Choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodel is arguably the most crucial step in the entire process. Its not just about getting the granite countertops youve always dreamed of, its about ensuring the project runs smoothly, stays within budget, and results in a kitchen you can actually enjoy. Picking the wrong contractor can lead to nightmares: cost overruns, shoddy workmanship, and endless delays. So, how do you navigate this critical decision?
Firstly, do your homework. Dont just jump at the first flashy ad you see. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Online reviews can be helpful, but take them with a grain of salt – focus on patterns and specifics rather than isolated incidents. Look for contractors who specialize in kitchens, and check their portfolios for projects similar in scope and style to yours.
Once you have a shortlist, schedule consultations with each contractor. This is your chance to get a feel for their personality and professionalism. Are they good listeners? Do they answer your questions thoroughly and honestly? A good contractor will offer suggestions and advice, but also respect your vision for the space. Ask about their process, their team, and their typical project timeline. Be wary of contractors who pressure you into signing a contract on the spot or offer unusually low bids – these can be red flags.
Get detailed bids from each contractor, ensuring they include everything from demolition to final cleanup. Compare apples to apples – make sure each bid covers the same scope of work. Dont automatically choose the lowest bidder. Quality materials and experienced labor come at a price, and opting for the cheapest option might cost you more in the long run.
Verify licenses, insurance, and bonding. This protects you in case of accidents or damage to your property. Ask for references and actually follow up with them. Speaking to past clients can give you invaluable insights into the contractors work ethic and reliability.
Finally, trust your gut. A kitchen remodel is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. Choose a contractor you feel comfortable with, someone you can communicate with openly and honestly. A good working relationship with your contractor can make all the difference in turning your dream kitchen into a reality.
Budgeting for your kitchen remodel can feel like navigating a minefield of Pinterest-perfect images and dazzling showroom displays. Its easy to get swept away by the allure of quartz countertops and custom cabinetry, only to be brought crashing back to reality by the price tag. But dont despair! A successful kitchen renovation doesnt require winning the lottery. It requires careful planning and a realistic budget.
The first step is brutal honesty. How much can you actually afford to spend? This isnt about what you wish you could spend, but what your finances can realistically handle. Consider financing options, but be wary of taking on more debt than you can comfortably manage. Once you have a firm number in mind, add a contingency buffer. Trust me, unexpected costs will arise. Aim for 10-20% of your total budget to handle these surprises.
Next, prioritize your needs versus your wants. Do you really need that top-of-the-line smart refrigerator, or will a reliable standard model suffice? Are custom cabinets essential, or could semi-custom or even refinished existing cabinets achieve a similar look for less? Focus on the areas that will provide the most significant return on investment, both in terms of functionality and resale value. Things like updated appliances, improved layout, and durable countertops are generally good investments.
Research is your best friend. Get multiple quotes for everything from contractors to materials. Dont be afraid to negotiate. Visit salvage yards and discount stores for potential cost savings on items like lighting fixtures and hardware. Consider doing some of the work yourself, like demolition or painting, if youre handy and have the time.
Finally, track your spending meticulously. Create a spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to monitor every expense. This will help you stay on track and identify potential areas where you can cut back. Remember, a well-planned budget is the foundation of a successful kitchen remodel. It allows you to create the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank. So, take a deep breath, do your homework, and enjoy the process!
Kitchen remodels are exciting, a chance to create the heart of your home exactly as you envision it. But amidst the thrill of picking out countertops and appliances, its easy to fall prey to common mistakes that can derail your project and leave you with a space thats less than perfect. Avoiding these pitfalls is key to a smooth renovation and a kitchen youll love for years to come.
One of the biggest blunders is failing to plan adequately. Getting swept up in aesthetics is tempting, but neglecting the practical aspects like workflow and storage can lead to a beautiful yet dysfunctional kitchen. Think about how you actually use your kitchen. Do you need more counter space? Where would a pantry be most convenient? Mapping out these details beforehand will save you headaches down the road.
