A home remodel can completely transform your home visually, structurally and functionally. Whether you are completely gutting your home, just making a few simple updates, or focusing on one area to improve, it is important that you employ your resources to get the best results. There are many local businesses that you can team up with for your residential remodeling project that offer invaluable professional experience. As with any home renovation, the project will entail plenty of planning, budgeting, coordinating, choosing and installing. While remodeling is a ton of work, improving your home is a worthwhile investment of your time and money and the results are well worth the effort.
Selecting a Contractor
You should expect three essential things from any company assisting you with your home remodeling project: attention to detail, quality workmanship and great customer service. A remodeling project is an important decision for any homeowner, and it is imperative that you choose a contractor who shows they care as much about your project as you do. Look for someone who takes pride in their work and will treat you, your project and the process seriously. If you are not comfortable with whomever you choose, chances are the experience will be less than pleasant all around. A contractor who is not in it for just the paycheck will offer you several options to save money, upgrade at reasonable costs, and give you the features you desire in your remodeling project in order to end up with a win-win situation. You should always trust your instincts–when you meet the right contractor for the job, you will know it. They may not be the lowest bid, but you will be glad you trusted your intuition.
Before you have even met with a contractor, do your homework. This includes getting references and more than one bid before selecting your contractor, and it is a good idea to check their Better Business Bureau online rating as well. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential contractor specific questions–be prepared for your meeting and be direct about your wants and needs. This will allow your contractor to connect your ideas with their resources to ensure the project you have envisioned is one that you are going to be satisfied with. Most contractors will also provide you with a portfolio of their previous work and references that you can contact upon request. Additionally, don’t forget to ask about manufacturer’s warranties, and more importantly the process of filing a claim if something were to happen to your products. Many companies take care of any warranty issues directly with the manufacturer, including service and installation, at no charge and no hassle to the customer. Working with an experienced contractor will save you a lot of time, money, and worries in the long run!
Kitchen & Bathroom
A majority of remodeling projects focus on kitchens and bathrooms as they are areas where function is just as important as design, and you can often get the most out of your investment in these projects.
At GV Kustom Kitchens, they provide all of the components necessary to successfully complete every nuance of your design and installation. Their educated and experienced designers develop close relationships with their clients, helping to eliminate all the frustrations that often accompany a large-scale home improvement project. Their team of professionals is prepared to show you all the possibilities that accompany the design and installation of every component of a new space. From the floors to the cabinetry their experts will help you design and select the type of wood, hardware, flooring and paint color. If you can imagine it GV Kustom Kitchens can make it a reality!
Lisa Giesbrecht of GV Kustom Kitchens says “Residential remodels are what we specialize in; our designers work closely with the homeowners to re-make a space into something modern and up-to-date, comfortable, and perfectly suited the homeowners needs. Although our main focus is cabinetry, we are able to help the homeowner with every detail of the project. Working with a designer takes the burden off of the homeowner–we do the homework for you and put all the pieces together giving you options and possibilities to meet your needs. Our desire is to give you great design that is cohesive and that works!” She adds, “Remodels are often about maximizing the space, and there are many products that we offer for organizing and equipping every nook and niche in your home to truly make the most of your space. Some favorites from recent projects are an ironing board that folds into a drawer, a message center in a wall cabinet that keeps the daily junk tidy and a motorized waste basket cabinet so that you don’t have to touch anything with dirty hands.”
GV Kustom Kitchens offers quality, outstanding service and guaranteed satisfaction. From their free estimates, in-home measuring and three dimensional designs to their on time delivery and mistake-free installation, they are the very best at what they do. Their goal is to create well-organized designs that transfer to a well-organized remodel experience. By choosing GV Kustom Kitchens and trusting your dreams and ideas to their team of professionals, you’re certain to enjoy every detail of your new space.
When cons
idering a remodel of your home, it’s always best to work with experienced professionals to help you through the challenges of remodels. It is becoming common for homeowners to get multiple bids for their remodel project. When getting bids, consider they are rarely “apples-to-apples.” It is crucial to be sure you understand the various features from one bid to the next as well as having your priorities in mind as you make your decisions. It is helpful to ask yourself what your dream space would look like, and what your “must haves” are. Those answers will help you align the design and your budget with your priorities.
When remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, a great option to consider instead of purchasing and installing new tile and grout is to clean and restore the existing area. Kevin Monismith of The Groutsmith explains that this type of restoration can achieve great results and is far less expensive than replacement. The Groutsmith is a Veteran owned and operated business, and offers a ten year warranty for all tile floor grout sealing as well as 30 different colors of grout sealant to choose from.
A great way to spruce up a bathroom is to install a framed mirror. At Hangups Gallery, they have a multitude of frame styles, colors, shapes, and finishes to compliment your newly remodeled bathroom. They can provide both standard mirrors as well as mirrors with a beveled edge. Steve Petersen of Hangups Gallery says the best thing about getting your mirror from a frame shop is that it can be custom made to fit the space. He adds that a good time to start thinking about a custom framed mirror is in the early design stage when materials, colors and fixtures are being selected. Their design consultants can assist in selection of the right mirror, and can also work with your interior designer. If necessary, they can come out to your house in order to get a feel for your project and discuss different aspects of the process, take accurate measurements, and then return to install the final product.
Lighting & Electrical Elements
If you are changing the dimensions of your space, the colors of your walls, the structure of your home, or replacing outdated features it is likely you will need to update either your lighting or other electrical aspects. Sentry Electric Inc. can assist you with any of those tasks. They will wire everything according to the most recent version of the National Electric Code, which is published by the National Fire Protection Association and is the benchmark for safe electrical installations. This code serves to protect people and property from electrical hazards and is used by all inspection authorities in Nebraska. Sentry can wire all receptacle lights and other equipment such as hot tubs and heated floors. Additionally, in many remodels people assume that the drywall will have to be removed in order to install the new wiring. In most cases this is not true. Sentry’s technicians are experts in fishing wires of all types inside walls and above ceilings–their goal is always to hide any wiring. Brian Allison of Sentry Electric Inc. advises that an electrical inspection of the wiring should ALWAYS take place, even if you decide to do the wiring yourself. This inspection will assure you that the wiring is safe and installed to the minimum standards of the National Electric Code. An inspection will also assure you that the proper safety devices such as child proof receptacles, AFCI and GFCI protectors are installed properly. Allison says, “Look for a tag from the inspector on the framing before it is covered. We are often called to repair wiring that was not installed properly when the house is about to be sold. These repairs usually cost many times more than it would have if installed properly to begin with. Just because it works does not mean that it is safe and trouble free.” He also advises to get good references when hiring a contractor or whoever you choose to perform your electrical work. “Don’t be afraid to ask for a list of previous clients and once you get them be sure to call and ask them about their experiences with the contractor. Did they show up when they should have? Did they keep the site clean? Were there change orders and was the price for these change orders reasonable? Were there any repairs needed after the final payment was made and did the contractor come back to do the repairs?” This information is crucial to making the decision on hiring that individual or company to manage your remodeling project.
When considering the type of lighting you want in your home, LED lighting is a great choice. There are two types of LED currently in use, LED lamps and fixtures or fixture retrofits. Allison says they prefer the fixtures or retrofits because the rated life is twice that of a replacement lamp, as there are better heat sinks used in the fixtures. He explains that “Heat is the enemy of LED’s and the better heat sinks in the fixtures and retrofits provides better lifetime. Whether you choose LED lamps or fixture retrofits, I suggest that you use equipment that has been tested and ‘listed’ by a third party testing agency such as UL. To verify this, look at the package for a certification mark or logo such as UL, CSA, ETL or CE. There are quite a few electrical parts coming from overseas that do not always live up to the statements listed on their packages and are often counterfeit and very dangerous, so you should always look first to a local business to buy your electrical products. Products on the internet that look to be a great bargain should be purchased with extreme caution.” As far as features go, LED lighting for recessed cans and under-cabinet lighting is a very good choice. In addition to using 70 to 80 percent less energy than of an incandescent light, it has a rated lifetime of up to 100,000 hours so you should never need to replace a light bulb again!
