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Remodeling questions!
Hi everyone! I have some questions that maybe you can help me with. Unfortunately, the first floor of our home was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. We don't have TONS of money to rebuild, so we are trying to make smart choices, especially for resale down the line.
1.) When you hire contractors, do you comparison shop for items? For example, he says I can pick from A,B, and C front doors but doesn't give me prices. Am i supposed to oversee all of that and comparison shop?
2.) How do you feel about contractors being in your home if you are living there but at work?
3.) We hope to sell in about 5 years. Should i make "safe" decor choices? For example, i really like beachy bc we are by the water, but should i keep it neutral?
4.) Should all appliance names match in the kitchen?
5.) what is your favorite countertop surface and why?
Any advice for me in general?
Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!!
P.s. what happened to this board? it used to be so hoppin' a few years ago!
Re: Remodeling questions!
1.) When you hire contractors, do you comparison shop for items? For example, he says I can pick from A,B, and C front doors but doesn't give me prices. Am i supposed to oversee all of that and comparison shop?
If it were me, I'd probably go to the nearest home improvement store and choose my own front door, but you may be talking about more than just the front door. Looks and price can be different issues depending on the item you are talking about.
2.) How do you feel about contractors being in your home if you are living there but at work?
I would be uncomfortable about this, but that's just me. I have a coworker who is having her kitchen re-done, and she's allowing the contractors to be there when she's at work.
3.) We hope to sell in about 5 years. Should i make "safe" decor choices? For example, i really like beachy bc we are by the water, but should i keep it neutral?
I love beachy too, and don't live anywhere near the beach. However, my living room, with the beachy decor, has all white walls with accent colors of blue, green & yellow in pillows or throws, and other beachy decor like lamps or shells.My rocker is wicker. Neutral is always best on the walls or floor, with accents and furniture to bring in your style
4.) Should all appliance names match in the kitchen?
I have never heard of this being popular, but I don't buy appliances often. I go by what will get me the best value for the dollars and have a subscription to Consumer Reports which also allows, for $20, to have online capabilities to look at price and quality for various items.
5.) what is your favorite countertop surface and why? For me personally I like butcher block, especially in an area near a beach because it looks good. I'm going to be redoing my kitchen this year and have already priced out butcher block wood in bulk at local home improvement stores. But I'm a DIY kind of person. You just need to know that you need chopping boards that are appropriate for various foods and not to cut directly on the boards due to bacteria.
TN invaded our privacy and we all moved here in protest.
1) I wouldn't hire someone who wouldn't break down item costs and labor costs. Get more estimates from other contractors...though I imagine contractors are at a premium right now.
2) Necessary. If you ever want stuff done, you'll have to let them in. If you only hire workers you feel good with, it won't be a problem. Never hire someone you don't feel comfortable with, no matter what!
3)
Answer part A: Beachy is safe. "I like the colors of the sand and sea" is a very common refrain, so you can't really go wrong.
Answer part B: Your decor goes with you, so how you decorate doesn't matter. The only thing about "beachy" that won't go with you is carpet and paint; you should always choose a neutral carpet, regardless of your decor theme, and paint is NBD.
4) They don't need to. They do need to look as similar as possible.
5) Depends on your neighborhood - what's the norm? In a basic neighborhood, I really like the high def laminates - we put it in this house and it fools non-D&R people when they first see it. For more luxurious homes, consider soapstone, butcher block or recycled countertops.
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1. comparison shop. our contractor pretty much told us what we needed, and then we shopped for it. occasionally he'd suggest a store since he could get a discount at certain places.
2. find someone you trust. get family or friends involved to stay in the house if you're worried. our contractor was a family friend so i had no problem with him being in the house (though he only worked on weekends for us so it was never an issue).
3. make 'safe' building choices. decor is all your own
as long as new owners can change the look/feel with a coat of paint and maybe new carpet or flooring -- you're fine.
4. names dont matter. finishes do. i would suggest not mixing/matching stainless, white and black. hubby and i went with stainless throughout and had 4 different named pieces. the only thing we did (becuase we're borderline OCD) is make sure the handles on the fridge, stove and microwave were a similar curved style.
5. i wanted to go with quartz, but ended up going with granite due to color choices. I would've rather had quartz as I've heard it does not stain as quickly as granite and doesn't need to be sealed as often. Aside from a 'whoops' with the granite stain issue (putting oiled cutting boards out to dry - thank goodness for warranties and poultice stain removers!) I've been very happy with the granite. Butcher block is good too, though you do have a similar sort of upkeep as you'd have to oil it frequently.
my general advice would be to do a lot of research as you go. know the pros and cons of all your options. keep on top of your contractor and dont let them cut corners.
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1.) When you hire contractors, do you comparison shop for items? For example, he says I can pick from A,B, and C front doors but doesn't give me prices. Am i supposed to oversee all of that and comparison shop?
I would shop for a contractor you feel comfortable with first. I would allow the contractor to do some of the comparison shopping for me but there is nothing wrong with asking for price breakdowns. Keep in mind that Contractors tend to use higher end materials than what you find in Big Box stores and will also get better pricing on the items than you can get walking into places.
2.) How do you feel about contractors being in your home if you are living there but at work?
It is a must. A quality contractor is working their "9-5" job as a contractor. Most will make time to meet on evenings and weekends but be leery of contractors that do all of their work on off hours as that is probably their side job and not their priority. Also, quality contractors hire professional sub-contractors that again have business hours. Everyone in your home should be licenced and insured.
3.) We hope to sell in about 5 years. Should i make "safe" decor choices? For example, i really like beachy bc we are by the water, but should i keep it neutral?
Make it your home! hings that are easily updated-paint and carpet for example can be replaced, pick things you like. For cabinets, I wouldn't go too crazy.
4.) Should all appliance names match in the kitchen?
In a perfect work, yes. In a not so perfect world, make sure they all look good together (i.e. same color and style)
5.) what is your favorite countertop surface and why?
Quartz is going to be the most durable material. My favorite is cambria as it has the best visuals, it is made in the USA and has the great edge options (that are not price upgrades).