Project Gallery

  This past year we have seen an uptick in what we affectionately call “Grandma’s Kitchen.” What is a “Grandma’s Kitchen”? That doesn’t mean avocado and cream is back, the classic white inset cabinet. The women that choose this kitchen style go all out in the classic look with modern conveniences. Beautiful chrome pulls, soft close undermount drawer glides, finial hinges, glass doors and white subway tile backsplash are all details that do not go overlooked. There is also a newer granite called White Fantasy that emulates the classic look of grey marble but has the durability and family friendly features of granite. Clients have also been opting for 3 1/4” oak floors with darker stains. Now you throw in new built-in appliances and you have a streamlined modern kitchen that has all of the timeless character of Grandma’s. I think I smell some cookies!

Selecting a Contractor

There might not be a greater endeavor than improving your home. A remodeling project is exciting because you are creating something that is yours in both design and purpose. The project is your stamp on the quality of your home. Selecting the right contractor to make your vision a reality is critical not only for the experience but also for the finish of the final product.  So how do you go about choosing the right contractor?

Research:

Ask friends or family if they would recommend anyone for your project. They might be able to give you a first hand account about the contractor. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find an A rated contractor in your area. Go to www.buildfoxvalley.com  to find a member of the local builders association, Home Builders Association of Greater Fox Valley.  HBAGFV Members are professionals who are focused on building and remodeling to local and national standards. You can also check online resources such as www.guildquality.com  for feedback on local contractors from actual client surveys. Once you find a few contractors, visit their websites to view their project portfolio and get a sense for their style and quality.

Meet:

Call the contractors you have researched and schedule a meeting to discuss your project. You should feel comfortable with the contractor first. If you cannot openly communicate with him then it is probably not a good fit. Projects take time and a lot of decisions need to be made.  Thorough and considerate communication is the key to a successful project. Ask the contractor for a list of references and feel free to call them. A quality contractor should not get nervous at the request.

Cost:

Do not let price be the only consideration in a series of quotes. I have never seen an “apples to apples” quote before. Most projects are too complex to be equal. Be careful of the lowest bidder. Low cost usually means low service and “I did not include that” discussions later. Ask questions and try to get as much in writing as possible to make sure you are truly getting what you pay for.

Be honest with your contractor about your budget, expectations, and past experiences. This can go a long way to creating a better environment for your next project. Communication is a two way street and nobody likes to be left in the dark.

Create a scrap book of ideas from pages of magazines, catalogs, plan books. This helps to streamline the design process and create a more narrowed focus. Is the project a need or a want? Is there a new architectural style you want to introduce or theme? Is there a mood or ambiance you desire?  What are you trying to achieve? Adding on to the home? Re-tasking an existing room, i.e. a living room turning into a study or screened in porch into a four season sunroom. Think about a budget, how high you are willing to go, what you are willing to spend and what you would like to spend. Be realistic about the cost.  Time frame is important. The more time you have to think about it and plan the smoother the process can be, unless you “Over Think” the project and then unrealistic expectations develop.  You could easily allow a month of design process and budgeting. A couple of meetings should take place and ideas exchanged. You should also have your “dream” in mind but realistic options should be kept to optimize the value and budget of the project.   A plan B or C or sometimes D. Remodeling is unique in that you are doing the project because YOU want it done so you can be as creative as you like. We offer our suggestions for “resale” but you will have more fun if it is about you. Return on investment is never a sure bet, as this economy has proven, but the value you place IS guaranteed.