Clients deserve a straight answer, but getting it requires an honest conversation.
Everyone wants to get as much value as possible for their investment and that makes the balance between cost and value a high priority for many remodeling clients. Not surprisingly, a lot of people approach the remodeler with costs gleaned from internet articles. Those articles typically say it should cost X dollars for a simple bath, from Y to Z for a full kitchen remodel, and so on.
We encourage people to do their own research, but we also caution that such numbers should be considered a starting point.
Some clients get fixated on the online numbers but do not take the time to define exactly what products and details those numbers represent, or how closely the products and details match the products and details the clients want in their home. This is a recipe for miscommunication.
We understand the need to simplify a complex subject like estimating costs, but there is also a more fundamental issue at work. Yes, clients want to know if they can afford a given remodeler, but they also want assurance that the remodeler will be a good steward of their budget, their vision, and their home. It is up to the remodeler to provide that assurance.
While a professional remodeling company relies on proven, scientific management systems, creating an accurate budget is still as much craft as a science. No ethical company will quote a hard price before asking for more information, because doing so would risk misleading the client.
The remodeler is tasked with helping the clients realize a very personal vision for their home. Because each vision is unique, estimating the cost of that vision requires the clients to answer some questions.
How much will this project cost?
First, we need an overview of what the project will include. Will the proposed kitchen remodel include relocating walls or removing the ceiling to create a cathedral? Do the homeowners want stock cabinets or custom ones? Do they want the new space to match the other rooms in the home? A colonial-style home with intricate moldings will have different material and labor costs than a modern structure with minimal trim.
We also need to define the level of interior finishes the homeowners want. Generic terms like “medium grade” are not too helpful, but we can clarify expectations by starting with some easy questions, like their preferences between two levels of plumbing fixtures, flooring, windows, or siding.
After creating this baseline, we can then show plans and photos from completed projects. And we can often provide a ballpark estimate of what it would cost to do something similar in their home.
The conversation is also a chance for the remodeler to clarify the clients’ expectations, as well as learning about their remodeling history. For instance, if their last project went over budget, we could explain how taking the time upfront to write clear specifications can eliminate that problem. If their home was not treated with the care they expected, then we can demonstrate how our processes ensure that it will be.
Ultimately, what most people want is the assurance that they are working with someone they can trust. A good remodeler earns that trust by investing the time and effort needed to understand all the variables involved, by using that information to calculate an accurate price, and by making sure all the clients’ concerns are addressed before work starts. Clients deserve nothing less.
We’ve included this link to the review of 2020’s best personal loans by MONEY.COM (June 24, 2020) to help you determine if a personal loan would help you finance your dream remodel. The article is meant to break down what it means to get a personal loan and how to go about getting one while reviewing national lenders.
Award-Winning Greater Phoenix Remodeler
Our goal is to help all homeowners in the greater Phoenix area love their home again. We’ll help you make the tough decisions regarding materials, colors, lighting, and flooring. Call us at 480-895-3442 to schedule a free 60-minute consultation with us to start making plans. Let us help you take those first steps toward your dream home!
How Much Will This Project Cost? July 21st, 2020Steve Shinn, CR
Recently, our sister company, Homework Remodels, was cited in this blog by Lexi Klinkenberg with RedFin Real Estate. We are excited to get to share her blog here about 9 simple home improvements that can increase value.
Keeping up on your home maintenance is an important and crucial part of being a homeowner, especially if you are looking to increase the value of your home. In addition to keeping up on basic maintenance, there are many other projects you can do to help your home potentially sell for more. Whether you live in a city like Atlanta, GA, or a smaller town like Cheney, WA these simple home improvements can increase your home value.
1. Replace the garage door
A new front door or garage door is one of the best returns on investment. A new garage door can increase your home value, as well as improve the appearance of your home. Replacing or having an old garage door fixed is a simple home improvement that can increase your home value substantially.
“Everyone knows that first impressions are important when it comes to a home. Depending on the style, the garage can take up as much as 30% of the front of a home. That’s why when replacing an old garage door with a new, upscale garage door has significant impacts on first impressions and can help you sell quickly! In fact, nationally, in 2020 homeowners can expect up to a 94% return on investment for their garage door replacements on average. In some regions, this return on investment surpasses 100%.” –Overhead Door
2. Remodel your kitchen and bathroom
The majority of buyers looking for a home that has an updated kitchen and bathrooms. Updating your cabinets and countertops is a great way to spruce up your kitchen, or even give it a whole new look. Additionally, hardwood floors are becoming increasingly popular among homebuyers and can improve the look of your kitchen dramatically. Buyers are also looking for a bathroom with new tiling and modern fixtures. By hiring a team of professionals to do these simple home improvements, and putting some money toward a kitchen and bathroom remodel, you can attract more millennial homebuyers to your property. Not only that, but you’ll probably recoup a lot of your costs in the selling price of your home.