Making an Entrance
Raynor Doors of Nebraska offers a wide variety of garage doors and openers to help both the homeowner and contractor achieve their goals. They offer a wide variety of designs, colors and R-values to help meet their clients’ needs and desires. Raynor Doors’ showroom is the best around, and they encourage visitors to see, touch and learn more about their garage doors, openers and services. They can also take a picture of your home with an iPad, or upload a picture you provide, and show you the different looks, styles, windows and colors they have to offer on the spot. They also oil, service and adjust any garage door that needs work. Ron Fricke of Raynor Doors of Nebraska says “When it comes to picking out a new garage door and opener there are some questions that we like to ask. What direction does your door face for wind and sun? Is your garage insulated and are you planning on insulating anytime in the future? These aspects are essential to keeping your garage cool in the summer and warm during winter. Do you have children with bikes and toys that may be playing around the garage door? Your safety is our concern. Do you have a smart phone? You can now control your garage door opener with your phone or a computer. What ideas do you have, or what look and level of function are you trying to achieve? All these questions help us to determine what tips and advice we can share with our clients to help them make the best decision for a garage door and opener.” He adds “We invite everyone to come visit our showroom. We pride ourselves with having the nicest one around. Homeowners, contractors and architects are all welcome! We have two working garage doors with the newest openers for visitors to test out, and six other doors on display. We also offer actual metal color samples and literature that anyone can take with them. Our goal is to have addressed and answered all your garage door and opener questions by the time you leave our showroom.”
Security
Whether you are at home or away, there are many security features you can incorporate into your home to ensure your safety and protect your property at all times. AlarmLink offers great options such as a panic button in the master bedroom for quick access to 911, remote wireless access to surveillance so you can see your home or even turn on lights while you are away, and secured gates and doors with access codes for entry just to name a few. This also offers a great deal of flexibility, energy savings, and peace of mind. You can even access security footage from your cell phone, PC, laptop or tablet. R.J. Lipert of AlarmLink emphasizes that they can tailor a system to your specific needs and requests, and as a locally owned and operated company they are available to address any concerns or provide assistance at any time, day or night.
During the Remodel
During the process of remodeling your home, things can get very messy. Many times, in the interest of protecting your furniture and other belongings, it is a good idea to move these items to another location while work is being done. That is why self-storage and residential remodeling are good partners. When remodeling a room, removal of the contents is essential and storing them in other parts of the house or business makes for overcrowding at the very least. When storing your home items offsite, the contents are safe and out of the way. Strong Box Storage is a great place to 
store your belongings, and also offers many types of packing materials and a variety of sizes of boxes for sale as an added convenience. Almost all self-storage is a month-to-month lease, so you will not have to worry about a long term commitment. Additionally, if you are purchasing materials for your remodel you can store them until you are ready to begin the project—which allows you to take advantage of good deals when you run across them! Strong Box Storage is a U-Haul Dealer, so you can get your items from your home to your storage unit and vice-versa in fewer trips if time and manpower are an issue or if a larger truck is needed for certain items. Thomas Friedman of Strong Box Storage advises that all of these things can be planned and reserved ahead of time for peace of mind. However, in the case of unexpected occurrences or potentially unscheduled deliveries, Friedman says they can almost always be of help even on short notice.
Simple Projects That Add Big Value
• Give your wasted space a purpose! Transform a plain wall into storage as well as a display showcase by adding a build-out with open shelves or a recessed niche.
• Accentuate your architecture by using simple molding or trim to draw attention to existing features, such as a high ceiling or an attractive view from a window.
• Adding a fireplace will give your home an ambience that really can’t be achieved any other way. It adds warmth and creates a focal point for the room.
• Replace a standard window with a bow or bay window. This will instantly make the room feel larger and will let more natural light into your home.
• Refinish your hardwood floors. It is much less expensive than replacing existing floors and can dramatically improve the appearance of the room.
• Installing lighting in abstract places can really change the atmosphere in that particular space. Even adding a strip of lights underneath your kitchen cabinets or inside built-in bookcases or hutches can make a big difference in the overall appearance of the room.
