Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring A General Contractor

Before remodeling your home, it’s important to understand who you’re working with. The best way to get to know the right contractor is by asking the right questions. At the end of the day, you may choose the professional with the most experience, but it is still crucial to gather as much information as you need to decide the best fit for you and your project.

#1 How long have you been in business?

Knowing how long a company has been in business can provide perspective as to how much experience the contractor has or if they need to continue to grow further. Some contractors however, have practiced technical or honed skills prior to entering a business. These qualities can be helpful in determining the type of contractor you feel most comfortable entrusting with your project’s needs. RemodelWerks CEO, Joe Kupstas has over 28 years of experience in the business. RemodelWerks launched its award-winning business in 2012.

#2 Are you a licensed contractor?

License certification requirements vary depending on the city, state, or even country in which you live. Asking about your potential contractors credentials ensures they have gone through all the necessary avenues to be certified in your region. Their license number also allows you as a homeowner to see if they have any previous information relating to their work including a history of claims.

#3 How many similar projects have you done before?

Just because a contractor is certified in the area of expertise for which you are in need of, does not mean they are the best professional for the job. By inquiring about similar projects, you can develop a sense of whether or not the contractor is highly qualified enough for your scope of work. 

#4 What does your work procedure from beginning to end of the day look like?

When the contractor or any subcontractors begin work is a useful question to have answered for the sake of knowing if and how long workers will be at your house during your congruent work day. In terms of procedures, having an idea of their process, anticipated storage for tools, and what their clean-up consists of at the end of each day allows you to envision what to expect during construction. 

#5 Is there a warranty on services/products?

A majority of contractors have a form of warranty on their work or products like a manufacturer’s guarantee. Knowing what the warranties are exactly and how long they extend can give you peace of mind if something needs replacement or repair.  RemodelWerks has a superior 5-Year Warranty.

#6 What’s the best way to get in touch with you?

Getting a contractor’s business information including a phone number, cell or business, and a business address is one of the most important details to obtain when interviewing or hiring a contractor. Asking what method of communication is preferred, the best times to contact him,  and when you should expect a response is crucial to maintaining an open and effective line of communication. 

For more of your remodeling questions answered, be sure to read our bi-weekly blogs, and don’t forget to follow our pages on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Ready to start your project? Contact us today.

What You Need To Know Before Taking On a Kitchen or Bath Remodel

Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in the house. Whether savoring your home for a while longer or selling your home in the near future, remodeling these two rooms drive costs up. Cost of your home that is. 

Remodeling is always an exciting feat when your design comes to life, but what about all the time, work, and waiting that lie in between the start of the project and the finished result? Well, that’s what we’re here to shed light upon. 

Finding Alternatives 

For both kitchen and bathroom remodels, the client has to make sacrifices during the duration of the remodel that apply seldom to other areas of the home. When renovating the kitchen, be prepared to set up camp for prep and meals elsewhere in the house or be open to dining out. 

As for the bathroom, depending on how many baths the home has, you may be safe. If you’re renovating your only full bath, however, finding an alternative place to shower is one mission in store. 

Putting Costs Into Perspective

In terms of cost, the national average of remodeling the kitchen and bathroom are $40,000 and $20,000 respectively. These costs do not reflect changing the layout of either space, and for some homeowners, changing the layout is necessary to increase the room’s efficiency and functionality.  

A good rule of thumb is to spend between 5%-10% of your home’s current value on a bathroom remodel. Guest baths fall on the lower end of the range while investing in a master should be around if not at the top end of the cap.

When determining the cost of either space, rerouting plumbing or electrical can quickly increase the budget but can be worth the extra investment for greater practicality.  

Where to Splurge in the Bathroom

Making final selections for the bathroom can be difficult, but with some guidance, you can be and stay on the right track. Choices worth an additional expense include dual vanities and heated flooring in the master or any additional storage opportunities in either bath. 

In terms of finishes, avoid natural stones for countertops or shower tile, for they can easily fall out of budget. Natural stones require more maintenance than less expensive porcelain, however, can be used within a niche if absolutely desired.    