“It is best to hire a company that not only restores your existing washroom, kitchen cabinets, and floors providing a range of products and options but a company that can also remodel according to your taste! As you are doing renovations, decisions may change due to unforeseeable factors, so it is best to work with a company like Bathtub Guru that can do both restoration and remodeling.” –Bathtub Guru
“We believe a remodeled shower adds value to your home – which can be as easy as tiling your shower from floor to ceiling (up to 10 ft) for extra bling. If you are looking to add more of a high-end touch, use exotic granite for the countertops. Lastly, always add a shower door to retain heat and apply “red guard” to your mud set throughout the whole shower for extra seal protection that lasts longer.” –Arlington Custom Builders
“When trying to find the right home service provider for you, search for local companies. Be wary of companies pouring money into promoted ads on the top of your web searches and those sent via “Directories” promising to connect you with the best local home improvement professionals. These companies will end up having a much higher price. We’re a small local company who invest more in our people and processes than our marketing. We can provide a fair price because we aren’t spending an arm and a leg on web leads.” –Center Point Renovations
4. Replace windows
It is advised that you replace any old single-pane windows and install dual pane windows instead. If you have the extra money for this, they are very attractive and people really find value in them. Replacing windows can give your home a new look, increase natural light, save your money on heating and cooling, and add value to the price of your home if you are considering selling.
“It is incredibly common that homeowners need to repair their windows to satisfy an inspector’s report, and they always want to do it as cheaply as possible. I would advise settling on a dollar amount to escrow so the new owners can make the decision on what quality level to pursue. That way they can do the cheap fix or maybe decide to replace all the windows or something in between. After all, the inspector has flagged 1 or more windows, and the reality is that all the windows are on a decreasing timeline to needing future repair or replacement.” –Brad Alexander, Zen Windows
5. A fresh coat of paint
If you decide to freshen up your home with some new paint, opt for neutral colors on walls, trim, and baseboards. Colors such as light grey, cream, and other soft neutrals are preferred. If you have children and their rooms are all shades of bright green, blue, and pink consider painting those to match the rest of your home. This new paint can bring a more simple, sophisticated look to your home. A freshly painted front door and entryway also make a great welcoming statement for the home and can refresh any interior space.
“Paint your house as soon as you want to list it. Painting your house is the fastest and most affordable way to add notable curb appeal to your home. A painted house will start to generate buzz and put a coming soon sign on the front yard. Make sure to choose a company that gives you a value paint job, not just a cheap paint job.” –Tulsa Christian Bros Painting
6. Update hardware and fixtures
Just as new fixtures can bring a home into the present, updated hardware can create a new look for a small investment. Updating hardware in your kitchen and bathrooms is a great way to modernize your home. You will want to keep your hardware consistent throughout your home and don’t forget to take looks and function into consideration.
“Look up, replacing old recessed fixtures, outdated ceiling fans and chandeliers can instantly refresh any home. Also consider replacing outdated almond-colored switches, outlets, and switch plates. These are great budget-friendly updates and can help you sell your home more quickly.” –Melissa Frederiksen, Atmosphere 360 Studio
7. Minimize and declutter
Decluttering, paring down, or purging is the first step to clearing away excess clutter so you can start organizing your space. You must declutter in order to open up room in your existing space. This is so critical if you are wanting your home to look better ion listing photos or sell for more. Decluttering is a simple home improvement that can make your home look much better.
“A clutter-free home will sell more quickly and for more money than one filled to the brim. Decluttering will not only enhance your sale but with less stuff, it will also make it easier to organize and maintain your next home. Whether you are downsizing, upsizing or right-sizing, the selling, and moving incentive works beautifully for getting you to evaluate your belongs and release excess clutter.” –Linda Samuels, Oh, So Organized!
“Installing shelves, hooks, and racks in your garage and basement to store your tools and belongings will make it easy to quickly locate what you are looking for as well as making a huge visual improvement. Using clear bins makes it a snap to find what you are looking for when you need it. Labeling all of your bins and hooks makes it easy to put things back where they belong. Our preference is metal shelving with wheels: sturdy and functional. It makes entering these spaces pleasant, it’s worth the effort.” –Anna Sicalides, Your Organizing Consultants
“Keep a seasonal maintenance list of everything in your home. For example, in the spring wash your deck and seal it if the manufacturer suggests it. Keep a list with dates of when you sealed it. You will be able to show possible home buyers how well you took care of your deck.” –Vickie Dellaquila, Organization Rules
8. Take care of the exterior of your home
“The best home maintenance tips are not over the top, they are simple ones that keep your home running and looking its best. Clean your gutters, make sure if you have a sprinkler system that the heads never spray on your home, wash your home every year and repaint every 4-5 years depending on your area of the country. Stay on top of these maintenance items so that when you get ready to sell your home, you don’t have to discount your price for all of the deferred maintenance.” –John Rogers, John Rogers Renovations
9. Service all systems
It is best if you service all systems in the home. This is a great way to show any potential buyers that you’ve taken good care of your home. It can be a simple home improvement that can add value to your home. If you have any appliances or systems that are more than 10 years old consider replacing them with newer better functioning ones.
