Archive for the ‘Tips for Selecting a Remodeler’ Category
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013
Franca and Jason discuss remodeling in the Design Build Pros booth
Home shows are a fantastic venue for homeowners to see items for their home, get ideas, and meet the people and contractors that provide home improvement products and services. In today’s virtual world many lose sight of the fact that we do business with people and not websites. A personal touch may not be important when purchasing copy paper or an automobile part, but a home renovation or modification affects much more than the sticks and bricks of the structure. Whether the project takes one day or one month or more, the procedure affects the whole family (including pets) and will have a lasting impact. (more…)
Tags:bathrooms, Best Tile, design, Design Build Pros, Franca Giuliani, home improvements, home show, Jason Parsons, kitchens, Neil Parsons, remodeling, solar panels
Posted in Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, November 6th, 2012
In the aftermath of destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, the Design Build Pros can help you with repairs, remodels, rebuilds, and new home construction. We have project designers and estimators on staff plus we offer full design build and architectural services.
There is money and assistance available for the basics plus more as you can see in this article. The grants are through FEMA. The SBA is offering direct loans up to $200,000 for additional work requested. these loans have interest rates as low as 1.7% and repayment terms up to 30 years.
http://www.app.com/viewart/20121102/NJBIZ/311020061/how-to-fema
The Design Build Pros will also assist with the insurance and financial aspects.
Contact the Design Build Pros today to discuss your home’s situation and how we may help.
Tags:Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, FEMA, homeowners insurance, hurricane sandy, insurance estimates, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, storm damage
Posted in Architecture, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, October 31st, 2012
Although there are many people and companies available to help homeowners begin to repair or rebuild their damaged homes, there are unfortunately as many, if not more, out there looking to take advantage of homeowners in need. Before you hire someone to work on your home, be sure to check their credentials first, even though you may be tempted to hire the first person that knocks on your door.
The first thing you should do is document all your damage using still pictures and video. It is best to have the most accurate depiction of the damage, so taking detailed notes will help as well. Next, contact your insurance company or broker. Understand what your policy covers, what your deductible is, and what the next steps towards repair should be.
(more…)
Tags:atlantic county, build, cape may county, design, Design Build Pros, FEMA, flood, home repair, homeowners insurance, hurricane sandy, Jason Parsons, jersey shore, Monmouth County, Neil Parsons, ocean county, remodeling, water damage
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Wednesday, October 24th, 2012
“Remodeling” is a very general and broad term. It can describe the replacement of a few windows to a 
room addition or whole-house renovation. Presently, the Design Build Pros have one project in progress that is less than $20,000 and another one that is over $1,000,000. There are many decisions that need to be considered up front by a homeowner before the remodeling work can begin. Among them is whether to tackle the entire wish list of projects as one large undertaking or divide and address smaller components one at a time.
Doing a larger home improvement projects in stages is often referred to as phased remodeling. The advantages to having the remodeling done in phases include a smaller financial outlay, the home is typically more livable during smaller construction, and the ability to see the big plan unfold and make new or different decisions between phases. Disadvantages include added overall expense, longer total time under construction, and possible re-working of already completed areas. (more…)
Tags:Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, home improvement, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, phased remodeling, room addition
Posted in Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
Recently, the Design Build Pros have engaged in discussions with both remodeling professionals and homeowners regarding pricing projects by the “square foot.” Over the years many have asked “How much do you charge per square foot?” In remodeling, this is typically asked about home additions. Homeowners believe that the answer creates a platform to compare remodelers and their estimates. However, this general question would be like asking a automobile dealership, “How much is a car per pound?”
When estimating the cost of a room addition the first level of distinction is what type of room is it? One should not expect a family room addition to have the same square footage cost as a kitchen addition. These two additions may be the exact same size, but the components and work involved in each is vastly different, therefore a square foot price comparison cannot be made. (more…)
Tags:bathroom, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, family room addition, Jason Parsons, Kitchen, Neil Parsons, remodeling estimate, square foot remodeling price
Posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, September 18th, 2012
Interior painting is one construction task that a large majority of homeowners are able do themselves. That doesn’t mean that they should, or even want to undertake the painting portion. The quality of the paint and painting can have a great impact on the overall appearance of the project. These considerations can create a dilemma. Since homeowners feel they can perform the painting, they typically do not value the cost from a professional painter like they do for the plumber, electrician, tiler installer…etc. Not only is there a pricing concern, homeowners tend to be very critical in their judgment of the quality of the painting. Because of this, many remodelers choose to not include painting as a part of their project and estimate.
