Posts Tagged ‘remodeler’

Painting Your Remodeling Project

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.

 

 

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Improving the Remodeling Estimate a Free E-booklet

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…)

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Tile Trends and Tips from an Insider

Friday, May 4th, 2012

Recently, the Design Build Pros met with Nanci McCarthy to discuss a few projects currently in design and development. We took the opportunity to ask her a few questions. Nanci, one of our favorite Trade Partners, is the Branch Manager for Best Tile. Best Tile has been providing tile material, accessories, and supplies to homeowners and trades people for 50 years. They have showroom locations from Vermont to North Carolina.

DBPros: What is the newest, hottest trend in tile?

Nanci: Gray is coming back! Although most still favor the warm beige tones, we’re finding more and more

Plank tile

people coming around to the “cool” side with the soft gray tones and larger format tiles. Plank tiles (6” x 24”) are also becoming a huge favorite with many for both walls and floors!

DBPros: What are your personal thoughts on different material such as glass, metal, stone?

Nanci: Personally, I love the mix of the elements and the depth that using these products can offer to a tile design.

DBPros: What common mistakes do homeowners and/or remodelers make regarding tile?

Nanci: “This tile is too big for the space” is a very common misconception made by both home owners and remodelers. The fact is “Large and Light” is the objective to make a seemingly small space appear bigger.

DBPros: What should we know or ask about tile decisions that most people don’t know or ask?

Nanci: Stone and grout maintenance seems to be one of the largest concerns and misconceptions people have in regards to tile usage. What is of the utmost importance for everyone is comfort and confidence that their stone and grout products will be relatively low maintenance. QSEAL, a fabulous product that I highly recommend, provides stain and chemical resistance for stone tile. Grout products themselves, such as Tec Power Grout, and additives like VanHearron Grout Once make the grout maintenance free. People should definitely not be afraid to use stone and/or light colored grouts these days!

If you would like a free 15-minute phone consultation regarding your next remodeling project contact the staff at Design Build Pros to schedule.

Nanci McCarthy works from the Keyport, New Jersey Best Tile showroom. If you live locally and tile is required for your next remodeling project, make certain to visit Nanci. Simply tell her that Jason or Neil Parsons referred you and she will apply our professional discount where applicable.

Click here for Nanci’s contact information.

 

 

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How Expensive is FREE in Home Remodeling?

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Other than advice, a remodeler should never give a homeowner anything for free. Doing so potentially lessens the value of all you do and opens the door for constant negotiations, and even worse, re-negotiations of established costs.

Please do not misunderstand. This should not be confused with the concept of “under promising and over delivering.” Let’s face the facts. There is no one that works for free. Each person and trade gets compensated for their efforts. This compensation is a part of your job costing and affects a project’s gross profit if not accounted for when calculating the client’s investment amount. (more…)

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