Another frequent oversight is ignoring the "work triangle," the relationship between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. These three points should form a relatively compact triangle to minimize wasted steps during meal prep. Cramming them too close together can feel cramped, while spreading them too far apart makes cooking inefficient.
Budgeting is, of course, crucial. Its easy to get carried away with high-end finishes and appliances, but blowing your budget early on can leave you scrambling to cut corners later. Prioritize spending on items that truly matter to you and look for cost-effective alternatives where possible. Dont forget to factor in a contingency fund for unexpected expenses, which inevitably arise.
Overlooking lighting is another common mistake. A single overhead fixture simply wont cut it. Layering lighting with task lighting under cabinets, pendant lights over an island, and ambient lighting to create the right mood is essential for a functional and inviting space.
Finally, dont underestimate the importance of ventilation. A powerful range hood is a must-have for removing cooking odors, smoke, and grease. Skimping on ventilation can lead to lingering smells and a buildup of grime on cabinets and walls.
By avoiding these common pitfalls and focusing on both aesthetics and functionality, you can ensure your kitchen remodel is a success, resulting in a space that is not only beautiful but also a joy to cook and gather in.
Managing a kitchen remodel is like conducting a symphony of controlled chaos. Its exciting, transformative, and potentially overwhelming if you dont approach it strategically. Successfully navigating this renovation journey requires careful planning, diligent oversight, and a healthy dose of flexibility.
Before the first hammer swings, envision your dream kitchen. Browse magazines, scroll through Pinterest, and visit showrooms to solidify your style and functionality needs. Create a detailed budget, remembering to include a contingency fund for unexpected hiccups—because there will be hiccups. Obtaining accurate measurements is crucial; poorly measured cabinets or appliances can lead to costly delays and rework.
Once you have a plan and budget, the hunt for reliable contractors begins. Dont just rely on online reviews; ask for referrals from friends and family. Interview multiple contractors, comparing their bids, proposed timelines, and communication styles. A clearly defined contract outlining the scope of work, payment schedule, and change order process is essential. This document is your bible throughout the remodel.
During the demolition and construction phases, regular communication with your contractor is paramount. Establish a preferred method of communication—daily check-ins, weekly meetings—and stick to it. Dont be afraid to ask questions and address concerns as they arise. Keeping a detailed project journal can also be invaluable for tracking progress, changes, and expenses.
Living through a kitchen remodel can be disruptive. Prepare for the temporary loss of your kitchens functionality by setting up a makeshift cooking area with a microwave, toaster oven, and mini-fridge. Dust and debris are inevitable, so protect furniture and belongings with drop cloths and plastic sheeting.
Finally, remember that even the most meticulous plans can encounter unexpected challenges. A pipe might burst, a backordered appliance might delay installation, or your dream countertop might arrive with a crack. Flexibility and patience are key. By staying organized, communicating effectively, and embracing the inevitable bumps in the road, you can successfully manage your kitchen remodeling project and enjoy the beautiful, functional space youve envisioned.
The concept of home improvement, home renovation or remodeling is the process of renovating, making improvements or making additions to one's home.[1] Home improvement can consist of projects that upgrade an existing home interior (such as electrical and plumbing), exterior (masonry, concrete, siding, roofing) or other improvements to the property (i.e. garden work or garage maintenance/additions). Home improvement projects can be carried out for a number of different reasons; personal preference and comfort, maintenance or repair work, making a home bigger by adding rooms/spaces, as a means of saving energy, or to improve safety.[2]
While "home improvement" often refers to building projects that alter the structure of an existing home, it can also include improvements to lawns, gardens, and outdoor structures, such as gazebos and garages. It also encompasses maintenance, repair, and general servicing tasks. Home improvement projects generally have one or more of the following goals:[citation needed]
Maintenance projects can include:
Additional living space may be added by:
Homeowners may reduce utility costs with:
The need to be safer or for better privacy or emergency management can be fulfilled with diversified measures which can be improved, maintained or added. Secret compartments and passages can also be conceived for privacy and security.
