Project Management - Which Option is the Best Choice for You?

Happy 2016! Happy New Year!

In New England, we are blessed with many choices when we want to remodel our homes.
As mentioned before there are Design Build Contractors, privately owned Kitchen and Bath showrooms of various sizes, very simple Mom and Pop Kitchen businesses, Hardware stores,
and Big Box retail home improvement warehouse stores. Typically each of these categories offer various levels of products needed to install in your home. The higher quality, truly custom cabinet lines favor doing business with the first two, Design Build and Quality Kitchen Showrooms.The other vendors generally carry lines that may be knock offs of the higher quality cabinet lines. There are big differences in selections spanning all of these options. Each of these categories have a place in the industry and meet different needs of their clientele.

We have discussed products in past posts. It is time to share with you different approaches each of these have regarding project management and installation. Over the next few weeks, I will be letting you in on trade secrets to help you make the best informed decision regarding who to award your project and business to. Great design is absolutely important! Great project management; even more so. Here we go! I  want to reverse the order in these posts. We will begin with the Big Box Retailer stores.

How many years have you been dreaming about and researching the remodeling project you want in your home?  Time is the only resource we can never get back. Most homeowners do not realize how many hours they spend dreaming, researching, and formulating everything they want to accomplish in their project. That is a fact.

You may need a kitchen or bath remodeled and updated in rental properties you own. If so, you may find the in stock cabinets available on the shelf in a big box store sufficient. You can install them yourself or hire a carpenter to do so. This is the quick and simple way to replace cabinets damaged by previous tenants. Another option in these home improvement stores is a step up to special order cabinets that are very basic and inexpensive. However, sizes, heights, depths, and special attributes people seek are generally missing in these lines. The finishes are more apt to wear off or dull over time.

When you are remodeling your own home it is important to perform your due diligence. This investment will impact the quality of your home and family life as well as the real estate value for years to come.
Some cabinet manufacturers will knock off their own line on a limited basis to build a similar looking cabinet to capture quantity sales in warehouse stores. Be aware, they are constructed differently. They are made out of components of less quality to be priced lower for Big Box retailers. Just know you are not comparing apples to apples.

Let me give you and example. Think about a amazing cabinet door style, or a faucet, sink, or light fixture you found in another privately owned showroom. Suddenly, you see exactly the same style and size in the warehouse store. It costs considerably less! How exciting! You think you found a great deal.

Big corporations that own warehouse stores have buying power. The volume they can buy is very tempting and lucrative to a manufacturer. The manufacturer is courted by the chain store buying agents who negotiate well. They require the same look for a much lower price than the original design and item.  The same look does not equate to the same quality. Beware! Nearly every product sold in these warehouse stores is modified. They look similar but the components they are made of are not the same as the more expensive original. Neither are their warranties and guarantees.    

Please consider the following: All the hours and effort spent in the planning stages are necessary. They help define your vision and are critical to optimize your results. The choices you make regarding who to award your business to has the ability to make this adventure joy filled, or filled with confusion, irritation, and stress. I want to give you some suggestions and information to help it be as wonderful an experience as possible.

You have selected the cabinet line, style, finish and special features important to you. You have seen the computerized design floor plan and elevations! Next step demo and installation! Yay!

What can delay or ruin all your hopes, research, and hard work?  The install! Who you select to design your project is important for so many reasons. However, who they work with to manage the project and install it matters even more. Minimizing the importance of who you invite into your home, your life, and trust with this long desired dream is a mistake. Let's consider your options.

We have been discussing the various vendors: Design Build, Mom and Pop Kitchen retailer, hardware store, and /or Big Box retailer. The project management and install phase is where the rubber meets the road. The true differences between these options are put to the test much more in the project management and installation than at any stop along the way.

I have experience as a Designer in all scenarios. I can attest the best choice is Design Build! I've experienced just about every possible problem and how it impacted my clients over the past twenty years of being in this industry. I am going to begin with the option having the greatest potential for problems and explain what you need to factor in to your decision.

Big Box Stores Kitchen Bath Department:

Kitchen and Bath remodeling projects are very personal decisions. This is one of the important decisions in family life where "bigger" is not necessarily "better". First we will discuss Big Box Retailer's approach to remodeling.

