Home Selling Tips to Get You Moving
Selling a home produces angst in many. The mere thought of the to-do list and the seemingly endless waiting sends even the strongest to nestle back into an existing home. No need to be frightened. Tackle the challenge with the following tips for selling your home.
Step Up Your First Impression
Experience in life proves that first impressions matter. Selling your home is no exception. Pulling up the drive, walking up the walkway, and approaching the entry door sets an expectation for buyers. No second chances are given to make a first impression. Simple projects improve your home’s curb appeal. Upgrade the front door. Install a new mailbox. Spruce up trim. Position brightly colored flowers by the front door and revitalize the landscape. Arrange outdoor furniture for a home-like feel in the yard.
Repair the Quirks
Some of those nicks and scratches may remind you of days-gone-by. However, home-seekers want to accumulate their own quirks and dents, not live with yours. A home in good condition attracts buyers. Consider asking a friend to walk the layout of your home with open eyes and honest words to notice repairs that you have become accustomed to over time. Repair time worn damage on walls, floors and other surfaces. Replace the tricky door knob that awkwardly turns.
Not So Extreme Makeover
A fresh look for the interior of your home provides buyers with a fresh start. Look for simple updates to create a modern style, such as replacing lighting fixtures or sink faucets. And, if nothing else, paint. Neutral, clean wall colors empower potential buyers to work from a blank canvas, writing themselves into the story of the home. Your favorite Caribbean Dream color may drum up ill feelings for others. Subtle colors over those evoking strong emotion sell better. When updating, keep current styles in mind, but be cautious to avoid what is trendy.
Selling Your Kitchen
Experts say that you are not selling your house, but your kitchen. Families gather here, and much of life revolves around the kitchen. Wisely spent focus on the kitchen reaps rewards in the sale. In fact, you are likely to return 85 percent of your kitchen renovation money. Do heed the caution to avoid over-upgrading. Paint and cabinet hardware replacement prove the quickest and least expensive changes. One high-end stainless steel appliance boosts buyer interest.
De-clutter
Clutter leaves us feeling weighed down and gives the illusion of smaller, cramped spaces. This impression will not attract buyers. Now is the time to purge every area of your home. Give away, throw away and pack away all that is not an immediate need. Clear, flat surfaces bode well for selling potential. Removing knickknacks and excess furniture creates clean, open spaces. Emptying closets, at least by half, highlights storage. This process also greatly assists in keeping the house ready to show and prepares you for the move when you sell quickly.
Spring Clean
There is no experience quite like walking into a freshly cleaned, immaculate house. No buyer wants to think about the list of cleaning to-dos before move-in day. Give your house a deep clean or hire a cleaning service to do so. Get out that proverbial toothbrush and scrub every nook and cranny, including grout and cabinet interiors. Wash or inexpensively replace curtains. Put on fresh bedding and place new towels in bathrooms. A good full-out scrub could even make you want to stay.
Let the Sun Shine In
Oh, how the sun’s rays can energize us! Use this fact to energize your house for a successful sale. Buyers have noted plentiful light as a feature they look for in a home. So, make way for the light to enter. Brighten rooms by removing or minimizing curtains. Be sure that your windows sparkle clean. Cut or replace outdoor landscaping that blocks light from entering the home. And, consider replacing lamp shades and upping light bulb wattage for added interior light. Bright and cheery is a feeling that sells.
Remove Yourself
While photos and family heirlooms create the home you adore, these personal items mark the house for you, not the buyer. There is no need to mark your territory when you desire for it to be someone else’s. Try this exercise: Imagine you are moving out. Remove all things that you want to take with you to your new home. If buyers see photos of your family and memories of your trip to Cancun around every corner, they will not picture themselves in this house – no matter how beautiful it is.
Since its beginning, RWC Windows, Doors & More has provided customers a unique home improvement experience. Our family-owned and operated business believes in customer education, product selection and unparalleled service. RWC works to match your thoughts and desires with our knowledge and experience within every project. Offering services from small upgrades or renovations to large-scale structural changes, RWC produces satisfied customers.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
Project Spotlight: Front Door Renovation in Little Falls, NJ
We at RWC want to be your one-stop shop for your windows, doors, and other remodeling projects. We’re a family-owned company that has been in business since 1959. Some of the things that separate us from our competitors are that we listen to and educate our customers. We want you to come to us with your ideas for how you’d like your home to look and feel, and then we will help to educate you on your available choices while staying within your budget.
You can count on us for your home’s windows, decorative glass, doors, and pre-finishings, along with kitchen and bathroom remodels. We also work on commercial windows and doors for your business's needs. Below is a recent project that highlights how one project can change the way that you look at your home.
This project involved our company removing the old outdated door and replacing it with a beautiful new door that changed the whole front profile of the home.
This project involved:
- Therma-Tru Classic-Craft ¾ View Door with Sidelites
- Mahogany Wood Grain Fiberglass with ¾ Bella Water Glass
- Custom stained by RWC
- New Emtek Hardware and Doorbell
- New sub-sill cover
Therma-Tru Classic-Craft doors are built to last. These doors offer a classic design that is created by blending the beauty of a douglas fir with the durability of fiberglass. This is a sturdy door that will withstand the test of time. Another point to mention that helps to draw this look together is the custom staining that we did with this door install.