Home or residential renovation is an almost $300 billion industry in the United States,[5] and a $48 billion industry in Canada.[6][full citation needed] The average cost per project is $3,000 in the United States and $11,000–15,000 in Canada.
Professional home improvement is ancient and goes back to the beginning of recorded civilization. One example is Sergius Orata, who in the 1st century B.C. is said by the writer Vitruvius (in his famous book De architectura) to have invented the hypocaust. The hypocaust is an underfloor heating system that was used throughout the Roman Empire in villas of the wealthy. He is said to have become wealthy himself by buying villas at a low price, adding spas and his newly invented hypocaust, and reselling them at higher prices.[7]
Perhaps the most important or visible professionals in the renovation industry are renovation contractors or skilled trades. These are the builders that have specialized credentials, licensing and experience to perform renovation services in specific municipalities.
While there is a fairly large "grey market" of unlicensed companies, there are those that have membership in a reputable association and/or are accredited by a professional organization. Homeowners are recommended to perform checks such as verifying license and insurance and checking business references prior to hiring a contractor to work on their house.
Because interior renovation will touch the change of the internal structure of the house, ceiling construction, circuit configuration and partition walls, etc., such work related to the structure of the house, of course, also includes renovation of wallpaper posting, furniture settings, lighting, etc.
Aggregators are companies that bundle home improvement service offers and act as intermediary agency between service providers and customers.
Home improvement was popularized on television in 1979 with the premiere of This Old House starring Bob Vila on PBS. American cable channel HGTV features many do-it-yourself shows, as does sister channel DIY Network.[8] Danny Lipford hosts and produces the nationally syndicated Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete co-host the nationally syndicated The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show.
Movies that poked fun at the difficulties involved include: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy; George Washington Slept Here (1942), featuring Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan; and The Money Pit (1986), with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. The sitcom Home Improvement used the home improvement theme for comedic purposes.
A contractor[1][2] (North American English) or builder (British English),[3][4] is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site, management of vendors and trades, and the communication of information to all involved parties throughout the course of a building project.[5]
In the United States, a contractor may be a sole proprietor managing a project and performing labor or carpentry work, have a small staff, or may be a very large company managing billion dollar projects. Some builders build new homes, some are remodelers, some are developers.[6]
A general contractor is a construction manager employed by a client, usually upon the advice of the project's architect or engineer.[7] General Contractors are mainly responsible for the overall coordination of a project and may also act as building designer and construction foreman (a tradesman in charge of a crew).
A general contractor must first assess the project-specific documents (referred to as a bid, proposal, or tender documents). In the case of renovations, a site visit is required to get a better understanding of the project. Depending on the project delivery method, the general contractor will submit a fixed price proposal or bid, cost-plus price or an estimate. The general contractor considers the cost of home office overhead, general conditions, materials, and equipment, as well as the cost of labor, to provide the owner with a price for the project.
Contract documents may include drawings, project manuals (including general, supplementary, or special conditions and specifications), and addendum or modifications issued prior to proposal/bidding and prepared by a design professional, such as an architect.The general contractor may also assume the role of construction manager, responsible for overseeing the project while assuming financial and legal risks.There are several types of risks can occur include cost overruns, delays, and liabilities related to safety or contract breaches.
Prior to formal appointment, the selected general contractor to whom a client proposes to award a contract is often referred to as a "preferred contractor".[8]
A general contractor is responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment (such as heavy equipment and tools) and services necessary for the construction of the project. A general contractor often hires specialized subcontractors to perform all or portions of the construction work. When using subcontractors, the general contractor is responsible for overseeing the quality of all work performed by any and all of the workers and subcontractors.
It is a best practice for general contractors to prioritize safety on the job site, and they are generally responsible for ensuring that work takes place following safe practices.
A general contractor's responsibilities may include applying for building permits, advising the person they are hired by, securing the property, providing temporary utilities on site, managing personnel on site, providing site surveying and engineering, disposing or recycling of construction waste, monitoring schedules and cash flows, and maintaining accurate records.[9]
The general contractor may be responsible for some part of the design, referred to as the "contractor's design portion" (JCT terminology).[10]
In the United Kingdom, Australia and some British Commonwealth countries, the term 'general contractor' was gradually superseded by builders during the early twentieth century.[citation needed] This was the term used by major professional, trade, and consumer organizations when issuing contracts for construction work, and thus the term 'general contractor' fell out of use except in large organizations where the main contractor is the top manager and a general contractor shares responsibilities with professional contractors.