I stated in a previous post that it is not easy, although possible, to find and work closely with an experienced designer in a warehouse kitchen department. Most designers get their start learning kitchen bath design in these big box stores. It is a great place to practice, learn 2020 design software through repetition. This is one of the reasons fees for design are not required.

Yes, occasionally, some  more experienced designers choose to remain working in big box retailers. However, most move on. Typically, as soon as a newbie learns how to design and wants to improve their earning potential, they begin looking for a position in a privately owned showroom or a Design Build firm. Most likely, you will find lots of turn over of employees in most Kitchen Bath departments in the Big Box Stores.

You will enjoy building a relationship with the designer. It is important they "get" you and your vision for your project. This part is fun and filled with excitement wherever you decide to do business. You need to be informed that recently, a new policy has been introduced in some locations of big box design department. Some of these big box store corporations decided to have a customer service person in the department that only takes your information. They may not have any design experience at all. Their job is to greet you, show you product options, get your personal info, and determine what project you are interested in accomplishing. Once they secure all that, they forward all of it to someone out of the store, possibly in another region to do the actual design.

Your measurements will be sent along with your file of project you discussed with the person you met at a store. It is similar to the way they handle window shutter sales. The person you meet acts as your store contact. However, they will not be in your home at all. An outside design team member will be measuring and designing your project. This approach creates more profit for the store and company. It does not help you feel truly understood or connected to a live sales person who is really committed to your satisfaction. Practically speaking, the more people involved passing along messages and information, the more possibility of error. Error becomes stress with the potential of being very disappointed.

Hopefully, the store you decide to do business with still follows the original model of  two or three employees of that particular store, measuring, designing, and installing. At least the three may know each other, if they are all employed in one location.

Let me tell you about my experiences handing off design folders to the Install Department where I was designing kitchens and baths. It is very hard to let go and trust the installation department is going to understand everything you know is very unique and important to your customer. Kitchens and bath remodels are money makers for warehouse stores. Designers are pressured to move the project along so they are free to get the next client and make another sale. It is all about profit and which store does the highest volume in a district. That sounds harsh, yet it is true. It is the main reason Big Box store designers choose to move on to better showrooms and construction companies.

Managers of Big Box Stores are under a great deal of pressure. They do not hire carpenters, electricians, painters, or plumbers. They must locate freelance contractors willing to work part time on a 1099 tax basis. Typically, store management depends on these outside sub contractors coming to them for work. Think about this. How does a Store Manager know the history of  a particular sub? There is no former employer to call for a referral. Why is this person not working for another construction company? How much knowledge and experience do they have? If they are truly skilled and employable, why are they settling to work for a warehouse store? What happens if they just decide to split in the middle of installing your project because they found steady employment elsewhere? Are they insured? Have their backgrounds been checked to verify being free of any drug, alcohol, or problems with the law? Where is the accountability that creates safety for you, your family, home and property.

Our concern and responsibility is to inform you of  options you have and the differences between them. Next week we will write about the next higher level to educate you about why selecting the right fit for your project matters!

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

All of us at Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We know many of you have been dreaming of updating your home, kitchen, or bath for years. 2015 is coming to a close. Maybe 2016 will be your year to realize your dream and start on the project you have thought about for decades.

We are here to help make that dream a reality.

May I suggest that you tune in this week to practical ideas for your new kitchen? There  is no better time to pay attention to what you love about the functionality of your current kitchen. It is the perfect time to keep a note pad available. Write down what you love and want to be able to continue having in your new space. Writing down what does NOT work or irritates you is important too.

Those notes taken in the moments of cooking , entertaining , and living in your current kitchen will clarify what you truly want to change. When it is time to make all your selections referring to these notes with maximize the result and overall satisfaction in our new space,

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the happiest 2016 ever!

The Personal Touch - How skilled is your Designer?

Today lets talk about the Design Process

Every Designer has to learn the Kitchen Bath Design Process. Years ago most designers hand drew plans. Computer generated CAD software changed that. Now most Kitchen or Bath Design is done with 2020, Chief Architect, or another software. Each keeps improving. That means true professionals need to continue their education and learn new updates each product strives to add.