We’re able to help you pick a color that truly brings out the beauty of your home without having to make you pick a model color that is offered by the door company. The previous color did not add to the stately grace of the home, but this customized color does this nicely. This is truly personalized for your style and home coloring. The updated look is rounded out nicely with the Bella Water Glass, Emtek hardware and doorbell, and the sub-sill cover.
When looking at the home remodeled in Little Falls, NJ, you can see that this simple update made a huge difference in the presence of the home. You may not realize the curb appeal that can be added with something as simple as a door update, but these before and after pictures help to tell the tale. Imagine how we could change the way you see your home.
If you like what you see, or you’re interested in visiting our showroom for a free consultation, give us a call, contact us online, or just stop on in!
Renovate and Have a Good Time
As you look around your home, you start to see opportunities to get the ball rolling on a renovation project. There are improvements you could make that would create more functional living space or add an extra room onto your home's layout. Before you pick up a sledgehammer, take a step back and ask yourself why you should renovate in the first place.
Why Renovate?
Home renovations take you on a costly, time-consuming journey that winds its way around to a new home presentation. You lose a wall here and gain counter space there. Your house is dusty and dirty for what feels like forever. You will ask yourself more than once if the renovation is indeed a good idea. Before you start working on a renovation project, ask yourself a few more questions.
- Do you have the funds to cover a home renovation?
- Are you going to do the work yourself or hire a contractor?
- Do you have a temporary residence to stay in during the renovation process?
- Is the renovation a need for home functioning or is it something you want?
Upon answering these questions, take into consideration whether or not you will be placing your home on the market for sale within the next few months. Basic home renovations add value to your home. Focus improvement efforts on older features in your home. Areas such as an outdated kitchen and small bathroom will bring the largest increase in the overall value of your home after the renovations are complete. Small-scale improvements, such as installing a modern front door, can have a positive impact on the value of your home as well.
Renovations can also work to provide you with a lower premium on your homeowners insurance policy. The improvements you make to your home will become additional items your insurance company will need to insure. You may have the opportunity to increase your policy deductible, which could result in a payment reduction.
When to Renovate
Some months of the year are more desirable for home renovations than other times of the year. The spring and summer months provide you with the opportunity to venture outside while the work continues inside. Likewise, the rainy fall months or the frigid winter months may prevent work crews from reaching your home. Portions of your home may face exposure to the outside elements which can hinder the renovation progress as well.
Another ideal renovation time is during the summer when the hours of available daylight are longer. Having more extended daylight hours means contractors and renovation work crews can extend their work day. They can work into the early evening hours with plenty of light exposure. It helps to reduce the overall timetable for completion of your project.
You also want to avoid scheduling a project during a contractor’s offseason or periods of inactivity from the renovation business. Many contractors have specific time periods that they work while others work year-round without having a particular slow season. Knowing when you have the largest contractor pool available to select from impacts the time frame and expense level of your renovation project.
Determine a Budget
Home renovations are costly, and there are always additional expenses that are necessary during the renovation process. Before starting on a renovation, make sure you have enough funds available to cover the necessary renovation and any smaller, unexpected expenses that occur along the way. Detail your plans for a dream renovation project and then estimate how much every item on your wishlist will cost. Add in incidental costs such as hiring a contractor or needing additional materials.
Look over the detailed financial renovation plan to see what dollar amount you are facing. You may need to scale back your renovation plans to make the project more affordable for your budget limits. Larger projects can be spread across a few months or more to reduce the overall cost of the renovation.
Select a Contractor
All improvement projects start with the declaration that you will do all of the work yourself. Then reality sets in and you start thinking it’s time to hire a contractor. Start by receiving estimates from a minimum of three local contractors. Inquire about references from recent jobs they have done. Research each contractor online to see what other customers have to say about their services. When you make a hiring decision, obtain copies of their contractor license and work permits for your files.
RWC Windows, Doors, and More stands ready to provide customers with all of their home renovation needs. Their top-quality customer service approach avoids the use of sales commission and pressure purchase tactics and allows them to focus on the customer first, which explains why they have been in business for such a long time.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
DIY Fails That Can Lead to Costly Damage
All over the internet, DIY, or Do It Yourself, projects are all the rage. People research on Pinterest or watch YouTube videos, and they are amazed at what they can create themselves without having to hire outside help. While some creations are superb, others run into some trouble. These less successful attempts have led to another fun category to search on the internet when you’re bored at work - DIY fails. Some may try to recreate that soufflé they saw on Tasty, but it turns into a pudding mess. Others may think it’s ingenious to replace their broken headlights with a flashlight, but it’s a quick way to a ticket or an accident.
While a soggy soufflé is just a ruined desert, other DIY projects can have more consequences. You may be telling yourself, “I should have just hired a professional.” There are instances when you need to put down the power tools and admit that you need help. Take a look at some of these examples we have dug up for you.