General contractors who conduct work for government agencies are often referred to as "builders". This term is also used in contexts where the customer's immediate general contractor is permitted to sub-contract or circumstances are likely to involve sub-contracting to specialist operators e.g. in various public services.
In the United States and Asia, the terms general contractor (or simply "contractor"), prime contractor and main contractor are often interchangeable when referring to small local companies that perform residential work. These companies are represented by trade organizations such as the NAHB.[11]
Licensing requirements to work legally on construction projects vary from locale to locale. In the United States, there are no federal licensing requirements to become a general contractor, but most US states require general contractors to obtain a local license to operate. It is the states' responsibility to define these requirements: for example, in the state of California, the requirements are stated as follows:
With a few exceptions, all businesses or individuals who work on any building, highway, road, parking facility, railroad, excavation, or other structure in California must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) if the total cost of one or more contracts on the project is $500 or more.
In every state that requires a license, a surety bond is required as part of the licensing process, with the exception of Louisiana, where bonding requirements may vary in different parishes. Not all states require General Contractor licenses - these include Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, among others.
Some general contractors obtain bachelor's degrees in construction science, building science, surveying, construction safety, or other disciplines.
General Contractors often learn about different aspects of construction, including masonry, carpentry, framing, and plumbing. Aspiring general contractors communicate with subcontractors and may learn the management skills they need to run their own company.
Experience in the construction industry as well as references from customers, business partners, or former employers are demanded. Some jurisdictions require candidates to provide proof of financing to own their own general contracting firm.
General Contractors often run their own business. They hire subcontractors to complete specialized construction work and may manage a team of plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, carpenters, iron workers, technicians, handymans, architects and roofers. General Contractors build their business by networking with potential clients, buying basic construction tools, and ensuring that their subcontractors complete high-quality work. General Contractors do not usually complete much construction work themselves, but they need to be familiar with construction techniques so they can manage workers effectively. Other reasons include access to specialist skills, flexible hiring and firing, and lower costs.
A property owner or real estate developer develops a program of their needs and selects a site (often with an architect). The architect assembles a design team of consulting engineers and other experts to design the building and specify the building systems. Today contractors frequently participate on the design team by providing pre-design services such as providing estimations of the budget and scheduling requirements to improve the economy of the project. In other cases, the general contractor is hired at the close of the design phase. The owner, architect, and general contractor work closely together to meet deadlines and budget. The general contractor works with subcontractors to ensure quality standards; subcontractors specialise in areas such as electrical wiring, plumbing, masonry, etc.
Renovation (also called remodeling) is the process of improving broken, damaged, or outdated structures. Renovations are typically done on either commercial or residential buildings. Additionally, renovation can refer to making something new, or bringing something back to life and can apply in social contexts. For example, a community can be renovated if it is strengthened and revived. It can also be restoring something to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding). Renovation is very common in some places. For example, there are more than twenty thousand home improvement projects every year in Hong Kong, affecting more than a million residents[1] (population of HK is around 7.5 million in 2023).[2]
The building renovation process can usually, depending on the extents of the renovation, be broken down into several phases. The phases are as follow.[3]
Projects involving renovation require not just flexibility, but a plan that had been agreed upon by multiple parties. The planning process will involve feedback from financial investors of the project, and from the designer. Part of planning will also entail the collection of data for the completion of the project and then the project plan will be revised and given consent before continuing with renovations.[6]
Technology has had a meaningful effect on the renovation process, increasing the significance and strength of the planning stage. The availability of free online design tools has improved visualization of the changes, at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional designer. The decision regarding changes is also influenced by the purpose of basement renovation [1]. Depending on the significance of these changes a professional may be required, especially if any changes other than cosmetic work (paint or finishes) is required. Many local codes require a professional to complete work in the built environment such as structural changes, new walls, new plumbing, or many others. Doing these changes without hiring a professional can result in health effects, safety concerns, damages, fines, and increased cost due to having to hire a professional after self-work.[7] Most builders focus on building new homes, so renovating is typically a part-time activity for such tradespeople. The processes and services required for renovations are quite specific and, once plans are signed off, building a new home is relatively predictable. However, during renovation projects, flexibility is often required from renovation companies to respond to unexpected issues that arise. Renovations usually require all of the sub-trades that are needed for the construction of a new building.