The photo above is of a design build remodeling project in Georgia from AK Complete Home Renovations.
This now poses a new potential issue. The Design Build Pros will often warn offers to be leery of remodelers that choose not to offer paint as a part or at least an option for their projects. The finished wall painting can often display a lesser quality tape and spackling work on the wall board. This opens the door for the painter blaming the contractor and the contractor blaming the painter. The result is a headache for the homeowner to accompany a project that does not look as good as they envisioned.
The moral of the story: always give careful consideration to the interior painting portion of any remodeling project or addition regarding quality, pricing, and accountability. If you have questions about this or any other aspect of a project or a remodeling industry topic simply schedule a 15-minute free phone consultation with the Design Build Pros.
Tags:AK Complete Home Renovations, AK Renovations, Benjamin Moore Paint, ceramic tiler, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, electricial, Georgia design build remodeling, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, painting, plumber, remodeler, tape and spackle, wall board
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Sunday, September 9th, 2012
When it comes to home remodeling projects how is “value” defined? First we must start with what is valuable or important to the individual family. In the opinion of the Design Build Pros, this trumps all other factors including resale value, equity, the neighborhood demographic. That is why we always start each initial meeting with a series of Project Profile questions that have nothing to do with construction. Topics include kids, pets, school, careers, travel…etc. The pros and cons of “moving versus improving” are also discussed up front. Then the other factors and actual construction are considered.
Planning and buying a home improvement project is often a unique, first time purchase for a homeowner. Often, they have no history or buying experience to rely upon regarding decision making. People are more likely to purchase more homes in their lifetime than major design build remodeling projects such as additions, add-a-levels, bedroom suites, full kitchen and bathroom renovations. Magazines, the internet, and home improvement television shows fuel the ideas and fantasies of what people want for their home. Daily life provides the ideas of what they need. Now, how does one obtain these wants and needs with value and as a prudent investment? (more…)
Tags:203K loan, add-a-level, addition, architect, bathroom, bedroom suite, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, financial planner, home value, Jason Parsons, Kitchen, move vs improve, Neil Parsons, project designer, resale value, return on investment
Posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | No Comments »
Monday, September 3rd, 2012
Homeowners and remodelers alike have found the downloadable, free e-booklet “Improving the Remodeling Estimate” quite informative and valuable. This Design Build Pros seven-page special report describes the ideal process for the initial remodeler-homeowner meeting from the perspective of each party in order to help make the experience mutually beneficial and productive. This paves the way to save time and money with the Design Build Pros unique process. 
There are no industry rules or guidelines as how the design build remodeling process should go or even begin. The information compiled in this report is based upon actual experiences and interactions with homeowners by the Design Build Pros and their associates. Applying these principles and methods speeds up the process, avoids wasted time and frustration, and opens the door for clear transparency and great communication. (more…)
Tags:addition, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, home improvement, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, remodeler, remodeling estimate
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Thursday, August 16th, 2012
Major home remodeling is in full swing. Home values are on the rise, interest rates remain low, and lending institutions have several options to make your dream project a reality. When choosing a remodeler to build your dream, you will discuss many aspects about the project and the company. However, the items that are seldom discussed can be the most important, affecting not only your remodeling experience, but the outcome of the project. Here is a small list that should be openly discussed. (more…)
Tags:addition, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, dust protection, electric to code, interior design, Jason Parsons, landscaping, Mark of Excellence Remodeling, Monmouth county remodeling, Neil Parsons, Zip Wall
Posted in Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | 1 Comment »
Thursday, June 7th, 2012
It is fairly common knowledge that a major home renovation project will have an impact on the family as well as the dwelling. Therefore, any professional remodeler should have a plan to accommodate and make the process as pleasant as reasonably possible. Remodelers and homeowners should always remember the pets, too! Most of us that have pets consider them “family” also. The project will undoubtedly affect their lifestyle and routine as well.
Slugger and Buddy
Here are a few things to consider regarding the pets. Do they have to stay closed in a room or a secured area so they don’t run away? Are they aggressive toward strangers that will be coming in and out of the house? How are they affected by loud noise and much commotion? Should they be boarded somewhere else for the project’s duration?
Hopefully your next remodeling project will turn out great and the experience will be pleasant for the entire family. Whether it is before or after the remodeling project, many pets believe they are the king or queen of the castle!
Here are some photos from Houzz.com that illustrate some pets’ self-proclaimed royalty.
Tags:Design Build Remodeling, pets and remodeling, renovation project
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