Improving on Home Improvement
When we tackle a home improvement project, how do we know if we’re truly improving our home? Is all this work going to significantly add to the value of our home? When we get the project completed, is it going to turn out the way we expected? There are many questions homeowners ask themselves at the onset of a major project. The only way to answer these questions is by being prepared and doing your homework ahead of time.
Luckily, the resources available today are numerous. The Internet has been an invaluable tool for homeowners, designers, and builders alike. So many times the information on a particular Web site is more current than catalogs or brochures a company publishes. I rely on the appliance manufacturer Web sites for up-to-date specifications and product information. These are especially important when the appliances are still boxed up in a warehouse awaiting shipment and we have a question regarding installation of the appliance.
In past columns, I’ve discussed the popular do-it-yourself TV shows that give such great ideas for home improvement projects. These shows continue to gain in popularity and number. Now that I finally took the plunge and got a satellite dish, I can keep up with my customers in watching these shows and getting inspired. Keep a notebook handy while watching TV, just in case they have a great idea just for you. Many of these programs have Web sites where you can look up past episodes for other ideas you may have missed. The upcoming spring home and garden shows are great places to meet business owners, contractors, and designers who’ll be showcasing the latest and greatest their companies have to offer.
Once you have the information needed to give your project direction, decide who will do the work. If you have the time and talent, tackle the project yourself and save the contractor’s fee. If not, get estimates from a few contractors and choose the person with whom you have a good rapport and who gives a professional and clear estimate. Go over the details and make sure you know exactly who does what and all the costs involved. Be sure to clarify when the project needs to begin and end.
If you’re comfortable with the contractor, designer, and their subcontractors, and the total project price is in line with your budget, make the decision to proceed on your home improvement project with confidence. TPW
Luckily, the resources available today are numerous. The Internet has been an invaluable tool for homeowners, designers, and builders alike. So many times the information on a particular Web site is more current than catalogs or brochures a company publishes. I rely on the appliance manufacturer Web sites for up-to-date specifications and product information. These are especially important when the appliances are still boxed up in a warehouse awaiting shipment and we have a question regarding installation of the appliance.
In past columns, I’ve discussed the popular do-it-yourself TV shows that give such great ideas for home improvement projects. These shows continue to gain in popularity and number. Now that I finally took the plunge and got a satellite dish, I can keep up with my customers in watching these shows and getting inspired. Keep a notebook handy while watching TV, just in case they have a great idea just for you. Many of these programs have Web sites where you can look up past episodes for other ideas you may have missed. The upcoming spring home and garden shows are great places to meet business owners, contractors, and designers who’ll be showcasing the latest and greatest their companies have to offer.
Once you have the information needed to give your project direction, decide who will do the work. If you have the time and talent, tackle the project yourself and save the contractor’s fee. If not, get estimates from a few contractors and choose the person with whom you have a good rapport and who gives a professional and clear estimate. Go over the details and make sure you know exactly who does what and all the costs involved. Be sure to clarify when the project needs to begin and end.
If you’re comfortable with the contractor, designer, and their subcontractors, and the total project price is in line with your budget, make the decision to proceed on your home improvement project with confidence. TPW