Improve Your World, Improve Your Home

This article was written by Kevin Vick and was published in the January 5th edition of the Houston Chronicle.

2020 has arrived, and a New Year is usually the time when we make resolutions to improve our lives.

What do you want to accomplish in this new year? Is it time for a fresh start? If your goals include remodeling your home, it’s a time to plan your projects. When planning for remodeling, focus on ways to improve your home such as updating the design, reconfiguring the layout, or adding more space to accommodate an expanding family, or simply to help de-clutter your life.

Start planning early to be prepared for what’s in store, especially if it’s a larger remodeling project. Take the time to do your homework and gather ideas and inspiration related to design styles, types of materials and products that you would like to use in your project. Then create a list of prioritized needs and goals, which can be discussed with your remodeler.

Determining the budget and timeline for your project is an important part of project planning. For example, how much money do you want to invest in your project, and do you plan to be in your home long term. Depending on the size and scope of your project, the timeline or budget may not exactly be what you think it ought to be. Remodeling in real life is often not like what you see on tv where the timeline is compressed because many process steps are not shown, and budgets are not necessarily accurate because of discounts on materials, labor, and differences in geographic locations.  A good remodeler will suggest the best possible materials for your budget and assist you in making selections through the vendors with whom they work regularly. This will help mitigate delays in order to keep you on your desired timeline.

Hiring a professional remodeler is the best way to ensure your project’s success. As a part of the selection process, think about the qualities you want in a remodeler and company with whom you choose to work. Professional organizations such as the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA.org) makes a strong commitment to the professionalism of its members who are dedicated to maintaining the highest integrity and standards in the industry.

When you choose your remodeler, the successful completion of your project depends on several things such as: effective communication, trust, organizational skills, and experience in the home remodeling industry. It is also very important that the remodeling company you select be a competent team of remodeling professionals who are licensed and insured. Be sure to check reviews and contact a few of your prospective remodelers’ past clients to help ensure that your prospective remodeler possesses these attributes and that they are a good fit for you and your project.

In the New Year, what better way to start improving yourself than with your home? Your home reflects who you are, so improving the world in which you live will be launching you on a journey to improve yourself. Happy remodeling in the New Year!