In case of a so-called "fix-and-flip" (repair and resell) objective, an ROI (return on investment) can result from changes to fix a structural issue, to fix design flow yield,[8] or to use light and color to make rooms appear more spacious. Because interior renovation could change of the internal structure of the house, ceiling construction, circuit configuration and partition walls, etc., such work related to the structure of the house, of course, also includes renovation of wallpaper posting, furniture settings, lighting, etc often times an interior designer is required as well.[9]
Many people renovate homes to create a new appearance. Builders may renovate homes to enhance the home's value as a stable source of income.[11] Homeowners often renovate their homes to increase the re-sale value and to turn a profit when selling. Homeowners may also want to add renovations that make their home more energy efficient, green or sustainable.[12] Also, over time, a homeowner's personal preferences and needs may change, and the home will be renovated for improved aesthetics, comfort, or functionality.
Other types of renovations also can be initiated for similar reasons. The user or owner of a building can change which can effect the needs or wants for the space prompting a renovation. This is becoming more popular as buildings owners are renting or leasing floors or sections of the buildings to companies which have different spacial requirements than the previous users causing needed renovation. Renovations can also occur as companies increase size which could lead to needed additional retail, office, or other types of spaces. Similarly to homes other building owners could also want renovations to increased value, make the building more energy efficient, green or sustainable, or to update the building.[13] Sometimes shopping centres or shops are renovated to raise rent later.
Wood is versatile and flexible, making it the easiest construction material for renovations, and wood buildings can be redesigned to suit changing needs. Few homeowners or professional remodelers possess the skill and equipment that is required to alter steel-frame or concrete structures.
When looking at embodied carbon in building materials wood is often labeled as the most sustainable. This is because it sequesters carbon which if certified sustainably sourced will significantly reduce embodied carbon of buildings. This makes it a low emitting choice for a building material for an overall building and for renovations.[14]
Forest certification verifies that wood products have been sourced from well-managed forests. Most certification programs provide online search options so that consumers can find certified products—the Certification Canada program includes a search option for all of the certification programs that are in use in Canada.[15]
In North America, most structures are demolished because of external forces such as zoning changes and rising land values. Additionally, buildings that cannot be modified to serve the functional needs of the occupants are subject to demolition. Very few buildings on the continent are demolished due to structural degradation.[16]
The Athena Institute surveyed 227 commercial and residential buildings that were demolished in St. Paul, Minnesota, between 2000 and mid-2003. Thirty percent of the buildings were less than 50 years old, and 6% were less than 25 years old. The four top reasons for demolition were "area redevelopment" (35%), "building's physical condition" (31%), "not suitable for anticipated use" (22%), and "fire damage" (7%). Lack of maintenance was cited as the specific problem for 54 of the 70 buildings where physical condition was given as the reason for demolition.[16]
Plastics are extensively used in the construction and renovation industry.[17] Airborne microplastic dust is produced during renovation, building, bridge and road reconstruction projects[18] and the use of power tools.[19] It is also generated by deterioration of building materials[20]
Materials containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, polypropylene, and acrylic, can degrade overtime releasing microplastics.[17] During the construction process single use plastic containers and wrappers are discarded adding to plastic waste.[21] These plastics are difficult to recycle and end up in landfills where they break down over a long period of time causing potential leaching into the soil and the release of airborne microplastics.[22][23] Efforts have been made to reduce plastic waste by adding it to concrete as agglomerates. However, one solution for resolving the problem from the large amount of plastic wastes generated could bring another serious problem of leaching of microplastics. The unknown part of this area is huge and needs prompt investigation.[24]
Around twenty percent of all plastics and seventy percent of all polyvinyl chloride (PVC) produced in the world each year are used by the construction industry.[25][26] It is predicted that much more will be produced and used in the future.[25] "In Europe, approximately 20% of all plastics produced are used in the construction sector including different classes of plastics, waste and nanomaterials."[26]
While the type of material used will determine the composition of the dust generated, the size and amount of particulates produced are mainly determined by the type of tool used. Implementation of effective dust control measures may also play a role.
