by Allison E. Beatty
Designingonline.com Columnist
Success in home improvement can range from creating a beautiful kitchen to
making your laundry room no longer leak water. Here is how to help ensure your
home improvement project is a success:
1. Home Improvement Planning
The first tip is to plan, re-plan, and plan some more. Planning is critical
because it forces you to evaluate what you really want. Start with the big
picture--a new kitchen with a large eating area, for example--and then narrow
your focus to the type of faucet and countertop.
2. Hiring the Best Contractor
The contractor is critical to the success of the project as he or she oversees
the layout, workflow, hiring of subcontractors, and purchasing of materials.
Find the best contractor for your project, someone who focuses on the kitchen,
bathroom, garage, or wherever your project happens to be.
3. Create a Home Improvement Budget
It pays to understand how much money you have to spend, when it will be available,
and when payments are due. Ask the contractor to explain the payment schedule
and make sure it fits with your comfort level.
4. Get it in Writing
A detailed contract is important, as it spells out the contractor's obligations
as well as yours. Make sure the contractor lists the amount of materials,
the cost, the brands, etc.
5. Understand Home Improvement Purchases
When the contractor says he will supply a faucet for the kitchen, what does
that mean? What type of faucet and which brand? Will the contractor pay for
it? You may want to shop for your own products, unless you prefer to go with
the contractor's recommendations.
Home improvement can be fun and successful--if you follow these tips for success.
Source
NARI, Frequently Asked Questions
Allison
E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer
who has been writing home improvement columns for more than 15 years.