1. Useless Drawers
It looks like someone forgot to measure twice. We guess those drawers are just for decor purposes now. If you want to renovate your kitchen, and you want drawers that you can use, try contacting RWC - where they renovate windows, doors and more. When you plan to renovate your kitchen, you aim to make it more aesthetically pleasing and more functional, not dysfunctional. Someone spent money to make this mistake and now they’re going to be spending even more money repairing it. Do yourself a solid and call the professionals. Get it right the first time.
2. DIY Falls
That looks like a fantastic idea, right? Aside from walking away with a bad repair or renovation, people can get seriously injured when they try to do their renovations on their own. Just in this one example, a man is risking falling to his demise, ruining the home’s electricity and possibly electrocuting himself. That bonus you earned at work was earmarked for the cost of improving your home, not for paying thousands of dollars in medical bills. We hope a strong breeze doesn’t blow in. People say walking under ladders is bad luck…
3. When one door closes, it disappears
It looks like a bad twilight zone episode. We hope the people in that home aren’t trapped. We aren’t exactly sure what the intention was for this design, but an entryway without an entrance just doesn’t make sense. If you want to install a new beautiful entrance for yourself, and you don’t want to end up like this person, take a look at RWC’s portfolio. A door is the first thing someone sees when they come to your home. Make a good impression - unless you’re a complete recluse. If that is the case, this house without the door is way more your style.
4. I can’t handle this
This person must have felt pretty silly. We’re not sure how they didn’t realize their mistake before they were done installing the door knob. We hope whoever uses the bathroom at this house knows that they have an open door policy. Fortunately, this one is an easier fix than other fails on this list.
5. Toilet humor
It looks like someone did not measure correctly for this one. It would appear that it was too late to go back, so this DIY-er had to be a bit of a MacGyver. Everyone likes a little peephole into the bathroom, right? Fixing this mishap would require replacing the door so it opens the opposite way and won’t run into the toilet. Perhaps you could rearrange the toilet’s positioning, but moving around waste lines doesn’t sound like the simplest solution to us.
6. The roof, the roof, the roof is the floor
Anyone could make that mistake, right? Now their kitchen floor has asphalt shingles. It’s a mix-up a professional contractor would not make (at least not ours). Aside from what you may think, floors and roofs are not interchangeable parts. We don’t live in Legoland. It’s fun to be creative and use your imagination, but you want to make sure your home is built correctly with the right parts in the right places. Not only is it odd looking, but it also will not work properly as a roof. That roof is going to cost time and money to be repaired.
7. Tree Standing
You may be able to park your car in that garage if you are a stunt driver. Perhaps you own one of those tiny Smart cars, or you drive a motorcycle. If you drive anything else, your car is not getting in there. We’re all for nature, but maybe this build required a little more consideration of placement. Well, now they have their very own storage unit or place for the band to practice without some pesky car getting in the way.
Please remember that it’s ok to ask for help. That’s why we call professionals professionals. They know what they’re doing. The people on this list clearly did not. For your home renovation needs or repairs, reach out to RWC. With 54 years in the home improvement business, they are unparalleled. They will work with you to pick out the products that best fit you and your budget. Please visit their site to see all the services they provide.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
Boost Your Curb Appeal With New Windows
Replacing your windows can sound overwhelming and expensive, but the benefits you gain can completely change how your home looks. Beyond the cosmetic value, replacing your windows can reduce energy costs, lessen outside sound, present more natural light, and increase safety. You may not have given your windows a second thought until now, but there are many advantages that you gain from replacing them.
Just like your home appliances, windows need to be maintained and replaced should any issue cause improper operation. Things to look out for include whether or not you can open and close the windows correctly, identify if there is any moisture on the inside of your windows, or if you feel a draft. These are all signs that your windows need to be replaced. Let’s take a look at the top five reasons how windows can enhance your home.
1. New Windows Increase Your Energy Efficiency
A lot of older homes still have their original windows that are typically made of single-pane glass. Sometimes they are harder to open. They also feel cold to the touch in icy weather. Newer, energy-efficient windows fit tighter and offer standard insulated features including heat reflecting low-E coatings and argon gas between panes. Energy efficient windows can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10-25 percent each year. With energy prices on the rise, it makes financial and environmental sense to replace your old windows.
2. Noise Reduction
If you’re tired of hearing your neighbor’s dog bark every morning before your alarm goes off, or your neighbor mowing his lawn at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning, new windows offer acoustic control benefits that virtually eliminate outside sound. A window’s sound transmission is impacted by two factors including the window’s design and the installation. Windows are rated by how well they can block sound. The good news is that high acoustic control goes hand-in-hand with energy efficiency.
The same air that brings in noise brings in outside temperatures that need to be heated or cooled. High-performance windows that lower your energy costs will also reduce noise. Different glass thicknesses will create different vibrations that deflect the sound. Be sure to review the various material types available when you choose your new windows.
3. Increase Your Family’s Safety
There’s nothing more important than the safety of your family. If your older windows are difficult to open, or get stuck once they are open, the windows could pose a risk to your kids. Unfortunately, faulty windows can allow your children can climb out or accidentally get a finger stuck while trying to close them.
Older windows could also pose a danger in the case of fire. If your escape plan is to exit using a window that is older, it may take more time to open it and escape. Worst case, your exit window could get stuck, causing you to need an alternate route that you may not have the time to find. This is reason enough to replace your old windows with new, safer windows.