Where does a designer learn? Good question! The answer is most are apprenticed. Some are fortunate to actually attend classes. However, that is not always available. Many areas lack a 2020 training center. I am going to give away a secret of the industry and tell you something you probably do not know.

Have you ever wondered or asked why the Big Box retailers and perhaps some Hardware Store Kitchen Departments are willing to do designs for free when other showrooms charge a Design Fee?
Frankly it boils down to expertise and experience.

People love to come into the store and look around. Nearly everyone is curious about remodeling a kitchen or bath. Walking over to the Kitchen department with a sketch is very common. After all, the customer knows they are not going to be charged for a fee for a design. There is nothing to lose.
Since Lowes and Home Depot are very busy stores, their employees are afforded the opportunity to change departments to learn a new field. Often management will just pick an employee and put them in a vacant slot left by another designer who no longer works in the store. That is how I learned kitchen design. It is a trial by fire! Sometimes it is the employee wanting to learn a new area who asks to transfer in to the remodeling department. It is also common for a sales associate in Home Decor or the Appliance department to transfer to the Kitchen Bath department.

These  newbies who transfer are encouraged to learn through practice. Sometimes an occasional store location may still employ a more advanced designer. If so, they will be asked to teach the newbie.
That is generally not appreciated as the more experienced designer's time and earnings are then impacted by splitting their focus.  The newbie usually has to figure it how to design on their own, through repetition.  Usually the vacancy in the department is caused by the more experienced designer giving notice and leaving their job to pursue better opportunities once they gained knowledge and experience in their craft.

The education model used reverts back to learning by trial and error as you play around with the computer software. Obviously, it may not have the best outcome for the customer. To be fair, I need to say there can be more advanced kitchen and bath designers at the big box stores. They may like that type of remodeling model.  If so, they limit their abilities to design truly custom kitchens. The cabinet lines available in big box retailers are limited in their offerings.

Generally, the more advanced and experienced designer who have paid their dues at Home Depot or Lowes long to advance to better cabinet lines only available in higher end showrooms.. After they learn and advance, most promote themselves by transferring their talent and career to a privately owned showroom or Design Build firm. Designing  requires a person a with a rare combination of aptitude and skills. They must be very detailed, know and use math, be articulate, creative, and up to date on all the new trends and products available for their client. The best designers are strong in all of these skills. Why is all this so important , you ask? Well math is necessary because  a mistake in calculations as small as one eighth of an inch can ruin the enter job.

Yes, there are some Kitchen Designers that become very talented and knowledgeable and choose to continue there career in the Big Box Retailer they learned 2020 in. However, the majority of the designers leave when they learn the craft to find greener pastures elsewhere. The turn over in Kitchen Departments is frequent and expected. This is one of the domains where the cliche, "you get what you pay for" truly applies. Always keep in mind the quality and care you invest in your home impacts the value of the same.

When you decide to consult with a higher end showroom and designer, all their "training" has become their foundation to help you achieve your dream project. They are proven professionals.
For the reasons stated above a Design Fee is to be expected.  Those fees can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. It is generally applied to the total cost and not a separate fee.
The difference in expertise, quality of product, and experience of the professionals holding your hand through the entire process is well worth the cost.

Next week, we will compare the "Build Team", or installer and project management between big box retailers and Kitchen Bath specialty showrooms.

Big Box Stores and Kitchen Bath Projects

Finally the day has come for you to find who you want to award your Kitchen or Bath project too.
Where do you start? How do you compare when there is so much you do not know? Who is the best choice for you? Who can you trust? So many critical questions! This is daunting because it is probably one of the most stressful times you and your family will endure together. It is also changing your biggest portfolio item, your home. This is the house and property you count on to appreciate and secure your future. The choice you make has everything riding on it.

The hard truth that can lead to either being thrilled with your project, or feeling frustrated , possibly ripped off, is hidden to most. When you begin your research and walk into various showrooms all the kitchen cabinet displays look great. In fact, they look very similar. It is hard to understand why the same size and shape kitchen  can vary in price dramatically. The confusion is on purpose. It is called PR and Marketing. Let me help you translate the hidden differences. Hopefully in the process I will educate you about the best choice of  cabinet lines and construction professionals for your specific need. You may find different places meet different needs. You may have improvement projects over the years for properties you own and live in. It is possible that you may need a Design Build contractor for one of the projects, yet on another a big box retailer's level of product and project management might be fine for another. Lets explore the differences.

