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5 Remodeling Fears That Keep Your Dreams on Hold

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remodeling fears

Do you ever find yourself dreaming of what life would be like when you finally have that new kitchen or bathroom?   You see visions of the perfect dinner party with everyone laughing and happy in your organized kitchen.   Or maybe you dream of how relaxed you’ll feel when you soak in your new bathtub after a long day at work. 

And then…..the remodeling fears set in, you’re stopped dead in your tracks, and your dreams are placed on hold.

So many of my clients have heard horror stories about remodels gone bad.  Once you hear one bad story, they seem to pop up everywhere.   Has that ever happened to you?   After listening to these stories over and over, I’ve discovered that there are 5 remodeling fears that keep your dreams on hold.   But I know it doesn’t have to be that way.   There’s a way to avoid the nightmare and send you down the path to your dream kitchen or bath.

Fear #1 – Making Costly Mistakes
We’re all afraid of making a mistake, especially when it costs us money. And because of this we often second guess our decisions.  The solution to this is to begin with a plan and stick to the plan.  Do your research on all the products you’ll need in your new space.  Check the dimensions so you know that things will fit.   And consult with an interior designer to guide you through the process and give you professional advice.

Fear #2 – Having it take longer than expected
When you’re interviewing a contractor, be sure to get an approximate finish date that matches your expectations.  One way to avoid construction delays is to have all of your products ordered and stored before your room is demolished.  Then, if items are back ordered, you won’t be left hanging until it arrives.

Fear #3 – That it will cost more than was budgeted
Keeping a budget spreadsheet that you continually update is one way to avoid this fear.  It also lets you see where you can blow it to buy that “gotta have” item.  And where you can save on something that isn’t as important to you.  But things happen, and you need to be prepared for it. So I always recommend having a cushion of 5-10% for those unexpected issues.

Fear #4 – Unexpected surprises behind the walls
This fear always goes hand in hand with remodeling fear #2 and 3, because surprises behind the wall can affect the budget and the construction time. Unfortunately, as much as your designer and contractor plan for the perfect project, without tearing a wall open to peek inside, there’s no way to plan for it.   It’s always a good idea to have a Discovery meeting just before starting. Then the contractor can cut open the soffit to look for venting or other obstacles.

Fear #5 – Hiring the right people
When you do your homework by asking your friends, neighbors, and family for referrals, you’ll be headed in the right direction.  Hiring a contractor, builder, or interior designer should be more than just a cost comparison of fees and mark-ups.  What is the experience they bring to the table?  Be sure that whoever you hire is someone whose personality works with yours.  Since you’ll be working closely with them for an extended period of time you need to like and respect each other.

By following these guidelines, you should be ready to take your dreams off hold, set aside your remodeling fears, and finally have the kitchen or bathroom that you’ve always wanted.

Bathroom Results You’ll Love: Bathroom Remodeling Tips

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bathroomwhiteWhen it comes to remodeling your bathroom it’s important to remember that it’s one of the main rooms in your home.  So besides looking stylish, you want to make sure that it functions just the way you need it to.  Do you just need the basics?  Or do you crave a spa-like bathroom that you can retreat to at the end of a long, crazy day?

 

Quote Steve Jobs

 

By considering these 5 bathroom remodeling tips, you’ll be on your way to the bathroom of your dreams…one that’s not only beautiful, but functional.

1.  Dream big…then get real

 

brick wall bathroomPhoto courtesy of Colorado Homes and Lifestyles

Make a list of everything you want in your bathroom remodeling.  Think about how you like to shower.  Do you dream of a handheld or a rain shower head?  What finish do you like on the fixtures?  After you’ve made your Dream List, take another sheet of paper and make a list of exactly what you know you need to make it better but not break the bank.  Somewhere in the middle will be your reality.  But if you don’t make these lists, you’ll never know.

2.  Make a plan…and stick to the plan

 

tub into shower

 

Changing your mind about the products you use in your bathroom can get expensive, especially if you’re moving things around.  Most showrooms will not let you return product.  And if they do, there will be a restocking fee.  And your contractor will also bill you for any changes that aren’t written in the contract.  So that means…If you’re turning a tub into a shower, don’t change your mind and decide to put the toilet there instead!

3.  Keep price in mind

 

river rock bathroomPhoto courtesy of Colorado Homes and Lifestyles

Your bathroom will have a lot of materials to make it complete.  When you work with your designer, she’ll be able to help you decide where to save money and where to splurge depending on what you value most.  Do you want the full-out showering experience?  Then multiple jets, and two shower heads might be the way for you.  One thing I’ve learned is that bathrooms are very labor intensive.  When planning your budget consider that labor might cost twice as much as your materials.

4.  Find the right contractor/installer

 

platform bathroomPhoto courtesy of Colorado Homes and Lifestyles

 

As I mentioned in tip #3, bathrooms are labor intensive.  So it’s really important to hire a contractor and/or installer who knows what they’re doing.  And it’s even more important to tell them EXACTLY what you want.  They can’t read your mind, and if you’re not specific, you’ll get their vision for your bathroom.  Make a list of questions to ask when you interview them.  And, in fairness to all, make sure you ask the same question to every contractor you’re interviewing.  This way they can all be bidding on the same project concept and you’ll have a more accurate bid.

5.  The right designer can make all the difference

 

wood panel bathroomPhoto courtesy of Colorado Homes and Lifestyles

 

Your dream bathroom is going to be your personal retreat.  It’s a space to relax at the end of a tiring day.  And it’s a space that requires a lot of decisions. Did you know that bathrooms are the number one room for falls to occur?  A designer always takes that into consideration when designing your space.   Turning a drab, funky bathroom and turn it into something magical is what a designer does best.  From adding more organized storage, to creating that WOW focal point, your designer will take your needs and wants, and turn them into a dream bathroom just for you.