• Maximize your existing storage space, such as installing rods on two levels in a closet for hanging shirts and pants or adding cubbies and pullout bins for socks and undergarments. In the kitchen, install a spice rack or lazy Susan in a corner cabinet.
• Entryways are the first thing visitors see when they enter your home, so it should welcome you and your guests with style! Concentrate on the high impact items such as entry flooring, railings or architecture on a prominent staircase, or a stunning front door.
• Make your laundry room fabulous! An attractive, functional laundry room with the latest energy efficient appliances, counter and cabinet space, and even a sink with a hand sprayer or a built-in ironing board can be a fantastic selling point.
• Update your bathroom with simple changes, such as replacing the shower head or adding a second sink. If the two sinks are within 30 inches of each other, the two can share drainage and supply lines and will dramatically decreases the cost of installation.
• Change the fixtures on anything and everything! This includes cabinetry, lighting fixtures, faucets and plumbing fixtures. There are great finishes like brushed nickel and satin that look great but won’t break the bank.
• Freshen up your landscaping. Quality landscaping enhances the style of your home and makes the exterior more attractive and inviting. A neat, well maintained landscape instantly increases your home’s curb appeal and suggests that the interior is equally well maintained.
Financing Your Project
If you are taking on a major remodeling project, it is likely that you will need to seek financing and you have plenty of great options in doing so. BNC National Bank offers several home equity products, including the FHA program 203k, which allows a client to borrow 110% of their home value (after improvements are calculated) and the lender even coordinates the payment of contractors for you! Stephanie Boyes, a Senior Mortgage Loan Consultant for BNC National Bank in Lincoln, suggests limiting the upgrades to those that reflect a true value on the home—unless you are conscious of the fact that only certain improvements will increase the value. When you consider putting that enormous, beautiful, custom chandelier in the foyer, keep in mind that while it may be just what you had dreamed of the value stays with you and does not translate into the overall value of the home. Boyes says “What can be the most frustrating for people is the fact that just because you have the nicest home in the neighborhood doesn’t mean you will get the highest price for your home. Be conservative with improvements just like you would with options on a vehicle. Sometimes just staying in the middle of the road is the best choice.” She advises that regardless of the changes being made to the home, you should consult with several different professionals and get various quotes, both with contractors and financing options. It is always a good idea to shop around, as it allows you to have a comprehensive understanding of the options available as well as an indication of which company or individual is best suited to help you accomplish the goals of your remodeling project.
Final Touches
Re-decorating a room is an essential part of creating a different look and atmosphere in your home. Chandelier Resale Furniture Boutique offers many unique options for home décor. Chandelier provides items from estate close-outs, prop rentals, staging, a mix-n-match china bar, a vintage china bridal registry, and buying/selling for private parties, and free buying and design services. Not only can you browse their store, but they can help source what you need or can help you find upcycled project pieces that require minimal work. Chandelier can also customize a piece found in their store to match your new décor. Catherine Dillon of Chandelier Resale Furniture Boutique says “Remodeling is multi-faceted and it’s hard to know just how the pieces will be put together. Our staff can show you décor ideas, and with approval you can even take an item home from our store to make sure it fits perfectly before you purchase it.” She adds, “Depending on your needs, we can be there from the planning stage all the way through to the finish. We are not a design firm so most of our assistance and ideas are free or at minimal cost to the buyer.” That is a big bonus, especially if you need just a bit of help as opposed to a larger scale design plan. They will also deliver items directly to your home, saving you a trip to their store or from borrowing a truck if you do not have a good means to transport larger items.
Steve Peterson of Hangups says “What can really make a newly remodeled kitchen is a really neat piece of art. Quite often kitchens are open to dining rooms or breakfast areas. A carefully selected and well placed custom framed picture, poster or print can add that just right final touch and give the space its own unique feel or personality.” If you want to include a favorite picture or piece of art you like but it is showing signs of age, Hangups Gallery can reframe that special piece with fresh new matting and a brand new, up-to-date frame. This is a perfect way splash a touch of the old in with the new. Also, if you have added new windows or there is now a glare in a place you would like to hang a picture, Hangups can frame your piece using museum glass, which offers a non-reflective surface and 99% UV protection—which also protects the integrity of the art or photo.