Where to Splurge in the Kitchen

Getting the most out of your kitchen is a must when investing in a redesign. The best way to determine where to splurge in the kitchen is to evaluate how the kitchen should function for the family. Tailoring choices to your lifestyle will greatly benefit the ease and efficiency of the space. 

Overall, investing in cabinetry can be universally recommended. Bringing cabinets up to the ceiling grants additional storage and the illusion of a taller space. Choosing a quartz or granite countertop can also be beneficial in withstanding time and toughness.    

The most important piece of advice for any homeowner looking to invest in a kitchen or bath remodel is to personalize your space. If the investment is for resale purposes within a 1-2 year time span, personal preferences may find their way onto the back burner, but are crucial for homeowners seeking to stay.

With a little research of local contractors and some time perfecting your design, you’re sure to have a home you’ll love for rest or resale. Want to learn more about the design/build space? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Luxurious Bathroom/Closet Remodel

We can’t stop raving about our latest luxurious remodel on social media. We love it so much we decided it deserves a blog of it’s own. This project was two-fold, renovating both the master closet and bath.    

Our clients dreamed of a space with plenty of storage, including that of a make-up station. Their closet and vanity were both customized to suit their style and needs.

Where only a storage rack existed before, we added additional drawers and shelves to store handbags, shoes, and clothes.

The ample storage even continues in the master bath. With an inset double vanity and marble countertop, our clients space screams luxury. The alternating sconce and mirror combination creates a well-deserved symmetry and serenity.   

In keeping with the essence of serenity, we can’t forget about the master shower. Equipped with three shower heads including a rain shower, a bench seat, and a skylight, this space is every client’s dream.

We are so glad to have given our clients a space that they now love to live in. 

Looking to remodel your space? Check out our social media pages, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, for some inspiration. Be sure to contact us when you are ready!

5 Design/Build Companies To Follow on Instagram

Looking for future remodeling ideas or new accounts to follow? We took a page out of Emily’s Interiors book and are sharing our favorite design build companies Instagram pages!

Dive into the world of design build with these five accounts!

1. @Greystreetdesignllc

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Grey Street Design, LLC customizes and creates spaces that fit their clients style and function. With an attention to detail and good design, their remodels make clients feel right at home. Featuring unique takes on “his” and “hers” kitchens, Grey Street Design engages all members in an exciting design journey. We can’t wait to see where their American Classic home renovation journey will take them!

2. @Bellweatherllc

With over 25 years of dedication to the industry, Bellweather Design-Build is certainly a prevailing force in the Philadelphia area. Designing and producing kitchens galore, their feed is nothing short of refreshing. As an Instagram follower, you feel like part of the experience from start to finish. Learning about team members, staying informed with design selections, seeing renderings, and awaiting the photos of the final reveal, keeps you on your toes the whole time.

3. @Bentonhomebuildersstl

From exterior revamps to interior renovations, Benton Homebuilders offers new construction services that brighten and beautify the space you live. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Benton Homebuilders work alongside clients to design the floor plan and finishes that fit the homeowners. There is always something new to look at among their feed and could have us scrolling for days.

4. @Harthbuilders

We can’t ignore the rich wood tones in Harth Builders feed. At first glance, the designs are so lively, and upon second glance of the before picture, the after shot remains that much more stunning. Their commitment to quality and cleanliness is showcased in each one of their projects. Every bathroom, bedroom, and new build is brought to life with the help of Harth Builders. 

5. @meltondesignbuild

Clean lines and close ups describe the feed of Melton Design Build. Their projects showcase everything from modern designs to bright whites and pops of color. Having been the first remodeling firm in Boulder, Colorado to earn the Building Analyst Professional Certification, Melton Design Build displays levels of sophistication and dedication to their clients satisfaction. Their attention to detail and passion for their craft certainly can’t be denied.    

Keep an eye on our social media feeds as we continue to share company updates, finished products and more of our favorite industry follows! We are on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Small Remodeling Projects With Big Value

Want to invest in your home for greater resale value down the road? What appeals to buyers varies depending on location, but we made a list of small remodeling projects every home can benefit from when it comes time to sell.

