Holiday Projects

            I know school just started, fall is on its way, football season is in full swing and, yes, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Only twelve weeks left till Christmas. Yes, I really did just say that. It may seem like a long time away, but we all know that it will be here before we know it and probably before we are ready.

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. Hobby Lobby already has the Christmas decorations out!  As this realization hits, we start to make a mental or written list of all the things we need and want to do before the holidays are actually here. Is a kitchen or bathroom remodel on your to do list before the company comes? Maybe you just found out that your home will be the location of this year’s Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration or your broken oven just won’t cut it for baking those cookies.  Do you want a new kitchen or bathroom before Thanksgiving? Maybe you can’t redo the entire room but want to make some small changes. Or maybe you just want to finally get the dining room repainted or new carpet in your bedroom. Now is the time to start thinking about it and making plans. If you begin now, you will have plenty of time to get your project done before Thanksgiving hits and then you can enjoy your new space all throughout the Christmas season.

Before you start to panic and hyperventilate, take a deep breath and let’s take a realistic look at the calendar. Depending on the amount and magnitude of work that you want to do in your kitchen or bathroom, you can expect a remodel to take anywhere from three to six weeks from demo to final cleanup. If you start your planning and decision making now, you can realistically have a new kitchen or bathroom by Thanksgiving. Consult with the professionals who will be completing this work for you and they will be able to give you a better idea of the time needed to complete your project. Whatever you do, DO NOT plan to wrap up your remodeling project the day before company is expected to arrive. Something might be backordered or take longer than expected and then you will really be up a creek without a paddle or eating your Christmas dinner at Waffle House. The holidays are hectic enough without adding that little bit of stress.

As you consider who will be doing the work for you, make sure they have a good reputation, are doing what they say and completing projects in a timely manner. Check their references and don’t let the bottom line make the decision for you. Sometimes there is a reason one person is less expensive than another. The holidays are not a time to risk having issues with a contractor. Make sure you clearly communicate your deadline to the contractors you work with to ensure an on-time project. That way there will be no surprises and everyone is on the same page.

We all know the holidays can be a stressful time. There are parties to attend or host, food to be prepared, gifts to be wrapped and memories to be made with your family and friends. Endeavor to enjoy this season and all of its wonderful food, people and events by planning ahead. Take time to slow down and remember that this is the most wonderful time of the year.

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know if you have any questions regarding holiday projects.

Remodel Roller Coaster-Part 3

For the past several weeks we have been discussing frustrations that could be encountered during a remodel project. Today we will finish up our series.

4. "I haven't see anyone on the job site in days." Could it be that they are waiting for the sheetrock mud to dry, or concrete to cure, the hardwoods to acclimate to your house or the mud to dry out? Or is it that the contractor hasn't communicated a delay to you. Before jumping to the wrong conclusion, talk with your contractor.

5. "My contractor won't return my phone calls or emails." Are they on vacation and failed to let you know? Did you give them adequate time to respond or are you expecting a call back within the hour? Some job sites don't have cell reception at them or maybe they are in a meeting and unable to respond. Ask your contractor up front what their response time is to emails and phone calls. Also, that's another great question for past clients before deciding on a contractor.

6. "My allowance won't cover what I told my contractor I wanted." Perhaps you didn't clearly spell out to your contractor what you wanted or maybe they weren't listening. In comparing estimates, it's important to make sure your allowances correctly reflect the level of style and quality you are looking for. Low allowances could contribute to a lower project price and some contractors operate that way in order to get the job, only ending up with a higher overall price once you have made your selections. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

I hope this series has been helpful for you and helps avoid any heartache in the future. I'd love to hear about any of your experiences and any items I didn't discuss. Feel free to email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com