4. Protect Your Belongings
Ultraviolet rays that come into your home through your windows can fade your furniture, carpet, window treatments, and artwork. Upgrading to energy efficient windows will reduce the amount of sunlight that can get through the window and cause damage to your property. Most replacement windows can block up to 95 percent of ultraviolet rays.
Investing in replacement windows means that your furniture will look newer longer. You’ve spent time and energy designing your home, so it’s important that you choose the right windows to protect the furniture and belongings that make your home, a home. You will also protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays.
5. Add Curb Appeal
Even if you’re not in the market to sell your home, new windows increase the value of your home and give your property an instant facelift. Your home is your largest investment, and one of the most important assets in your life. A welcoming exterior can put an extra spring in your step each time you come home. New windows also improve the look of your home on the inside as well. When you do need to sell your home, you’ll be glad you invested in those new windows.
RWC Windows, Doors & More is a family-owned home improvement business that has been helping families like yours for over 57 years. We offer unparalleled customer service, quality product selection, and affordable prices. Our certified factory-trained installers and in-house department can redesign your master bedroom, build an addition on your home, upgrade you kitchen and more. We’ll work to make your home improvement dreams come true.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
7 Ways to Renovate Your Small Kitchen or Bathroom and Create Storage Space
Are you starting to feel like your kitchen or bathroom is too small for your family’s needs? Did your other half tell you that if you bring home one more gadget for these rooms that you’re sleeping on the couch? Your first response to feeling this way may be that it’s time to move, but things might not be that serious just yet. There are plenty of ways that you can renovate your small kitchen or bathroom that will help you to create some serious storage space.
Lazy Susan
The lazy susan is a pretty ingenious idea. It goes into your cabinet and creates a rotating platform for all your things that were in that space. No longer do you have to dig to the back of the cabinet to find what you are looking for, as you can find it with an easy twist of your wrist. This renovation idea may be as simple as putting in a lazy susan or getting new cabinetry that incorporates the lazy susan design in them.
Turn Cabinets into Storage Masters
Lazy susans are not the only way to turn your cabinets into storage masters. There are other ways that you can maximize the space in your kitchen with new cabinets. For instance, there are some cabinets that can incorporate drawers into them. Then, you can pull them out to utilize every inch of the drawer - no more wasted space in the back.
Pot Racks
Pots and pans can take up a lot of space in your cabinets, so try to be creative with their storage. A pot rack on the wall or hanging from the ceiling can be a perfect way to maximize your kitchen storage space. Your pots and pans will be nicely organized in a neat fashion, and all that space can be used for all your other kitchen gadgets and doodads.
Add an Island
It may be time to pull out the big guns, and go about adding an island to your kitchen. This may require a more extensive renovation of your kitchen depending on your space or you may even be able to find a cart that can work as an island. Having a custom island built can be the perfect way to go because you’ll be sure that it works just right in your space, and can be built to include the extra storage space that you crave.
Add Storage Furniture
Both your kitchen and your bathroom can benefit from adding storage furniture. Put in storage towers or storage ladders to add some interesting design details along with extra places to put all of your things. Think about adding some little wicker baskets to the space. These can be great for guest rooms to hold towels or other items. Don’t forget the walls. Hanging storage, such as new cabinets or just a couple of small shelves can increase where you can store items.
Bathroom Sink Revamp
Your bathroom sink setup may be taking up more space than it needs to in your bathroom. There are some new designs available that can help you to get the most space out of your small bathroom. For instance, they have amazing wall mounted sink pedestals that even come with their own built-in storage space for a small hand towel or other items while leaving the floor clear for other storage. There are also some sinks that are thin and long rather than square to help you maximize your bathroom space.
Hidden Storage
There may even be ways to tap hidden storage spaces in your bathroom that you didn’t consider. One way to do this is by installing a full-length mirror that doubles as a storage space. This is multi-functional and works for just about any family. There are also more hidden spaces in your home that go a little deeper. Depending on how your home was designed, there may be spaces on your wall where you can add some extra storage. This requires the help of a professional, but can be a dramatic way of expanding your storage space. It may not be located in your bathroom, but extra space is extra space.
You may be feeling as though some of these projects are a little too complicated for you to handle, or maybe you’d just like an expert opinion on your small spaces. That is where RWC can come into the picture. We listen to what you need and want in your space, examine your current setup, and help you come up with a project that will make your space better.
Our installers are factory trained, and we are able to do just about everything in-house for you. From remodels to new additions, we’ve got your back. Check out our services today to get you started on the path to a home you adore.
RWC has been relieving home improvement stress since 1959. Call us today or visit us on the web for your free consultation!
Thank you and feel free to contact me with any questions!
Project Spotlight: Kitchen Renovation in Closter, NJ
We've been in the home improvement business since 1959 and know the importance of attention to detail. That’s why, when we saw an opportunity to completely renovate a kitchen in Closter, New Jersey, we approached it with a willingness to work hard but also take time to achieve quality results. Throughout our project, we fully remodeled this home’s kitchen by stripping the old kitchen and putting in new cabinets, countertops and flooring.
