Getting ready for a remodel

Let’s face it — remodeling is stressful!  The best way to battle this is to be as prepared as possible.  Here are some points to reflect on to ease the process.


~ Workmanship.  Expect the highest of industry standards and quality workmanship.  However, don’t expect to get too much more than you’re investing.

~ Protect your belongings and cover furniture and carpeting.  Some customers use this time to have draperies and upholstery cleaned.  You won’t believe the dust that remodeling creates.  Your professional contractor will also help you to cover and protect the work area.

~ Stay composed, keep calm and flexible.  Time-clocking workers only build resentment and won’t save a penny or speed up work.

~ Win cooperation from workers and contractors with good, basic human relations.  Nothing makes them work harder than a word of appreciation or an unexpected pot of coffee. 

~ Expect the unexpected.  No one can prepare you for all the unforeseen incidents that may transpire.  It’s hard to imagine all the things that could go wrong: late deliveries, strikes, shipment shortages, wrong parts, oversights, rain, on-the-spot changes, etc.  Tearing down a wall may uncover a problem that demands plan revisions.

~ There are going to be decisions required during the remodeling process, some of which may not be easy.  Post the builder’s phone number by your telephone in case a question arises during construction.  To avoid confusion, delegate only one family spokesman.  

~ Consider the logistics involved in delivering, shipping, and ordering materials and making the best use of the tradesperson’s time and skill.

Northwest Total Home, Inc. fully understands the stresses that occur during construction and do everything we can to make it as easy as possible for you!  We know that every project we embark on starts with building a strong foundation!

Green Building

There is a perception that building green, or using more eco-friendly products, is going to be costly or expensive...but that is not necessarily the case!

Here are some reasons that building green can actually SAVE you money:

 ·  Green building materials, especially paints, finishes and wool carpeting, are an investment in your health (saving money on doctors' bills can be factored into this equation)

·  Most of the green building materials will actually outlast their toxic counterparts by as much as three times longer.  For example, Marmoleum® flooring is still down in homes that were built in the 1920's, whereas vinyl flooring in homes from the 1980's needed replacing.  That's 60 years longer an 'eco' floor can last!

·  Recycling and reusing old materials out of an existing structure will cut your costs.  

Now to be fair, building green (like anything) can also be as expensive and extravagant as you want!  Some carpet lines can range from $18.00 - $125.00 per sq. yd. and reclaimed wood can cost anywhere from $4.95 - $21.95 per sq. ft. depending on the look, specifics, species, etc.

Here at Northwest Total Home, Inc. we can help you make a space very upscale and eco-chic - and it can be done on a low, medium, high or off-the-charts budget.  There is something for everyone - all price ranges and all project needs.  So before you decide that 'green is expensive', look deeper into it and you may find that it will end up saving you money in the long run.

Invest your Tax Return into your Home

A remodeling project will increase the value of your home and, more importantly, increase how much you value your home.
 
You may not believe you can afford to finally remodel your bathroom or install granite countertops in your kitchen, but your tax refund is money you haven’t yet spent or incorporated into your financial plan.
A remodel is not an indulgence or a guilty pleasure. It is an investment in your family’s quality of life.  If your kitchen is too small or you can’t work at home for lack of a hushed office, this affects your level of stress and the enjoyment you and your family get from your home.

If improved quality of life weren’t important enough, putting your tax refund toward a remodeling project is actually an investment with a monetary return.  Not only will you get to enjoy the beauty of the remodel as you live in the home, the money will come back if you ever decide to sell the house.

Northwest Total Home, Inc. is here if you decide a remodeling project is the right resolution.  Our design consultants can also help you create a project that fits within your budget.  We truly believe that upgrading your home will also be a significant enhancement to your life.

Whether it’s a gourmet kitchen, a new guest bedroom, a beautiful master bathroom with whirlpool spa, Northwest Total Home, Inc. is ready to be your contractor of choice.  Schedule your FREE no obligation in-home consultation today!

www.nwtotalhome.com