Alright, you’re ready to get started on your dream kitchen, bathroom renovation, or new addition, but you don’t know where to turn. Relax, as a contractor and builder who’s been in the business longer than I’d like to admit, I can help you with that.
The first thing you need to do is make a list of all the things you want in your new project, that is, your wish list. Next, you’ll need to prepare a budget projection based on some research you’ll need to do. That’s right, you have to start the ball rolling. Get out your phone book and make a few calls. Real estate agents are a great source of free cost estimating information, as they see all types of property in the course of their work every day. Ask them what they think the approximate cost of a kitchen, bathroom remodel, or addition would be in your area and see if that fits your budget.
Now check with your friends and family (as they will have your best interests at heart) and see if they have used local contractors or remodeling professionals that they trust and would recommend, if so, you are halfway home. If this option doesn’t work for you, go to plan B and call a few local lumberyards (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.). Ask if they have a list of local construction professionals (contractors, builders, remodeling contractors) who do the type of work you want done. With the information available, start another list, we’ll call it the list of potential builders.
Ok take a deep breath, drink some coffee and relax, this project is off to a great start so take the rest of the day off and dream about your new finished project and how much you are going to enjoy it. The sun rises bringing with it the anticipation of something wonderful and you can’t wait to jump in and get your hands dirty, but slow down, you’re not ready yet. Let’s get out your notebook again and continue with the planning stage of your project by listing all the potential builders you discovered in the first phase of your research. Now you are ready to call them and schedule a time to meet with them and discuss your project in detail. I can tell you for sure that prospective builders will appreciate the fact that you have done your homework and know exactly what you want, and have a budget in mind. Next time we’ll look to narrow down your search, which will include some very important questions that will allow you to find the perfect fit for your dream remodeling project. Until then, remember that the only dream worth dreaming is the one that excites you.