Project Details
Before we began renovating this kitchen, the overall color scheme made for a somewhat drab and unappealing appearance, as the dark tile floor seemed uninviting. Furthermore, there was no sense of unification between the cabinets, counter, and floor. Thankfully, we were able to tackle this problem by selecting all-new materials that coordinated better and gave off a more open and light-filled appearance to the kitchen.
We began the project by consulting with the owners of the home to see what they wanted out of their remodel, as well as making our own assessment of what needed to be done. Then, we worked to carefully plan out what our new design would look like before beginning to dismantle the furnishings that already existed. Then came the hard labor - taking everything apart, and putting it back together again in a more satisfying and aesthetically pleasing way. Finally, we smoothed everything over and evaluated our progress to see if we had achieved our goals.
About RWC
RWC Windows, Doors & More is a family-owned, New Jersey-based home improvent business that has been helping people replace and renovate entire rooms, doors and windows for over 57 years. The basis for our success is the education of our customers, careful and quality product selection, and unparalleled service. We always strive to select the best materials for our clients, and are available for consultation at any time. Our goal is always to work with our clients to help them realize their home improvement dreams. Therefore, we are open to suggestions and will also provide our best advice that we feel will help you the most with your home.
If you like what you see or you’re interested in visiting our West Caldwell, NJ showroom for a free consultation, give us a call, contact us online, or simply stop on in!
How to Get Inspired for Your Next NJ Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation
Quick Summary
Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can be a stressful process. One way to make it less stressful for everyone involved is to do your research before getting started. Your contractor will thank you, and you will be pleased. Know what you need and want from your remodel, talk with your contractor, be flexible, and be ready for an amazing process that can be fun and frustrating at different stops along the way. In the beginning you may need to put in some effort to determine what you want your new kitchen or bathroom to look like, but the end results will make it well worth the time you spent on it.
SECTION I: Introduction to Remodeling Inspiration
SECTION II: Go Into Your Remodel with Open Eyes
SECTION III: Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel Idea Sources
SECTION V: Talk with Your Contractor
SECTION I: Introduction to Remodeling Inspiration
You’ve been looking around your home for a while now and have decided that you need to do a little kitchen or bathroom remodeling. They are pretty outdated or just no longer fit your current needs, but you’re not really sure what you want. This guide will help you to get prepared for the remodeling process by helping you to start getting some ideas, and give you the information that you need to be aware of when getting involved in a remodel. This information is vital, especially if this happens to be your first remodeling project.
Chapter 1: Research!
Research is a vital part of this process from determining what you want to be done to finding a contractor. You have to research your upcoming remodel with ideas before talking with your contractor to get a better idea of what you are looking for and want to accomplish with your remodel. That being said, you should also talk with your contractor to make sure that your thoughts and design ideas are feasible for your space and budget. A great contractor will be able to take your vision and see ways to improve it based on their previous experience to help it better fit with your thoughts on the process. You may be tempted to try your hand at a DIY project, but this is just something that can create more mess and problems then it will fix. Some may find that their project is more expensive because they need a contractor to come in and fix what they did themselves.
SECTION II: Go Into Your Remodel with Open Eyes
You should go into your remodel with open eyes. This means that you know you want a remodel, but you should do your research before speaking with your contractor about what you want. A good contractor can work with your ideas, but they need something to work with, and if you don’t know what you want, they may not even know where to start to help you get the new kitchen or bathroom you’ve always wanted.
Chapter 1: Brainstorm What You Want
One of the first things that you need to do is brainstorm what you want to have in your new kitchen or your new bathroom. This can get you started on ideas that are possible for your remodel.
Chapter 2: Create a Diagram for Ideas
There are tools online that will help you start the planning process on your own to start playing around to see what will fit where in your new space. These tools will allow you to create a diagram of what your room looks like empty, and you can start placing objects into it, such as adding an island to your kitchen or putting in a shower stall into your bathroom. Your contractor can take this information and put it into their own tools to come up with your final plan.
Chapter 3: Determine Lists with Wants and Needs
You need to create a list that separates out your wants from your needs. It is one thing to have a dream idea of what you want your new space to have it in, but reality must also be kept in mind. You may not be able to have everything that you want in your remodel due to budget, space, or other issues. Creating this list will help your contractor come up with the best remodel possible for what you need the room to have, and what you want it to have in it.
Chapter 4: Set a Realistic Budget
You may think that you should wait to see your contractor before thinking about cost, but that is not a great idea. You need to start thinking about what a realistic budget will be for your purposes. You may want to think about how much you will be able to afford with your remodel. Everyone wants the biggest and the best remodel he or she can possibly have, but you have to think about what you can afford. You should be realistic when starting this process. You can set your budget lower than you expect it to be to allow yourself to grow this figure as features and ideas are incorporated. You should also have a firm idea of how much is too much, especially if you have to borrow the money to pay for the remodel. A remodel will not help anyone if you can no longer afford your mortgage payments. Starting lower will allow you to be more flexible in your budget.
Chapter 5: Be Flexible
You will need to not only be flexible in your budget when it comes to adding up all the different things you want in your new kitchen or bathroom but also with the process itself. You may not want to hear from your contractor that all of your ideas will not work in your new space, but it is possible that something you’ve got your heart set on will not come out exactly as you want it. The timeline may not work out as you thought it would or other issues may crop up. Be prepared to be flexible.