If you are looking for a designer to assist you with your project, or would like (and trust) a professional to re-design your home for you, T.J. King Interiors & Design can accommodate your interior design needs. King offers many different products and services for design, including consultations, staging, and selection of materials and signature pieces. King emphasizes that the key to any great remodel or design is having a good design plan. He says, “No matter how big or small the project, as long as you have a good design plan it will all fall into place.”
Improving or adding features to your existing landscape can make a big difference in the appearance and value of your property. You can depend on Ray’s Lawn Care to transform your landscape into exactly what you have always wanted it to look like. Ray’s Lawn Care will work with you to update and maintain the face of your property through renovation or a fresh new look. Their extensive knowledge of landscaping, helpful ideas, planning, and attention to your budget are all complimentary features with any project. In addition to landscaping, planting, mulching, shrubbery shaping, and tree trimming, pruning and treatments; Ray’s Lawn Care also offers comprehensive lawn care services, power raking, gutter cleaning, and can build retaining walls or water features.
Precast Products and Landscape Village is the only authorized Nebraska distributor for beautiful, maintenance-free outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic milk jugs and beverage containers. The quality construction and attention to detail makes these pieces a perfect solution for your front porch or patio. Each classic design is available in nine different colors, and you can choose from a variety of chairs, benches, gliders, rockers, and side or main tables. Precast Products’ outdoor furniture is guaranteed not to crack or peel and is UV stabilized against fading. This means it is designed to last a lifetime, and you will never have to re-paint or move it into storage during the winter. Not only are you improving the appearance of your outdoor entertaining or relaxing areas, you are being kind to the environment at the same time!
Green Remodeling
Remodeling projects should also take the environment into consideration. There are plenty of green features that you can incorporate into your home, and adjustments that can be made during the remodeling process as well. Green remodeling incorporates healthy living, energy efficiency, sustainable architecture, and responsible use of materials. If we can do things today that are better for all of us tomorrow, it’s certainly worth looking into. Here are some things to keep in mind when “going green.”
Energy Audits
When you begin planning to remodel your home, one of the first things to consider is an energy audit. A home energy audit helps owners determine where their house is losing energy and money – and how such problems can be corrected to make the home more energy efficient. Many local businesses offer professionals that will come out to your home and perform efficiency testing. Energy audits can include checking for leaks, examining insulation, inspecting the furnace and ductwork, performing a blower door test and using an infrared camera. This will help you identify some of the most cost effective ways to make your home more sustainable, and those shifts can easily be incorporated into the changes throughout the remodeling process. Since approximately 20% of carbon emissions come from existing homes, it is definitely a concern that often flies under the radar. By incorporating energy audits into the renovation process, you will end up saving money in the long run and will also positively influence the overhanging home emissions issue. This is mutually beneficial for your family and the environment as it not only makes your home easier to maintain but also reduces your carbon footprint.
Square Footage
Remodeling is often associated with building an addition to a home, but this is definitely not the case. Sometimes it can be advantageous to build better–not bigger. Consider how much space you actually need, not just how much you want. A truly eco-friendly process requires using as few new materials and creating as little waste as possible. A lot of updates to your home can be done in a minimally invasive fashion by simply discussing your options with an experienced contractor or designer. Many people think that their house should be big enough to host a family reunion of 100 people, but fail to consider that this is only likely to happen once or twice in the duration of their ownership. Adding square footage also factors in extra heating, air conditioning, electricity, and even furnishings to service the living space adequately. Once the excitement of the remodel wears off, you will still need, and thus be paying for, the additional effort from your utilities and equipment. If you are set on certain amenities, purpose your new space for several different uses such as a home office that converts into a guest room or a laundry room that serves as additional storage space.
Research
Do your research! It is important to approach green projects armed with as much knowledge about systems and materials as possible. This way you will be able to articulate your goals and stay engaged in discussions with your contractor or designer. A good place to start gathering information is your local utility companies or local environmental agencies and nonprofits. These organizations will not only be able to offer you general information, but may also provide incentives and rebates. State and local government websites may also contain advice and links to resources.