Use of angle grinder is not preferred as large amounts of harmful sparks and fumes (and particulates) are generated when compared with using reciprocating saw or band saw.[27] Angle grinders produce sparks when cutting ferrous metals. They also produce shards cutting other materials. The blades themselves may also break. This is a great hazard to the face and eyes especially, as well as other parts of the body.[28]
Use of power tools can cause adverse effects on people living nearby. Power tools can produce large amounts of particulates including ultrafine particles.[29]
Particulates are the most harmful form (other than ultra-fines) of air pollution[30] There is no safe level of particulates.[31]
Many tasks create dust. High dust levels are caused by one of more the following:[32]
Examples of high dust level tasks include:[32]
Some power tools are equipped with dust collection system (e.g. HEPA vacuum cleaner) or integrated water delivery system which extract the dust after emission.[33][34]
In the US, “About 75% of homes built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint. The older the home the more likely it is to contain lead-based paint. You should assume that any home built before 1978 contains some lead.”[35]
In April 2010 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required that all renovators working in homes built before 1978 and disturbing more than 6 square feet (0.56 m2) of lead paint inside the home or 20 square feet (1.9 m2) outside the home be certified. EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) lowers the risk of lead contamination from home renovation activities.[36] It requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools (any child occupied facility) built before 1978 be certified by EPA and use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices.[37]
Careful stabilization of any deteriorated (peeling, chipping, cracking, etc.) paint in a lead-safe manner is also encouraged. Through authority vested in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), lead-based-paint removal by dry scraping, dry sanding, torching and burning, the use of heat guns over 1100°F, and machine-sanding / grinding without a HEPA-filtered vacuum or a HEPA filtered dust collection system, is prohibited, as these methods have been proven to produce significant amount of lead dust during renovation, remodeling and painting.[38]
At the end of any remodeling or repainting job, a dust test performed by an independent third-party professional is also required by HUD for "clearance". Lead evaluations are done using a method called X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), which gives a result in 4–8 seconds with a 95% accuracy at the 2-sigma level.
As of 2018[update], there are an estimated 37 million homes and apartments with lead paint in the United States.[39]
Currently, worldwide 38% of emissions and 35% of energy use come from the building sector, including building construction and operation. This means renovations contribute to emissions and energy use of the building sector. These percentages are the largest portion of the total emissions and energy use globally.[40] This makes buildings have the highest potential for decreasing these percentages as well as the largest need to decrease them. Renovations are also one way to do this.
Renovations decrease emissions as instead of demolishing a building just to build a new one the building is reused. Reuse of buildings is not always desirable as it is often pursued to have a building designed for the many individual and unique needs building owners have but it is not always a necessity. Renovations can take a building and make it completely different from the old building just reusing the structure, which is often the largest contributor of embodied carbon to a building. However, in order to be able to do this buildings need to be design durably and re-use. Designing for durability and reuse is designing for new buildings to be "long lasting, use-adaptable, and culturally valuable"[14] to allow for the building to be kept for longer to minimize emissions from a complete rebuild.
Having these ideas in mind while designing new buildings significantly increases the likelihood for renovations to happen.[14] Buildings are more likely to be torn down because they can not accommodate the new desired use then because the structure is failing.[16] Renovations allow old buildings to fit new needs in a way that outputs less emissions than a complete tear down and construction of a new building which is often a feasible option.
Renovation has several effects on economies, including:[41]
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