SECTION III: Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel Idea Sources
You may not realize it, but there are plenty of sources of ideas for your kitchen and bathroom remodel available to you all around you that you can tap into to start getting ideas on your remodel. It may not work exactly the same in your space, but it will help to get the creative juices flowing for the remodel process.
Chapter 1: Talk to Friends and Family
Your family and friends are excellent sources for information on kitchen and bathroom remodels as they may have been through the process themselves or know someone that has been through it. They can give you ideas on what worked great, and what did not. You can even visit their remodels to get an idea of the space. Be sure to ask if they have before and after pictures to get the full effect of what was accomplished in the room for them.
Chapter 2: Watch HGTV and Shows about Remodels
Take advantage of the television programming that you know and love. HGTV and other channels have quality shows about remodels and remodeling that can help you get ideas about what you are looking for in your space. This is also a great source of information for understanding the whole undertaking of the remodeling process, but of course, keep in mind that some of the drama may be more from the fact that it’s reality television than the actual remodeling itself.
Chapter 3: Online Sources
The Internet is a massive source of ideas that you can use for your upcoming remodeling process. You can check out social media sites, like Pinterest or Instagram, to see what other people are doing in their homes. You may even luck out with getting more before and after pictures. Houzz is a website that is dedicated to helping people with their home improvements. Explore blogs on kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, and other ideas about what to do with all of your space.
Chapter 4: Local Real Estate
Don’t forget to check out your local real estate. First, you can talk with local real estate agents about what things are selling well in your neighborhood, and what remodels are not doing as well in adding value to your home. Secondly, just because you are not thinking of purchasing a home doesn’t mean that you can’t visit open houses. Open houses can be a good way to gauge what is possible in your neighborhood, and get plenty of ideas for what you like and what you don’t like.
Chapter 5: Window Shopping
Go window shopping to stores that offer interior design and other products. You may not be doing the work on your remodel yourself, but these stores are still a great source of information for what you may like or dislike in your newly redone room.
Chapter 6: Home Improvement Shows
Checking out your local home improvement shows are a great idea when you are looking for remodeling ideas. You’ve got a concentrated group of companies that are looking to tell you about their services and products. Often, there are model homes or set-ups that can give you some great ideas about what you’d like to see in your home.
SECTION IV: Mistakes to Avoid
Sometimes getting involved in a remodel isn’t just knowing about what you should do, but also how to avoid mistakes in your remodel. DIY projects are something that can seem really exciting when you first get started, but they can often end up the complete opposite. Often, home remodels that started out as a DIY project turn into a disaster for the homeowners that were so excited to get started, and becomes a very expensive project to fix once they turn to a professional to help. Often, these costs can be kept much lower if you just enlist the help of a professional from the start. Trying to tackle intricate remodeling projects yourself because you saw online that anyone can do it may be setting yourself up for a big fall and your home may not be as you wanted it to be.
Chapter 1: Expect Your Contractor to Know What You Want
As much as they might wish otherwise, your contractor is not a mind reader and is unable to know what you want. When you are meeting with your contractor, you should be able to give them something to work with for your project. This does not mean that your plans are going to be set in stone when you get to the meeting, but that you have some clues as to what you are looking for with this new space to have and things you may want to see in the remodel.
Chapter 2: Get In Over Your Head
You do not want to get in over your head when it comes to your remodel. This means that you should not think that just because there was a website offering instructions on doing it yourself, that you will be capable of handling this project alone from start to finish. You may find that you’ve bitten off more than you can chew or made big mistakes that will cost a great deal more to fix. A kitchen and bathroom remodel can be dangerous because of that fact that you are dealing with electricity, water, and gas lines. A poor remodel can also damage your house’s value in the eye of potential buyers, so rather than giving more value, it takes it away.
This also means that you should go into the process with a budget, a realistic idea of what will be happening with your remodel, and ditching the idea of the perfect kitchen or bathroom based on your original dream ideal.
Chapter 3: Budget Problems
Money can sometimes be a problem, and can cause mistakes in the remodeling process. Some people have a hard time talking about money. Some people try to cut as many corners as possible to save money. Some people set unrealistic budgets that are not going to work for their remodel. They may want a luxury bathroom that evokes a spa or master chef kitchen but finds that their budget is way below that level. This is all okay as long as you prepare in advance.
You should prepare yourself to talk about money. You will need to be open with your spouse or roommate about the money that should be budgeted for this remodel. You should also be prepared to discuss where this money is going to come from, such as if you have savings or will need to take out some type of loan to pay for the remodel.
You may think that you should choose the cheapest option for everything going into a remodel, but this may not be the best plan, either. You should evaluate each option not only based on the cost, but on the durability of the item, the difference in price, and other factors. Choosing only the cheapest items because of cost may mean that your remodel does not hold up for as long as you wanted it to or look as good as you imagined leaving you unhappy with the process.
Setting an unrealistic budget can be a killer for a remodel. You should take how much you’d like to spend, and then increase it by about 20% to get to a more realistic figure. You never know what may be found when the remodel starts that could impact your final price tag. There may be bad plumbing in your bathroom or mold in your kitchen cabinet under the sink. This cushion can help to absorb these costs that you were not thinking about when you were getting started with your contractor.