Updating the Kitchen

When it comes to renovating the heart of the home, it’s important to keep cohesion between the kitchen and the rest of the spaces. For starters, a fresh, modern coat of paint can instantly transform a room.

Updating or replacing cabinetry is also a sure way to increase the value of your home. Small projects include replacing hardware, restaining cabinets, adding a backsplash, or switching to energy efficient appliances. In terms of the added benefits of energy efficient appliances, they not only help you save money while you live in the home, but they will save potential buyers money when they move in. 

Making minor adjustments in your kitchen has up to 82.7% return on investment depending on quality and consistency.

Room Conversions

Any unfinished rooms or wasted space in the home are opportunities to repurpose before resale. Converting an attic into a bedroom or finishing the basement may be on the larger end of small remodeling projects, but they can yield 84% return on investment.  

Before taking on a room conversion, consider the new function or purpose of the space. An attic could serve as a bedroom or playroom, whereas a basement can function as a second living room, a game room, or even a rental space. Tailoring the room to the type of buyers you want to attract is an easy way to remodel with purpose and ensure future money in your pocket.

Bathroom Remodeling

Much like the kitchen, updating the aesthetics of the bathroom can increase appeal to today’s home buyers. Low cost improvements such as replacing bathroom plumbing fixtures and tile can take your bathroom to the next level along with addressing any damages before listing.    

For properties with only one bath, adding a second can recoup as much as 130% of your investment depending on the size and styling. The best advice for creating a second bath is to re-purpose an already existing room instead of building a new bathroom addition. 

Final Touches

Maintaining the safety and integrity of your home is an important feature for homebuyers. Making sure there is care put into the home whether from a quick exterior paint refresh or tackling any small interior projects will help you get the most for your home when it comes time to sell.

Stay tuned for what to expect during remodels and how to handle mistakes before they become costly. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for upcoming projects and all of your remodeling needs.

Remodeling Before The Holidays

Preparing for the holiday season means preparing the house for feasts, guests, and endless amounts of decor. Truth be told, who doesn’t want to show off their house during the holidays, especially after a long overdue remodel? Remodeling before the holidays may sound scary, but it’s actually one of the best times to take on a project, and here’s why!

First Impressions

You may have previously hosted your family and friends for the holidays, so their first impression has already been made, but what about their second first impression? Imagine guests entering into your brand new foyer, completely unaware of your upgrade until they walk through the front door. They’re impressed! Renovating your front entryway is the best way to welcome guests into your home. It’s the first impression that they make of your space, so why not make it a good one!

Kick start The Kitchen

You’ve already kicked off your shoes in your brand new foyer and are off to a solid start. In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, show your kitchen some love too. You can renovate your kitchen all at once or a little bit at a time, taking the pressure away from a rushed remodel.

While working up to a whole new upgrade, a great way to get started is by replacing appliances. A builder can help design your kitchen before any major purchases, as to predict what appliances will fit. With a new kitchen comes new or newly-painted cabinets! No matter how small or large, kitchen renovations can transform your home for the holidays and more to come.

More People, More Powder Rooms

It’s inevitable that when you host for the holidays, you host for the whole family. Don’t let space be a struggle. Add a new powder room or update your existing one to be more accommodating for an excess amount of guests. Even when your guests leave, you have an additional space for current use and a return on investment for future prospects!  

Little Demolition, Big Impact

We all know that sightlines can be important in a home, especially when you are entertaining or have little ones running around. With a little demolition, walls come down, and your space opens up, creating an ease of access between rooms. You’ll no longer miss out on conversations while cooking once your open concept space takes shape.

The holidays are a time for friends, family, food, and fantastic homes. So what are you waiting for? Pick your project today, and give us a call! We can’t wait to transform your home for the holidays!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for our latest projects and postings.   

MASTERING A MAJOR REMODEL

Whether renovating an ensuite bath, a kitchen, or the whole home, we’re here to help you master your remodel. From quick tips on how to spend your down time, to advice on living amid each project, by the end of this read, you’ll know exactly how to master a major remodel.

