Evaluate your existing bathroom for what you like and what you want to change. List features you’ve always wanted. Group them according to must-haves and nice-to-haves, and number them by importance. Review magazines and websites to gather inspiration. Consider whether you want to gut your bathroom and start from scratch or just make cosmetic changes, it’s important to know how much you want to spend before you start. Also set money aside for the unexpected, such as water, mold problems, electrical or outdated plumbing systems, in some cases it can be cheaper to gut the room and start from scratch. Design with resale in mind if you’re planning to stay in your home five years or fewer and communicate well with your project manager to ensure you get exactly what you want out of your bathroom remodel.
Before The Remodel
This kitchen remodel was part of a complete home renovation. The homeowners had bought this home with the intention of remodeling it and making it ready for their growing family. As you can see in the first slide the kitchen had an outdated look and lack of space due to its shared wall which housed a fireplace which closed off he kitchen making it look and feel small.
During The Remodel
A-List Builders removed the wall and fireplace opening up the kitchen area making it ready for a complete demo of the kitchen which allowed the placement of new flooring, cabinets, backsplash tile, appliances, lighting, sink, and more.
After The Remodel
The remodel was a complete success, non-stressful for the client, fast and within budget. Our client now, has a bigger, beautiful kitchen which is perfect for cooking, entertaining, and sharing meals and conversation in for years to come.
“A-List Builders did everything to make my remodel as seamless as possible. They were there for me from beginning to end making sure that everything was done right! The final results are amazing, my family loves our new kitchen!”
Albert
Hines
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Tips & Trends
Bathroom Remodel 101
Contractor VS Handyman
There are numerous books and websites that tell you how easy it is to save thousands of dollars by being your own contractor. Most exaggerate the savings and minimize the time commitment required, the difficulties, and the risks. There are owner-builder success stories and owner-builder nightmares. Before going too far down this path, take a hard look at what is required to succeed at this and a clear-eyed view of the potential savings. Then decide if it’s worth it.
Why Hire a General Contractor?
Having read this far, you may already have a sense of why you might want to hire a general contractor. A general contractor can be a major asset. Here is why.
First, they know the codes. Hopefully you have hired someone who is recommended and has a good reputation. They will understand what permits need to be pulled and how to get code enforcement to approve the project. If you have never dealt with building codes and inspectors, this can be a major asset.
Second, they know the process to get the job done as efficiently as possible. They should understand which components need to be completed when and know how to schedule their sub-contractors accordingly.
Third, the liability is often transferred to the general contractor if someone gets hurt. Any general contractor worth his salt will have worker’s comp insurance and thus protect you if someone falls off the roof.
Fourth, they likely can get better prices on materials and labor. This is simply the nature of the business. They do more volume and already have good relationships with sub-contractors; thus, they get better prices and may actually save you money in the long run.
Finally, they can warranty their work. If something goes wrong in six months, most folks will come out and try to make it right. After all, they want more business from you, and good ones stand behind their work and reputation.
PROS & CONS OF BEING YOUR OWN CONTRACTOR
It’s possible to be your own contractor and save money, but you need to first evaluate if you have the time, and organizational and business skills, and technical knowledge to get the job done.
Pros of being your own contractor
- Can save 15% to 20% of construction costs (if all goes right)
- You maintain full control of the project and have a better chance of getting exactly what you want.
- If you hire good subcontractors, overall job quality will be good despite your inexperience.
- You have pride and satisfaction of building your own home.
Cons of being your own contractor
- Real savings are usually less than expected due to unanticipated expenses and cost overruns.
- The project will probably take more time and energy than you expect.
- The job will likely have more problems, due to your lack of experience.
- Quality of construction may suffer due to your lack of experience.
- You will be absorbing most of the risk for cost overruns, and for construction problems that occur during the job and after you move in. (In most cases, there will be no one to blame but yourself).
- Obtaining a construction loan may be difficult.