There is a niche for every customer and every cabinet retailer. Everyone has a different need and taste to fulfill their expectations. Thus, there is plenty of business for every level and type of Kitchen and Bath retailer.

I frequent Big Box stores myself such as Lowes and Home Depot. They are so convenient, aren't they? They play an important role in taking care of  homeowners wanting to update and improve their entire home. They also offer remodeling kitchens and baths. There are some important distinctions to consider.

Let's compare the details in product, design, service, project management and the security of your home and family during any project you may be interested in. We will begin with Products in this post.


Products:
I would choose to purchase cabinets in a Big Box Retailer if I were an investor in rental properties.
Landlords need to spend money to repair, replace, and update their income properties on a regular basis. Stock cabinets available in Lowes and Home Depot are perfect for this application. They tend to stock the same cabinet in common sizes in four to six selections of wood species and finishes year after year. If a tenant damages one of the cabinets, it is not to difficult to pick up a replacement.

Another application that makes sense is investors who flip houses and want to maximize their profit. This can be tricky but it makes sense to get the best "Wow Factor" with the least investment.  After all, this is not your home. You are not going to live there. Your goal is to make it as appealing as possible for the least amount of money.  The cabinet lines available in Big Box retailers are equivalent to "Contractor Grade" cabinets sold to most new home builders. These cabinets are not custom cabinetry. They are limited in sizes and attributes that are readily available in truly semi custom or real custom cabinets. Here at Apple Wood, we have this lower level cabinetry available,
for our new home builder customers building "Spec " houses to sell. Rarely are our normal home owner customers wanting to limit themselves to these basic choices.

Big Box Retailers cabinetry lines, even name brands are manufactured differently than the product the same company manufactures for privately owned Design Build firms or Mom and Pop showrooms. Why? In the home improvement business it is common knowledge that every major manufacturer of products sold in big box stores has a "knock off" level of product built to lower standards than the original  higher end product being copied. This is the reason you may find a faucet, a light fixture, a cabinet, flooring, and any other component to improving your property that appears like the same one you see being much more expensive in a private business showroom.
They look the same. However, the manufacturing standards are not the same. Big box stores leverage the power of volume sales to negotiate lower cost. That often translates into being made with lower standards and cheaper parts.

In cabinetry the knock offs may have lower standard cabinet box and drawer construction. The joint
construction of the doors may not be as tight and strong. They may not hold up to use, especially with young children. The matching of grains in the wood stave's that make up the doors may be much more random than a better cabinet lines doors would be. Higher end cabinet lines spend time and money to hire specialists who pay attention to such details. The finishing steps may also be less. There are many steps to the smooth strong finish that resists scratches, fading or the surface becoming dull prematurely.

Although it is possible to do some modifications on cabinets lines designed and sold in Lowes and Home Depot, they are very limited. If you want taller wall cabinets, you will still be limited to heights of 36 to 42 inches. Truly custom lines often range from 30 to 60 , even 72 inches.
There are so many considerations that translate in to your satisfaction over the years as you live, cook, and eat in you new kitchen.

See what I mean? Were you aware of these facts? Next week I will post about the human element.
Anywhere you select to help you with your projects, you will need to work with a designer/sales person and a project management team. Who you choose is crucial!

Please don't lose any sleep over all this, we are here it help you!

The Privately Owned Kitchen Bath Showroom Retailer Option

I love how beginning to write each post happens when an idea pops in my head. Hopefully it touches on a topic you are curious about or need to consider. Sometimes these posts are rapid fire and completed in one sitting. More often, they develop over a few sessions of writing. Once in a while, my original idea gets tweaked by an unexpected event or visit from one of our clients. That is what happened yesterday. I am so excited about the feedback this client shared, I must pass it on to you.

We all know how thrilling positive feedback can be. Who does not love and appreciate being admired and complimented? Both are huge coming from a customer or professional that happens to be involved in a project with us. Receiving feedback from someone happy with our approach to remodeling and building makes everything we do worth every effort!