Find The Right Professional:

Before accidentally knocking down a load bearing wall yourself, connect with a trusted professional that understands your needs and provides consistent, superior customer service. Ask yourself, does the company go above and beyond to ensure the experience you deserve? With our team of designers, we digitally render a space in both existing and proposed conditions for our clients to visualize their space before the start of construction. With our process, we make the remodeling experience a breeze and even provide a five-year guarantee on all of our work. No matter the company you choose, make sure it’s a company you can trust throughout your project.

Next Steps – Prepping For Your Remodel:

After finding the right professional for you, don’t be afraid to be proactive and ask questions. When undergoing a renovation, preparation is everything. Before lifting a finger, or rather a hammer, make sure to confirm your design plans and selections to avoid any surprises. There’s no better time to double-check finishes or furnishings that are staying put than before construction begins. As soon as your design is confirmed, you’re ready to roll.

Almost There – Conquer Living With Construction:

With all remodels, there’s always an adjustment period. You’ll need to be ready to optimize the function of the spaces you have to accommodate the spaces that are under construction. This means leveraging half baths and showering at the gym – or leveraging a full bath if available. As for kitchen renovations, find a temporary outlet for a microwave and remember all good things take time. In the end, all your preparations and minor adjustments will be worth the wait of your brand-new renovated space.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy

The best part of undergoing a remodel is looking back to see how far your space has come. So take pictures, embrace the process, and indulge in your new home. You can finally sit back and relax because you will have mastered your remodel.

Continue to follow us here for more insight on how to successfully remodel your home. Also, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for tons of before and after pictures, tips and tricks, and more.

How to Know You Chose the Right Remodeling Company

Whether it be a bathroom, kitchen, or basement remodel, any home alteration is a huge undertaking. Partnering with a remodeling company is a smart choice, but how do you know the partner you chose is right for you? Here are a few signs that will assure you that you’ve made the right decision and that the remodeling process is about to be a dream come true.

Creative & Thorough

From the start, the remodeling company you have chosen should be offering you a customized experience tailored to your style and budget. The company should provide you with options as well as suggestions that match your needs. Most importantly the company should be up front about their process so that there are no surprises towards the project’s completion.

Extensive Experience

The company you have chosen should have a wide variety of experience when it comes to all aspects of Interior and Exterior Remodeling and Custom Building. A bonus: they have the awards to prove they are outstanding at what they do.

Superior Customer Service

The team you have chosen should be not only respectful but attentive. If they are the right company, they will keep you updated throughout the entire process. You will feel at ease knowing your home is in good hands. Your satisfaction is what should matter most to the company. Do they have good customer reviews? Let those speak for themselves!

Warranty or Leave

Make sure the company you have chosen is offering you a warranty. The company’s involvement shouldn’t end when they complete the job. If it’s a great company, they will stay in touch and follow up on their work for years to come.

PS: Don’t Let Price Be a Deciding Factor

Basing your decision on finding the cheapest company is one of the biggest mistakes’ customers make. The cheapest company usually won’t provide the highest quality workmanship or an enjoyable experience. In fact, the best way to price a remodel is to set your budget first and then plan your remodel based on that.

Does the company you’ve chosen check all these boxes? If yes, then you are in good shape! If not, check out RemodelWerks. RemodelWerks is a full-service Kitchen & Bath, Addition, Basement, Custom Remodeling, and Whole House Design Build Remodeling Firm servicing Shrewsbury East Massachusetts into Boston. We are a fully licensed and insured team of remodeling specialist using 3D Design Technology. Contact us for your next project today.

How to Build a Kid-Friendly Bathroom

Does your bathroom not work well for your kids? Do you find yourself worried about the kids not being able to get what they need while keeping them away from what they don’t? You may find that your bathroom needs a remodel in order to make it work for the entire family. Here are some ways to make sure that you build a kid-friendly bathroom.