Decision-making
This starts with deciding how green you want to be. There is a huge difference between having energy saving appliances and installing solar panels on your roof to power your entire home. If your goal is to simply live in an energy efficient home, you can focus on Energy Star appliances, water heaters that are appropriate for the size of your family, high efficiency insulation, or quality windows and doors. If you want to take the project a few steps further, you might want to consider reclaimed lumber, salvaged fixtures, rainwater collection, or incorporating composting areas. Buying local is an easy way to be kind to the environment, as products that are offered locally will not have to be shipped any more than they already have been thus far.
Budget Considerations
No matter how good your intentions, your sense of responsibility to the environment sometimes will take a backseat when your budget is concerned. Think big but start small—and expect to make some tough choices. For example, there are solar panels available that can heat water, which is largely considered the most reasonable use of solar power in a residential setting but is quite expensive. A less expensive way to achieve the same goal is to go with an on-demand (or tankless) water heater. According to energy.gov, for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, on-demand water heaters can be 24-34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. Energy Star estimates that a typical family can save $100 or more per year with their product. While this is a concession to the solar power method, it is still largely effective and kind to the environment. So choose the greenest versions of the things you absolutely must have in your house while staying on budget.
Tips for a Success Remodel
Most homeowners will undertake at least one remodeling project in their lifetime. There are plenty of reasons to consider a residential remodel, and even more ways to improve upon your home. Furthermore, there are a wealth of businesses and online resources to take advantage of when planning for each phase of remodeling your home. Here are some general tips for residential remodeling projects:
• The most important step is finding a professional remodeling contractor for your job if the scope of the project is larger or more complicated than simple do-it-yourself projects. Hire a contractor who is familiar with the building codes in your area, as updating work that does not meet code can be extremely expensive. If you need surgery you certainly don’t perform it on yourself, so if you are making a sizeable investment in your home you should entrust the job to a professional.
• Define what you need before you consider what you want. It is easy to get lost in all of the fun stuff you wish you had in your home and forget the impetus for the project.
• Save money by planning ahead. The design process is crucial, and should be completed well ahead of time to define your budget and prevent hasty decisions later in the project. Choosing everything ahead of time, including all product and material selections, will avoid confusion and costly mistakes. It is also a good idea to save 10-20% of your budget to allow for items added during the process as even the best planned projects are subject to a certain amount of change during execution.
• Shop around. The #1 way to decrease the cost of your remodeling project is product choices. Be careful not to sacrifice too much quality, but also be open to options that can achieve a similar look with a less expensive product. Additionally, pay attention to how labor intensive some features may be. You should make your decisions based upon finding harmony with the value and quality, as well as price.
• Keep an open mind when you discuss product and design ideas with your contractor. Your contractor should have a great deal of knowledge with respect to their area of expertise, including many new products and options available that may have just been introduced to the market and what they have found to be the best for each specific project.
• Be creative! There are often multiple solutions to accomplish a remodeling objective, and some are more expensive than others. The trick to remodeling is finding a balance with linear objectives such as budget and installation, while finding inspiration through design and how you imagine the finished product to look and feel like. The sky is the limit, and that can feel liberating and overwhelming all at the same time.
• Don’t base anything on assumption. Make sure every detail, as minute as they may be, is included in your contract before you sign on the dotted line. This will ensure you are on the same page, or will be upon review of the final contract after any necessary revisions, before any crucial moves have been made.
• Be prepared to make a LOT of decisions. Even down to the knobs on your cabinets and doors, everything plays a part in the finished product.
From the small changes in paint and hardware, to updating or re-purposing a room, and on to a full scale renovation; remodeling projects are on a spectrum and should be managed accordingly. Furthermore, there are special considerations to be made in planning for the type and scope of the project you intend on undertaking. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or swept away in the fever of remodel and get in over your head—so it is helpful to divide up the projects, diligently plan for each, and place the proper amount of consideration in hiring someone you trust to offer their professional expertise in managing the project and perform the work that you can’t do yourself.
With the proper planning, a good design that accommodates both your wants and needs, and an experienced contractor on your side, remodeling your home is an exciting process that will rejuvenate and optimize your living space and transform your home with a fresh look you can take pride in.