Lenny Santosuosso, our owner and craftsman extraordinaire, is a perfectionist who does everything the right way the first time. Yes, many claim this. However, Building Inspectors see every builder's
final results. To be complemented and referred by a peer in the industry, such as an inspector, is the top compliment any building professional can receive.

Yesterday, while I was writing the following paragraphs, a couple came in. They awarded numerous outside home improvements to us this past year. Being thrilled with the results, they are beginning to remodel the interior of their home. They mentioned, Lenny is the only professional they would hire.
That peaked my interest to inquire for details.

In the conversation, I asked if they were the couple a building inspector had commented to a few weeks ago? " Maybe, what did they say?", she asked. I answered, "Oh, some inspector commented to our client that, "Yes this is Lenny's job, I can always tell because his jobs are perfect." He went on to say, " Lenny's excellent work is so well known, it is tempting to sign off without actually going out to do the on site inspection. However, we must go out to see it with our own eyes. As I expected, once again, he did everything right."

The gracious lady and her husband nodded in agreement. However, she said "No that was not us or our project. Ours was with another building inspector who commented, " Lenny's work is impeccable! When I inspect Lenny's projects, every requirement is met, not one single building requirement is missing. That is important to me personally. My daughter is looking for the best builder for her home project. Lenny is who I will recommend!"

Why am I passing this on? Well, obviously sharing such feedback may help you make a decision to choose Apple Wood. However, it is more than that. In this newest series of posts, I sincerely want to help all property owners understand the possible solutions, best options, the distinctions, and differences that exist in the wide range of choices available to you in the building/remodeling industry. Success IS in the details. Being detailed oriented and committed to excellence is important. It translates into monetary gains or losses.

Last week we shared the top level of building remodeling professionals, Design Build Construction
and Remodeling Contractors. This category represents the best choice to insure true in house craftsmanship with the lowest concern for potential problems. Please review that post. It explains the advantages of  Design Build ( soup to nuts) construction. Everything in your project is handled and supplied directly through the firms design and construction team.

The next or second option just below this top level is working with a local privately owned or "Mom and Pop" kitchen/bath retailer.  There are many highly experienced excellent choices in this category.
Some may imitate true Design Build firms. It depends on their approach to handling the various phases of your remodel.

At times, simple replacement of cabinets into the same footprint is all a client is interested in accomplishing. If that is so, the design process is simplified. New cabinets that are the same size and configuration are simple to order and install. I would recommend new flooring, sinks, counters, plumbing fixtures, faucets, and also windows be updated as well. The moment you replace the old cabinets with new ones, anything original is going to look outdated and worn by contrast. Most Kitchen/Bath retailers can provide a hand drawn or computer generated design showing the new cabinet details.

Mom and Pop Kitchen/Bath retailers typically offer low to mid range prefab or semi custom cabinetry lines. Some with established clients, from years of experience, also attract truly custom built cabinet lines. The differences in the various levels is pronounced and a topic for a future blog post.

So how does this one step down from Design Build compare? What is the primary difference in results you can expect? Primarily, a direct company employee build team is not part of their business. This fact is key! It is directly connected to the overall satisfaction experienced by clients in and after the project is completed.

Installations and selections of  the other components needed in the overall project may not be handled by the designer you are familiar with and trust. The designer /or owner subcontract with carpenters and installers. It is possible these professionals are excellent. It is also possible they are just people who think they know how to fix things or have limited carpenter skills. It is important to note; they are not actually employed by the showroom. The showroom owner will give you a list or business cards. It is your responsibility to contact these people and hire them yourself.  They are sub contractors.  What does this mean? Well, in the event you have any issues during or after the project, you will need to run down numerous people rather than make one call to your Design Build Firm.  Getting what you pay for is very evident when you compare these two options.

Let me remind you of the many sides of remodeling:
1. It is an enjoyable adventure to realize your dream home coming into reality.
2. Even with the best team, there will be stressful days and times
3. The peace of having one person you contact responsible for everything is worth every penny
4. You must do your due diligence to research anyone you invite into your home to improve it!    
5. Do not sign a contract or give any deposits without referrals and confirming the person has
    a stellar reputation

When you select to work with  a retailer who  requires you to line up your own subs, be aware of the following. The process of very important selections for your flooring, plumbing fixtures, faucets, sinks, lighting, and electrical are up to you.  When the designer/retailer gives referrals, you make all the effort without the help of  the one professional who can coordinate everything perfectly for you.