Chapter 4: Rush Into the Remodel
The final mistake that you shouldn’t make when getting ready for your remodel is to rush into it. This can be very detrimental to the process and the end product that you are looking to get out of it. Some things that you may do that are rushing the process faster than it should be are not doing your research, planning as you go along, and skipping the beginning conversations with your contractor.
Ignoring the research phase of this process can mean that you end up with a space that doesn’t truly fit your needs or that you grow tired of rather quickly. You should take the time to research the different trends and what you like before getting started.
Planning your remodel as you go along may mean that you are missing vital parts of your remodel or that the perfect plan that could’ve been had with a little prior planning is now gone forever because you already started moving forward. You should have all your ducks in a row before beginning this process.
This is a major undertaking for your family and your home. Skipping the important conversations with your contractor might cause problems down the road. You should carefully go over the research that you’ve already done, and what they believe can be done with your space along with how this process will be accomplished. This is the perfect time period to get some feedback on how the remodel is scheduled to progress, such as a timeline and so forth.
SECTION V: Talk with Your Contractor
Of course, your contractor will need all of this input to help you get the best remodel possible within your budget. Meeting with your contractor at various stages of this process is an excellent idea to make sure that all parties are on the same page with your remodel. The beginning meetings with your contractor might be the most important conversations that you can have with them, and will help to set the tone for the upcoming project.
Chapter 1: Meet with your Contractor
The time has come to meet with your contractor, and you need to be ready. One of the first things that you should do to prepare for this meeting is to gather up all of your inspiration and ideas to bring along with you. You should also be sure to bring along your realistic budget, want and needs lists, questions, concerns, and any other thoughts you had during the research and brainstorming portions of your remodeling project. Not having this information may mean that something gets missed in the meeting, and you might have to go back to the drawing board, so to speak.
This is also a great time to learn more about the contractor. Ask questions to find out more about them and their business. You may want to see how long they have been doing business in your area to see if they are well established, and may be able to offer some references from people that had similar projects done. You can ask about whom they use as their supplier to learn where the materials are going to come from for your home. Talk to them about their employees, and see if you are able to meet the foreperson and anyone that might be coming to your home to work on it. Ask them about their portfolio to get an idea of the projects that they have done previously.
Chapter 2: Get Their Input
While you don’t want to go into your meeting with your contractor without any ideas, this initial meeting is a great time to get their input on your project. They can go over your ideas, your needs, your wants, and other things that they see in your project to help you come up with even better ideas and thoughts on it. Trust that they are able to put their prior experience to work for you when it comes to creating the perfect design that balances everything you want with what is possible. Your contractor will have a good idea of what is going to work out well, and what will not. Ask them their opinion if you are not certain on an aspect of your design to see what they have seen with past clients. Put their knowledge and expertise to work for you in the initial project phase.
Chapter 3: Talk Budget
As mentioned previously, a budget is always a difficult topic for some people to discuss as money is almost a taboo topic for some families. Setting a realistic budget by doing your research may help you to be better prepared for the bid that the contractor is going to give you on the project with the details that you have come to them with for the meeting. Don’t be shy during this portion of the meeting.
Be sure to ask questions. Find out if you are able to get an itemized bid that helps you to determine what things can be axed or what can just be changed to better fit your needs. Also, it is important to ask at this phase whether or not the bid that is given to you is an estimate or if it is a fixed price. If it is an estimate, you can expect that this final bill may be higher than what has been quoted to you during this meeting.
Chapter 4: Discuss What Is and Isn’t Possible Between Budget and Need/Want Lists
This is the perfect time to start discussing what can be done and what cannot be done based on your budget and your need/want list. This may help you and your contractor come to a better agreement on a budget that will work for you both. Be prepared to give up some of the things on your lists if your realistic budget amount and the bid amount are not close enough together at first. You may even have to dig somewhat into your list of needs, depending on what is able to be done with your budget. The good news is that your contractor might have ideas for ways that you can save money, such as tweaking the design to fit better or ideas on using reclaimed materials.
You should also keep in mind that some things may need to be knocked off your need/want list, not because of the budget, but due to other restrictions. For instance, you may have it in your mind that you want to knock down a wall to make your kitchen or bathroom bigger, but based on your home plans, the wall may be a load bearing wall. This is another instance where your contractor may be able to help you salvage your idea to make it work for your space.
Chapter 5: Discuss Timeline
You should work on discussing a timeline at this portion of the meeting. This is where you should start setting a schedule. You should be able to determine a start date, an estimated finish date, and other milestone dates that should be completed at certain stages. You can also start creating a clear schedule, such as what time they will start working, what days of the week they will be working, and other timing details.
SECTION VI: Conclusion
Your remodel is something that you should be excited about, but you need to go into it with a better plan than just trying to wing it. Try to avoid the mistakes that other have made in the past to ensure that you get the best remodel possible for your space. This is not an easy task, but following these steps may help you stay away from the pitfalls.