Kid Safety

The major concern with making a bathroom kid-friendly is safety. Keep potentially toxic items, dangerous appliances and wall outlets out of reach on purpose. Those they can reach you should use outlet covers or child safety locks. Cabinets with items you don’t want them getting to should also be out of reach and equipped also with child safety locks.

In the tub and shower, you should consider safety tiles or a textured safety mat to prevent slipping. This isn’t just good for kids, but it’s especially important to make sure that kids are safe in a potentially slippery spot. It helps that these safety features come in fun designs that kids will
enjoy, but also can match just about any bathroom decor.

Also, having handles or grips in the bath or shower is another good safety feature, one that many newer bathrooms already include for universal design reasons. You may even consider grips on the wall near the sink and toilet for additional safety.

Convenience for Kids

Bathrooms usually are designed with adults in mind, leaving kids to have to reach for what they might need. One easy way to make your bathroom kid friendly is to get a hideaway stool. This way the kids have it when they need it, but it can be out of the way the rest of the time. Towels and bath needs for the kids should always be in easy reach. A good solution is to build a cabinet just for their stuff, easy to access for them and eliminating the need to have them need to access anywhere else. This way you know that the kids always have their shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other hygienic needs.

Reaching the faucet can also be an issue in the bathroom for kids. You may consider installing a faucet extender on any sinks to solve that issue. Also, as hard, metal surfaces can be unsafe, you may also consider installing spout protectors on the shower and tub. Depending on your faucet, some faucet extenders can double as spout protectors. So in some cases, you may be able to solve both issues with just one installation.

Adding Fun to the Bathroom

There are plenty of creative ways to create more fun in the bathroom for kids. You may consider purchasing a toy net or build a built-in cabinet for children’s bath toys. Built-in caddies in vinyl or tile are another creative solution for storage. Also, just having a fun, bright decor can make trips to the bathroom much more fun, especially if it’s a bathroom primarily used by just the kids.

Breaking Ground in Your Remodel Project Before Winter

 

Wintertime doesn’t have to ruin your remodel project. However, there are some steps you should take when you’re close to winter and in the process of a rehab. Breaking ground before the cold weather hits is essential. Doing so helps avoid costly delays and issues further along in the process. The hardest part about remodeling in the winter is getting the ground to cooperate. There are actually many reasons why it’s important to get started well in advance of those colder months.

Cold Ground is Difficult for Several Reasons

Digging is possible in colder weather, but of course, it will be much easier when the ground is not solid or covered in snow or ice. While digging may be possible, some other things may not work well in the colder weather and require waiting for the ground to become softer. Freezing temperatures can also create other problems, such as with concrete. It will not set properly below specific temperatures. Plumbing is another problem area when it comes to cold weather, as pipes can freeze and break. Anything related to water should be handled above freezing temperatures.

Stay Closer to Budget

Untimely delays and unexpected issues can sometimes eat into the budget. Breaking ground before winter can help avoid some of this. Help things stay on track by getting ahead of the colder weather and communicating openly with your contractor about all concerns and changes as quickly as possible. If you simply must do the remodel during the winter months, have your contractor complete the major outdoor and plumbing work done before the cold hits. Your contractor may need to put some things on hold if the work is started too late. Also, some things that are possible during cold weather may be more costly, due to the extra efforts required.

Certain Aspects May Be Put on Hold if You Wait

By hiring your licensed contractor to break ground before the colder months, you’ll avoid costly or inconvenient delays. Some things may need to be put on hold if it’s especially cold. For instance, it’s not a good idea to pour concrete when temperatures are below freezing point. If you have a bigger project, it’s wise to first take care of anything that requires working on areas that are exposed to elements. In most instances, these things would likely be first anyhow. However, if the contractor is not hired in time to complete them before cold weather, this is where the delays can come in.

Finish Faster Before Winter

One benefit to breaking ground before winter is the possibility of getting a project finished more quickly. When you aren’t worried about the weather, things are able to move along much faster. This isn’t to say things will always be perfect when it isn’t winter, as unexpected things are possible in any remodeling project. This could be due to unexpected discoveries, changes in materials or design, and more. However, avoiding cold weather can certainly eliminate a large variety of issues from the equation.