“Looking to reduce utility cost; maximize energy efficiency and improve the performance of your HVAC system, we encourage homeowners to increase their attic insulation. Depending on the age of your home the guidelines for maximum energy efficiency could change from what the builder provided and overtime blown insulation can compact. Additional attic insulation can range from a straightforward DIY project with Batt Insulation to professionally installed Spray Foam Insulation. ” – Sheila Lanier, Homework Remodels
Award-Winning Greater Phoenix Remodeler
Tri-Lite Builders’ goal is to help all homeowners in the greater Phoenix area love their home again. We’ll help you make the tough decisions regarding materials, colors, lighting, and flooring. Call us at 480-895-3442 to schedule a free 60-minute consultation with us to start making plans. Let us help you take those first steps toward your dream home!
Peruse our portfolio for more ideas for creating spaces that will make you enjoy your home again!
9 Simple Home Improvements That Can Increase Value July 21st, 2020Steve Shinn, CR
Have you pictured yourself in a high-end, luxurious spa, wishing you could emulate this experience in your very own home? Creating a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom could do more than just give you an escape after a long day; it could increase your home’s value should you decide to sell your home down the road. The benefits are endless, so if you’re looking to turn your bathroom into a relaxing oasis, check out these five items that will transform your bathroom into a spa.
Large Shower
Showers are becoming larger and if you have space, we recommend that you install one that will fit two people. Dual rainforest showerheads allow everyone to be under the water at once and full-body jets will add a massage-like experience during every shower. Plus, these showers can come in handy in the future if anyone in your family needs assistance while showering.
Chromatherapy
Ambiance lighting has always been necessary for long and relaxing soaks in the tub, but chromatherapy takes this a step further. The water in your shower or tub can be programmed to turn one of eight colors, depending on your mood for the day.
Heated Towel Drawer
Warm towels, warm robes, and warm pajamas can all be yours when you install a heated towel drawer in your bathroom. There is nothing better than stepping out of the shower or the tub and surrounding yourself with warmth as you are trying to forget about the long day you just survived.
Heated Floors
If you dislike waking up in the middle of the night and walking onto the cold floors in your bathroom, then we recommend that you install heated floors during the remodeling process. The radiant heating mats are placed underneath the flooring that you choose and will keep your feet warm even if you have the air conditioning on full blast.
Bar
Not every bathroom has a bar in it and yours can be one of the first to have this wonderful feature. You can use this space in many ways including a spot for your coffee maker, wine, or other beverages that you want to enjoy while you are relaxing in the tub, getting ready in the morning, or unwinding at the end of a long day.
Create the Bathroom You Deserve
We recommend that you dream big while planning your bathroom remodel. Instead of only thinking of your current needs, we suggest that you think long-term and plan for the future as well. Our goal is to help all homeowners in the greater Phoenix area love their home again. We’ll help you make the tough decisions regarding materials, colors, lighting, and flooring. Call us at 480-895-3442 to schedule a free 60-minute consultation with us to start making plans. Let us help you take those first steps toward your dream bathroom!
Peruse our portfolio for more ideas for creating spaces that will make you enjoy your home again!
Five Items That Will Transform Your Bathroom Into a Spa July 21st, 2020Steve Shinn, CR
In our last blog, we talked about how unique backsplashes can transform your kitchen. Just as backsplashes are far from plain and simple, there are so many choices for countertops available now. Many of them will give your kitchen the high-end look that you have always dreamed of. The only thing standing between you and your dream kitchen is that first step. Are you ready? Here are the 10 top kitchen countertops in 2020 that will help you choose your ideal countertop.
How to decide?
The kitchen countertop is one of the most crucial elements of most kitchens. It is where we plan meals, prepare food, and clean up and often eating meals on that countertop. Having one that is stylish and upscale makes it enjoyable. When it comes to choosing the right kitchen countertop, there are many questions need to be answered:
What is the best countertop for your money?
How much does kitchen countertop cost?
What is the most durable countertop?
What is the best material as a kitchen countertop?
If you are looking for some budget material, laminate countertops may be a good deal for you. In this article, we’ll only focus on countertops made of natural stone.
How much does it cost?
If you are renovating your kitchen or just decide to replace your kitchen counter, you may want to check the price tag first. In general, the most expensive ones are the granite countertops. They range from $70 to $300 per square foot. The others such as quartz countertops have a price tag ranging from $60 to $175.