Chapter 1: Do Your Research, Brainstorm What You Want and Talk with Professionals
Your remodel process will be whatever you put into it. You will want to take the time and effort to do everything that you can to get the best remodel with the budget that you have available to you. Start this process by doing your research. Look into what is popular and trending. Look into what styles you like. Research what remodels will help your property value and what will be detrimental to your property value. Take this information and brainstorm the ideal remodel that you are looking to have in your home. Your brainstorming can help you to discover what you want this new space to do for you, what you are able to pay for it, and what things you would like to have in it and what you need for it to have in it. Then follow this up by taking all your information to a contractor that can take what you imagine and help you turn it into a realistic reality for you to enjoy on a daily basis.
Contact us today to get started on the remodel of your dreams. We're here for you.
Don't Sell Your Home: Examine Ideas for a New Jersey Spring Remodel
Winter is just about over, and after being cooped up in your home for so long all you can think of is how it’s no longer working for you and your family. Rather than go through the hassle of putting your house on the market, look at the potential it still has for your family along with how you can put that potential to use for you. Spring is the right time to start thinking about ways you can improve your home. Most people think about spring cleaning and putting their homes on the market, but what better way to skip that headache by improving the flow and organization of your home with a few remodeling projects?
Your Kitchen
Kitchens are usually areas that can get pretty cluttered throughout the year. A spring remodel is the perfect way to kick off the good weather. You can incorporate lots of new and innovative storage ideas in the kitchen with cabinets and an island that are sure to make your spring cleaning a lot easier. Spring is a good time to get started with renovations because summer party season isn’t in full swing yet, and you might be able to get in with your contractor before he starts getting really busy for the season.
Your Bedroom
Keeping in the same mind as spring cleaning, your bedroom is another area that can often benefit from some remodeling. You can improve your closets or en suite master bath to take better advantage of the space that you have available to you. Installing built-in storage is a good way to get better use out of these rooms, and a different design flow may work wonders for how your home will better suit your needs.
Your Bathroom
No en suite bathroom? No problem. You can still enjoy a fresh bathroom space for spring with a bathroom remodeling project. Big shower stalls with rainfall showerheads are a popular trend that people are putting into their homes to achieve spa-like luxury. Creating a relaxing environment in your bathroom is sure to make you want to stay in your home, and these remodels often add great value to your home’s market price.
Your Doors and Windows
Spring is a great time to think about installing new doors and windows. Older doors and windows may not only be uncomfortable to have in your home because of the drafts that can come from them, but they can also cost you money on your electric bill. Your heating and cooling costs will thank you for taking the time to put in more energy-efficient doors and windows. Doing this in spring will make it more pleasant for the installers, and puts you in a good position with your upcoming summer cooling bill.
Your Mudroom
This can be the perfect time of year to update your mudroom or other entry space in your home. This is the area that is first seen when someone enters into your home, and can often be rather messy. Look at ways you can redesign the space to make it work better for you. Expanding the space or putting in storage options can be a good way to better use this area. Doing this in spring is a great idea because this is the time of year when it really gets put to use, and you may be more open to ideas of how to transform it.
New Additions
Spring is an excellent time to look into adding a new addition to your home. Add some additional outdoor living space by creating a screened in back porch that can be used all year long. Please the outdoor chef with an outdoor kitchen that is perfect for hosting parties. Put in a fire pit that works great on cool spring and autumn evenings. Create another bedroom to let your growing kids spread out. Add that extra space for an office or entertainment room to help your family fit better in your current space. There are a lot of different ideas out there for your new home addition, and this space can really be anything that will help your family be happy in your current home.
Spring is a time of new beginnings, but it doesn’t have to be the time to say goodbye to your home. You can implement some of these spring home renovation ideas to remodel your home and make it better fit your needs. Then, rather than spending your summer trying to find a new home and selling your old one, you can enjoy your new space. Not only will you have a new space (or spaces) that you adore and make you want to enjoy your home, but you’ll potentially be building in more value for your home when the time is right to put it on the market.
Not sure what springs remodels will be right for your New Jersey home? Talk with the professionals who can walk you through the process.
Project Spotlight: Double Front Door Renovation - Wayne, NJ
These beautiful double doors belong to a residence in Wayne, New Jersey. We are proud to be able to share this project with you and hope that you enjoy this photographic journey of the renovation.
From beginning to end, we knew this would be a challenge, yet one that would yield elegant and rewarding results. We've been relieving home improvement stress since 1959, and love when we're introduced to anything out of the ordinary. Double door redesign and installation not only improve curb appeal but allow for easy access through a striking entranceway. Here are some pictures, from start to finish, so you can see the transformation. To start we’ll show you the detail of the original tread and trim:
This is what the interior detailing looked like before we began...
We began the process for removing the doors and existing trim so that we could change the color. Outdated trim was removed and updated pieces were tested and approved, then finally installed after our team was finished with the stain.
Now the entrance was ready for the new doors to be installed.
And above is the end result. At first glance, it may seem as if the updates were minor but once examining all of the hard work that goes into this kind of job, you may develop a deeper appreciation for the aesthetics of your own front entry door. We suggest that you consult the experts when tackling any major renovation and would be happy to give you a free consultation in our walk-in showroom or simply over the phone, if you like what you see.
Call us today or visit us on the web and let us make your home improvement dreams a reality!