors tend to resist change. A good remodeler wants the best for their clients, during the remodeling process and for years to come. Taking chances on new technologies can carry considerable risk. Remodelers cannot afford to remain on the sidelines much longer; the sustainability movement has gained momentum.
Green remodeling, in its purest form, is about craftsmanship and sustainable building systems. That is where we, the remodeling industry can set ourselves apart

What We Do- Design

The services we provide for homeowners in the planning and construction phases of a job can seem overwhelming taken as a whole. In the next few blog posts I hope to break them into steps that will be easier to grasp.

You're ready for a Do It Yourself remodeling project but could use a little help getting started?

I can help guide you starting here.

Floor Plan

Design

Successful remodeling projects begin with good planning. Good design planning builds a solid foundation before the first load of lumber is delivered.

It is often difficult to envision the completed project. I can show you 3D renderings that can make it easier to see what the completed project might look like before you begin

Design planning can be as basic as project feasibility studies with sketches to as extensive as finished drawings and 3D renderings.

Drawings and 3D views help provide reality checks, accuracy and peace of mind before construction begins. This help ensures that your project will be on time, on budget and achieve the best possible result for you.

Overall 3d view

 During the design phase we will work together to determine your wants, needs and essentials to determine the final layout and ultimately choose the types, styles and colors of products used in your remodel. This planning and research will help you understand how your project will be constructed, what to expect during construction and most importantly at this point help you visualize the project before the remodeling even begins.

3d Kitchen Walk Through

With the preplanning, CAD generated floor plans and 3d walk through you can easily visualize and make changes before you even pick up a hammer, saving time and money would the hands on construction begins.   

Any Questions?

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Up next: Material Selection