Remodel Roller Coaster: Part 2

Last time we started a discussion on different areas that people experience frustration during the remodel process and how to avoid them. This week we will dive into a few more areas.

2. "That's not how I thought that was going to look." Often times the vision you have in your head about how the finished product will look and the vision the remodeler has in his head about how the finished product will look are two completely different things. The phrase "modern" may conjure up different images for him than it does for you. Pull pictures that reflect what you want, clearly spell out and communicate what you are wanting and get the contractor to tell you what he thinks the final product will look like. Don't be afraid to ask questions and clear up in your mind and your contractors mind what you are expecting the finished project to look like. Houzz, Pinterest and magazine pictures are great ways to help you visually spell out what you want.

3. "Why wasn't that included in our estimate?" Diligent work in making selections beforehand and making sure you have a clear contract helps to avoid this question. Some items that may be beyond the scope of the project and unable to be included could be mold found under the floor or sheetrock, rotting floor found under a tub or shower, or plumbing or electrical discovered in a wall that is to be removed. Also, if you make any changes to the scope of the project or finishes, this could impact the price. Ask when making a change if it is going to add expense. Better to be apprised of the extras all along the project than being surprised when you get the final bill. For your own peace of mind, consider padding the project price with an additional 10% in your mind for items that might be uncovered during demo or during the project.

Next time we will continue our discussion on this wild remodel ride. Have any frustrations of your own you would like to share? Shoot me an email at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Remodel Roller Coaster: Part 1

One thing I constantly see clients irritated with and exasperated by is the remodel experience. The process is taking a lot longer than they were told, there's a breakdown or lack of communication with the remodeler, the remodeler made an assumption and something wasn't executed like the homeowner envisioned. When launching into a remodel project, regardless of how large or small, it's important to set clear expectations for yourself and your remodeler and make sure it is detailed and documented clearly. Set yourself up with clear expectations so you are properly prepared for the headache and hassle. The graph below is something we put together to help clients understand how their emotions might react during the remodel process.

Over the coming weeks we will explore some recent areas clients have expressed exasperation to me.

1.    "The project is taking weeks or months longer than I was told it would." There are many factors that could contribute to this. Maybe the weather hasn't been cooperating and they haven't been able to pour your foundation or roof the addition. Acts of God are a perfectly reasonable excuse for a project taking longer than it should. But there are also other reasons that may contribute to the process taking longer that could have been avoided. Maybe all of the selections were not finalized before the project began and now your tile is holding up the kitchen from being completed or that one light fixture is on back order til January. To help the process rock along as quickly and smoothly as possible, it's important before any work begins, that you have every selection and paint color made and if possible, in hand to avoid any delays. It's not fun living with a mess in your house or having to go without a kitchen or bathroom. I know-I've done it, that's why I'm such a huge proponent of doing the hard work on the front end in order to speed up and smooth the process along. Another factor could be that your contractor is not very organized or has too many projects going at the same time. Lack of organization or being too busy often manifests itself in project delays. Before you sign a contract with a remodeler, ask previous clients how well they have stuck with their schedule. Question the remodeler about how many projects they have going at one time and who will manage your project. Answers to these questions will give you insight into how your project will run.

Have you experienced any frustrations with a remodel project? I'd love to hear about them. Shoot me an email at jessica@webbercoleman.com. Next time we will continue our series on the remodel roller coaster. 

Polished Chrome vs. Polished Nickel

One question that often comes up when selecting plumbing fixtures is should we use a polished chrome finish or a polished nickel finish? Today we will explore the differences and when you should choose one over the other.

Polished chrome is generally less expensive than polished nickel. It used to be easier to find, but today most things are also available in polished nickel. Polished chrome has more of a grey, cool undertone while polished nickel has more of a gold, warm undertone.  Generally when using cool grey paint colors and white Carrera marble, you would want to use a polished chrome finish. If you are using warmer cream toned paint and Calcutta gold marble, polished nickel would work better.

Do you need to match every finish in a space? That’s a big question for another day, but no, your cabinet hardware, faucets and light fixtures don’t all have to match. You can easily combine a polished chrome faucet with brushed nickel hardware or polished nickel with other oil rubbed bronze accents. I love the look of a bright and shiny faucet. There’s something just so clean and fresh about it.

So before you select polished nickel over polished chrome, take a moment to evaluate the other colors and finishes in the space. You may find that polished chrome works best…and you can save a couple of bucks. Questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com. I’m always happy to answer questions or give you further information.