If you are looking for something high-end, elegant, stylish, and sophisticated which will add a positive spirit to your kitchen, you may consider buying a granite countertop. Of course, while you choose the countertop, kitchen cabinets play an important role because the color, the feel and look of the cabinets must be consistent with your material.
Replacing a countertop will cost around $4000 in material (the fabrication and installation depend on the fabricator, but will be, at least as much as the material itself). While an inexperienced person can install some type of countertops, materials like granite and marble will definitely require expert installation. Trying to save money can be more costly if you don’t know to handle such precious natural stones. *Price costs edited by Homework Remodels
Durability of Countertops
There are many trendy kitchen designs nowadays. Fashion may influence our choices but durability is also very crucial. Granite is the most durable material among other countertop options. Quartz comes second in terms of durability. Other materials follow these two.
Granite Countertops
Because it is a natural stone that can absorb heat easily and resist scratching and staining. This stain-resistant stone is also easy to clean. Most granite countertops come in 1 ¼” or 3cm sizes up to 10‘x 6‘. These sizes make it quite functional to use as a seamless piece of material in kitchens for countertops and kitchen islands. This is one of the best solid surface countertops on earth.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz can be found on earth easily. It is very abundant material. There are different types of quartz. The usage of quartz as a surface covering material is after the technological advances in natural stone cutting and mixing technology. This artificially created countertop is a cheaper alternative to marble and granite. It consists of resin and raw quartz.
Marble Countertops
Marble is a timeless and classic natural stone. It was once a symbol of luxury and richness. It was used in ancient cities to build temples, houses, statues. It is still a beloved and very popular natural stone that will add value and character to your kitchen.
Travertine Countertops
Granite is by far the first material that comes to mind when speaking of countertops or kitchen islands. But if you want to try something different, we have a wide selection of different travertine slabs as an alternative to granite. Travertine resembles marble rather than granite and its installation requires a technique called precision edging. It has a more tiled look than granite. Its maintenance is easier and it gives a more historical look to countertops. Because this stone dates back to days of the Roman Empire. Many sections of the Colosseum in Italy were made out of travertine.
Limestone Countertops
Limestone slabs are quarried as limestone blocks. It is mostly used to make kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, and other design elements. It is a sedimentary rock. It has been used widely throughout history in different buildings such as the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is elegant, beautiful, and tames bold colors. Of course, there are some disadvantages to this sensitive stone. It requires more care than granite or marble when it comes to care and maintenance of this natural beauty. You have to be careful when you put a hot pan on it or be careful not to scratch it.
Onyx Countertop
Onyx is a stone that has had many definitions applied to it over the centuries. Traditionally it will present as having distinctive bands… but not always. As a rule, it is somewhat exotic in appearance and therefore Onyx Slabs bring a level of desirable luxury into any modern space.
Exotic statements of nature… Onyx is a magnificent gift of nature. it is a gift of warmth that includes an incredible depth of color. The stone is formed by nature into translucent layers of marble. They provide a focal point wherever they are used. The onyx color palette goes from a rich neutral to exotic depths of color. Define your living space, your statement of design, and your appreciation of truly natural art. Enjoy entirely unique this gift of nature.
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a sedimentary stone that has a talc-based component. Soapstone Slabs are easily worked into kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity tops. The material enjoys a depth of color and texture that allows for a highly stylized visual image inside the modern home.
Porcelain Countertops
For people who are looking for more alternatives, porcelain countertops may be the solution. Made from non-porous ceramic clay which contains minerals like kaolinite and silica, this material looks very elegant as a kitchen countertop. It is highly resistant to scratching, cracking, and heat. The only main downside of this elegant countertop is about its patterns. Patterns on porcelain countertops are only surface deep, meaning they lack the look of depth.
Slate Countertops
Slate is a metamorphic stone. It is usually quite fine-grained and can be found in basic grays, greens, and blacks. Also, more exotic color ranges exist that bring to space a uniqueness of spirit rarely found elsewhere. Slate slabs yield exquisitely interesting kitchen and bath tops.
Quartzite Countertops
Finally, we have reached the end of our list. Quartzite is one of the harder more durable building materials that you might choose. Quartzite Slabs contain very high quartz content and with that comes density, stain resistance, and minimal care requirements. A modern kitchen countertop is a perfect place for this material. The main difference between quartz and quartzite lies in its creation. While quartzite is 100% natural stone, quartz is a man-made material that is engineered with quartz crystals and strengthened by resin.
For more photos from this blog, you can learn more here.
Greater Phoenix Area Award-Winning Remodeler
Contact us at (480) 895-3442 if you are interested in remodeling your home and adding to the unique appeal you enjoy from your living spaces.
Peruse our portfolio for more ideas for creating spaces that will make you enjoy your home again!
10 Top Kitchen Countertops in 2020 July 3rd, 2020Steve Shinn, CR