Pros of hiring a contractor
Time: A good general contractor will be able to give you a general timeline and an anticipated date of completion. The GC will also keep you on track for making timely selections. It is frustrating to learn you didn’t order the new windows early enough to arrive when the house is being framed. Delays are cumulative and will cause a ripple effect through your schedule.
Logistics: It’s part of a general contractor’s job description to coordinate all work done by subcontractors; check to see that the work is completed in compliance with local building codes; warranty the work and deal with any problems that develop during and after construction; and collect lien releases and process payments.
The Unexpected: Suppose your home is a historic property. An experienced general contractor will know how to handle the challenges that older wiring and plumbing systems as well as an aging structure and foundation may pose. Good GCs will not only know the safest, most cost-efficient way to work; they will also know who to call to get the job done.
Overhead and Profit: GCs need to make money, too, so you may expect that they will add between 15 and 20% (or more) to the cost of materials and labor. On the flip side, they can purchase materials and fixtures at wholesale or with a contractor’s or volume discount to which you may not have access.
Deck Installations Made Easy
Deck Installations Made Easy
If you’ve been dreaming of a deck for your home then we are the company for you. We make deck installations easy whether you need a deck restoration or would like a deck built from scratch A-List Builders can do it. A deck can make your home a fun and social place for years to come, image all of the special occasions to be had such as birthday parties, evening cocktail parties, summer grilling and so much more. If you’re ready to take your social life to the next level you need a deck installation.
Easy starting process
We begin with a free at home quote, our friendly, professional and attentive project manager will visit your home at no cost to you and take note of everything you’re looking for your deck project. From here our project manager will take measurements and create an estimate. A-List Builders always provides accurate and fair estimates to live by our company motto “Fair and square.”
The proof is in the details
Once your project is on its way it’s time to focus on the details, unlike other contractors A-List Builders makes a point to be on top of out each and every project every step of the way. A-List Builders believes in fostering the development of each and every stage of a project to ensure top quality craftsmanship and trust between client and contractor. Your project is not complete until you’re 100% satisfied.
Required Permits
Knowing when a permit is necessary can save you a tremendous amount of money and stress. Pulling permits for the necessary renovations is imminent for quite a few reasons. Most projects that require a permit, do so for a reason. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry! Accidents happen, permits are there to ensure none of these are construction related. Also, just because you slid under the radar now, doesn’t mean you will in the future. Unpermitted work will catch up with you one way or another.
Ignoring local approval requirements not only poses safety and legal problems but also can potentially derail an otherwise smooth sale, should you try to sell your home. When selling your home, you must disclose the permits, any unpermitted work can be subject to demolition.
Also, without pulling the proper permits, you can’t ensure you are getting quality work. We’ve seen and heard of numerous horror stories due to this. Without the necessary permits, you won’t know if your contractor did a good job until a few months down the line when the project falls apart. Don’t let that happen to you! This is easily avoidable, all you need to do is make sure you have the necessary permits!
So when is a permit necessary?
The IBC (International Building Code) is a uniform code that has been adopted throughout most of the United States.
A permit is always required for any addition or structural modification to your existing living space. A permit is required for electrical modifications, plumbing work, window modifications that enlarge openings and for mechanical system installations.
A permit is also required if you are modifying the roof line of your home. Sewer modifications, major demolitions and added fireplaces are other examples of work that typically requires a permit.
When is a permit unnecessary?
A permit usually isn’t required for interior cosmetic changes like new carpet, hardwood flooring, new paint, paneling and the installation of trim like crown molding, baseboard, and casing.
Depending on where you live, certain permits may be required. Always check your city requirements before proceeding with the project.
What permits may be necessary?
Exterior work such as adding a deck, cutting down trees and building new fences or retaining walls are all elements that may or may not require a permit depending on design, location and the extent of the work.
Exterior work on your home, like repairing siding and repainting, may or may not require a permit and can only be determined in context with the rules of your community.
Replacing light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and appliances are all examples of work that historically did not require a permit but now may technically require one in some cases.