Whether you’ve been in your home for years, or you’ve decided to take the plunge and purchase that fixer with all the amazing potential, there comes a time for every homeowner where you’ve simply had it with the outdated, and sometimes impractical areas of your home. You realize that the only way to get what you truly want out of your home is to knock out the old and start anew. But how do you begin? What will it realistically cost? How long is it going to take? Here are the answers and insights into a full house remodel.
Alright, how much?
According to Mike Daniel, owner of Ability Remodeling, every project is unique and there is no base price point because there are far too many elements to consider. Just to name a few, the price point is dependent upon the size of the home, the number of bathrooms, the level of finishes, and the architectural changes that may or may not need to be made. He also points out that no professional, qualified contractor will throw out any numbers until they have completed a thorough evaluation of your particular property and taken all the crucial factors into inconsideration.
So, how do I begin a remodel?
The first step would be to contact a qualified contractor. In today’s world, you really can find out what you need to know about a professional by researching them online. Mike tells his clients to be sure to read reviews and especially look out for five-star reviews that are coupled with comments. He says, “no matter who you choose, you will be spending a lot of money and a lot of time with that individual. Hire someone that you can trust and that you feel you can enjoy the experience with”. Mike says that besides having the proper credentials, trust, communication, and a good personality fit is what you are looking for. Do whatever it takes for you to feel comfortable with your choice, whether it be online research, personal interviews, or asking around town. Look into two or three options, decide on the individual that is the best fit for you and your family, and then stick with them throughout the project.
How long is this going to take?
Unfortunately, there is no short answer to this question. Mike says that in the “old days”, the time between the signing of the build agreement and the start of the project, it would usually take between 3-6 weeks. Now, due to everything going on in the world, the selected materials, and their availability, it’s not uncommon for that same time frame to be closer to 3-6 months. This is because the contractor does not want to start tearing things apart until they have the materials readily available to start putting things back together. This is especially true for cabinetry which can set things back significantly should the order be delayed. Mike lets clients know up front that, “however much time you think it might take or however much you think it may cost; it will be more.” He said he’s never had a client say, “Oh, that’s all? That’s so fast and so cheap!” but Ability Remodeling does strive for five-star service in all aspects of the project. At the end of the day, you will have a beautiful, quality result.
Where will I live during the renovation?
Mike says, there are multiple options here. In certain circumstances, some homeowners may be able to live in a second residence. Other families may decide to stay in the home during the renovation. In this case, the contractor will work with the homeowner to set up a temporary kitchen. They may also plan to spread out the bathroom overhauls so that they aren’t all out of commission at the same time. In other cases, homeowners may decide to rent short term while their home is being worked on.
Is there a “best time of year” to begin?
According to Mike, the answer is no. He says, that depending on the individual project, weather might be taken into consideration. For example, tearing off a roof during monsoon season may not be the best way to go. However, there are many ways to deal with weather complications and he feels that any project can be completed successfully at any time of year.
Other advice or insights?
Mike stresses two things here. The first is that TV makes it seem like you can tear down, redesign, and rebuild an entire house is three days. Do not let your reference of time frame come from any television program. It does take time to create beautiful, quality homes. The second piece of advice is to communicate anything and everything. He likes to joke, “I’m also a marriage counselor”. He says that he makes sure to bring in both homeowners/involved parties for any meetings concerning significant decisions. Communication is extremely important and if done correctly can alleviate may stresses that could arise throughout the project.
If you feel that you are ready to turn your home into your dream home, Mike and the team at Ability Remodeling are here to help! Contact us today.