Things to Consider When Choosing a Remodeler

Remodeling your home is an exciting time, but it can be a stressful one as well. In addition to making big decisions and embarking on major changes, you are going to be working closely with people who are responsible for turning that “dream home” you have in mind into a reality. When you are working with remodelers, it is important tostrike a balance between strongly articulating your vision with deferring to the remodeler’s expertise. The best way to strike that balance is to choose the right remodeler for the job, and we have a few recommendations to help you make the right decision.

Talk It Out

Open channels of communication should be established before the job begins—even before you make a decision on who to hire. Express yourself, and make clear your expectations, habits, concerns, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Ask yourself:

• Is this person listening to me, and responding to what I am saying rather than to what they think I am saying?

• Are they asking me good questions, questions that are clarifying my own vision for the project?

• Are they being mindful of my budget, and not making suggestions that are outside of my price point?

Make a List

Make a checklist yourself of points you want to discuss with a prospective remodeler, and check things off as you discuss your project. Examples of points you may want to discuss:

• Practical concerns: Talk to the remodeler about your everyday life in the space you are remodeling; if it is your kitchen, describe your cooking and entertaining habits, explain who uses the kitchen, the age of household residents and safety concerns (for older family members, or children), and what kind of improved or enhanced functions you want to see as a result of the remodeling project.

• Budget: We cannot stress enough the importance of laying out a clear budget in the beginning of a project. The flip side of that is to be wary of a remodeler who isn’t hearing you on budget—that could be a bad sign down the road.

• Timeline: One of the most practical—and urgent—issues that any homeowner is concerned about with any remodel is the question of “how long will this take”. While any project is subject to unforeseen circumstances that could extend the length of time a remodel takes, your remodeler should be able to talk about the anticipated pace of the project as well as help you troubleshoot potential problems.

You can find more great information for consumers on finding and choosing a remodeler on the Greater Houston Builders Association website, and of course the staff at Cabinets & Designs is always ready and willing to help—stop in and see us today to help you select the right remodeler for your project.