Top Five Remodel Tips in 2021

We're headed into July and looking ahead to see what the second half of 2020 has to offer us. If you're a San Diego home owner and looking to complete your first remodel, you've probably got a few questions:

• What type of company is best, if any?
• What qualities should I prioritize when looking for a good company?
• Do they need to be working in my area already?
• How should I be thinking about my budget?

Great work, you’re in the perfect place! 

In this article, I’ll answer your questions so you can make a great decision about your remodel.

Holding a B license makes a company a general contractor.

It's important to make sure that you're looking only at general contractors that that ALSO specialize in residential remodeling since any given general contractor may also perform commercial or multi-family work.

Within the category of "design-build" firms that specialize in residential remodeling, there are those who actually don't design or build--they are firms who hire all subcontractors and function as a project management firm. These folks can still get the job done but you'll have less control over your home and budget.

In a perfect world, you would find a firm who is design-build, specializes in residential, and has in-house crews to complete the work.

2. Choose A Firm That Has A Process

If you have remodeled your homes before, you understand the power of a streamlined process. 

Ensure you have your questions answered about the process they've built. If they have structure and flexibility present, but can communicate in detail about it, then you have found a design-build firm who has mastered their craft. 

The best companies to work with are busy growing and improving their leadership throughout their time in business; not just selling work to anyone who will buy.

3. Choose A Firm That Has Worked In Your Area

It is important to ensure that your design-build firm has completed work in your city and or zip code before.

It is not necessary for them to have worked on every home on your block, but checking to see if they are comfortable producing the level of finish that is appropriate for your zip code will be important. 

Remember, the finish details such as drywall tape, mud, texture, priming, painting, and finish carpentry come at the very last stages of your remodel. They will take a significant amount of energy while your project feels "almost done" for the last several weeks.

It is vital that you verify their ability to follow through on these details. You'll be staring at the finished product for a long time, so their ability to get it done correctly (the first time) will make or break your experience. 

4. Establish Two Budgets Up Front

Custom residential remodeling is...well...custom. We can look at our past projects and make loose ballpark assumptions, but you know what assuming does...

So if you're the home owner that is asking "I have a small powder room, how much will it cost to remodel it?" or "I have a small 8x10 kitchen that I need to update, including cabinets, and appliances, how much will it cost to remodel it?", here are your next steps:

• Write down your target budget
• Write down how much you are willing to have that number flex up and your reasoning for why
• Write down your total ballpark range so that you can red-light/green-light with each contractor you interview

5. Be Prepared To Get Only One "Detailed" Estimate

If you're comparing commodity services, go ahead and get a few prices. You want to get the most value for your dollar, right? Of course right!

But if you're comparing construction services (or diamonds, or your kiddos' education), the range of quality has a must greater impact on your life than, say, the range of quality of toilet paper. So you want to choose a quality firm that can build your project within your price range, but remember, selecting the right firm will allow you to land at the right price.

Be sure to narrow down your contractors to just one that will value-engineer with you as needed. 

Why Choose Teknik for Your L-Shaped Kitchen?

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