So you're at home and you're checking out information about your home remodeling questions so that you can know how to get started when this is all over.
- what questions should I ask while I'm in quarantine?
- what can I do before I have a contractor come to my home?
- how can I prepare for my site visits?
- which questions should I ask each contractor?
Boy, do we know how it feels to be stuck at home--we are self-isolating too!
But don’t worry. You’re in the perfect place to do your quarantine research!
In this article, we’ll answer all these questions so you can get totally prepped and organized before your fourteen days are up!
If you can get this research done while you're in quarantine, you deserve the best remodel ever!
What Can I Do Before I Have Contractors In My Home?
You can use Houzz.com Ideabooks for your style choices and material selections.
Here at Teknik, we love having our clients save time during the design and construction process by gaining clarity using the Houzz.com Ideabook feature.
- Create a Houzz.com account.
- Hover over the "My Account" button on the top-right of your screen
- Click on My Ideabooks
- Create a new one and choose a name
Finally, use the search bar to find photos that you love! You may find your tile, plumbing, flooring, and light fixtures. Ensure that you make notes under each photo to specify which features you've noticed in each photo. When you select your contractor, you can share it with them on houzz.com and eliminate 4000 to 8000 words from your discussion process 🙂 Preserve your energy. What a WIN!
How Can I Prepare For My Site Visits?
The site visit is no substitution for doing your due diligence online. By the time you schedule your site visit you have already verified that each contractor:
- Is licensed, bonded, and ensured. Verify here https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
- Is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Verify here http://bbb.com/
- Is currently engaged in other projects in the community. Verify on their website or social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Yelp, and Houzz. Remember, most contractors are pretty small businesses, so it's okay if there aren't lots of recent updates. You just want to make sure they have been active!
- Is receiving a good proportion of recent 5-star reviews. Are they leaving their clients satisfied customers or raving fans? Are they being invited back to complete a second or third project?
Which Questions Should I Ask Each Contractor?
The primary purpose of a site visit is to build friendship and trust. The content of the conversation will include project details, but the substance of the conversation is to see if a relationship can be built.
It is only after you have grown somewhat comfortable that you will share your budget or inquiries about special customization. If you connect well, and share ideas easily, then you are on your way to uncovering if it makes sense to partner up on your remodeling project.
That being said, these are the two questions you should ask each contractor:
- Do you use mostly subcontractors or mostly in-house crews?
- Do you allow us to purchase our finish materials directly, or do you purchase them, mark them up, and resell them to us?
In the case of Teknik, we use our own in-house crews, and we allow you to purchase your finish materials directly.
Take It From Our Happy Customers
"Kevin had the work done as if it were his own house and the project was completed before the contractual completion date." - Jack B., San Diego, CA
“This is our second remodel with Kevin. Once again, done on TIME! Great job! Just sorry we’re out of bathrooms! 🙂 He’s on speed dial in case we have another project.” - Gary G., Encinitas
“Kevin told me to allow 25 days and it was done in just over two weeks.” - Gina H., San Diego, CA
Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!
Budget Considerations
Popular websites on which homeowners answer "How much did you pay?" questions provide visitors with the average amount that home owners report to have spent.
But there's a catch. The average includes what homeowners have been reporting for twenty years, which brings the average so low it doesn't answer the nagging question for a 2020 remodel.
A better resource can be downloaded as a PDF here: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/pacific/san-diego-ca/
The Cost Vs. Value PDF will show you both mid-range and high-end averages that homeowners are spending in these geographic areas:
- United States
- State of California
- Your local county
Using 2019 as a point of reference, remember that many materials increase in price between 3% and 8% per year.
Why choose Teknik for Your 2020 Remodel?
We love remodeling because of how much these remodels improve efficiency and peace of mind in the lives of busy professionals and families. Your new kitchen, bathroom, or addition, will improve your daily routines and safe you time and energy. So many families have already purged, reorganized, cleared closets, and still need help. A remodel is often the answer.
Call today and let us prove that we've mastered how to avoid:
Still not ready? Don't worry! You'll be 100% covered by our Spoiled Rotten Customer Guarantee!
Step 1: Dream Design
We’ll collaborate with you to transform your dark and outdated space into bright and inviting space. It all starts with your free consultation so book now!
Step 2: True Quote
You can trust our service agreement! We get to know your home intimately before working on it to ensure we stick to budget with no change orders.
Step 3: Complete On-Time
We'll make your dream come true and do it on-time and on budget! Then it's party time! Perhaps leave out your friends who get jealous easily.
Call (888) 747-2013 or click here for a free consultation now!