Timeliness from beginning to end is key for client satisfaction. It is important you  realize remodeling requires a logical step by step process to stay on task with completion and consistency. Every part depends on how efficiently, correctly, and promptly the previous steps were handled. If one sub contractor is not thorough or is slow, the entire project is halted until they catch up. When you are living in your home waiting for access to electrical, plumbing, or cabinetry that is delayed it is very irritating. The normal level of stress expected in a remodeling project can be multiplied greatly.

To end this post on a positive note I want to say, this approach is perfect for homeowners who love the process of being their own designer and planner. Hands on can be a true joy for those with the talent and skill to oversee their own project. Choosing all the components is exciting for them, if they have the talent and ability to select everything that truly complements the cabinet design and style. In that case, it can be a perfect fit. Often, however, it is overwhelming and the end result is disappointing with too many conflicting design components. A remodeling project is filled with more choices that need to be made than most are prepared to consider. You may find  dealing with all the individual details daunting.

As always we are here to help you.  Truthfully, the little more you will pay for the peace of mind of having one contact to be your Project Manager is worth every penny. We can help you discover what works best for you. We have numerous satisfied clients that will attest to trusting their home and dream project to us who will never award any remodeling or building job to just any Kitchen or Bath Retailer.

Design Build Companies

We  here at Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath are affiliated with Apple Wood Construction.
As a General Contractor, our scope includes custom home construction and everything that includes. There literally is no residential construction project we cannot tackle.

Lenny Santosuosso literally became a Lead Carpenter as a young man. Apprenticed by his father, Lenny Senior, he literally learned the Kitchen and Bath business from the ground up. Excellence was a priority then and still remains his primary goal now. Lenny insists every project be done "right" and excellently the first time. His references and referral business due to customer satisfaction is well known. The best compliments any contractor can receive comes from their peers. Lenny is praised by licensed inspectors. They say, "if Lenny built it, we know it was done right." The second best referral is from satisfied client's who recommend Apple Wood to their family and friends wanting to remodel or build.

What is Design Build? What are the pros in selecting a professional that has reached this level of expertise?

1. A Design Build Contractor is one stop "soup to nuts" process from the beginning to the end of a
    project.
2. The client works only with the Design Build Firm who handles every phase and detail.
3. There is no one handing the client a list of sub contractors to call to hire and install any part of
    the project.
4. Design, selection of product, demolition, installation, clean up, and warranty is all handled by one
    company, the Design Build firm.
5. A higher level of quality in every phase is key.

We have all read the horror stories of home owners who tried to cut corners, be their own contractor, and coordinate a build team. There is no continuity or team commitment in this scenario. Typically the money "saved"  results in spending much more addressing unexpected problems no one wants to even think about, much less deal with.

Is Design Build more expensive? It can be. However, it is a bargain when you consider the peace of mind and the appreciation you will enjoy on your property by hiring a truly professional experienced company.

A firm who has reached the status of being in this select category, is typically well known locally in the industry. Their reputation is built and depends on customer satisfaction and referrals.

Here are some things to consider when it is time to award your project to a building professional.
1. Does the Designer "get" your dream and listen to what you want?
2. Do they respond to your concerns?
3. Have you thought about this fact: Your home, belongings, family, children, and pets are going to
    be exposed to whoever you award your project to, for months. Do you trust them? Have you done
    your due diligence to be sure they deserve your trust?
4. Do they respect you and your home's interior? Will they protect areas in your home that are
    surrounding the project area to minimize dust, noise, etc.?
5. Will they clean up the work area daily and carefully store any products or tools so as to keep your
    family safe in the construction process?
6. Do they partner with quality vendors for plumbing fixtures, lighting, cabinet, and counter top
    professionals to assure your ability to select the best available to complete your project.
7. Do they follow through with what they promise?

This is one of the most thrilling experiences of home ownership. It has great creative fun times. It also has many challenges and seasons of inconvenience. Who you select to work with truly makes a difference. Getting referrals is extremely important.    

"You get what you pay for!" That is true in the Building and Remodeling world. Sometimes, we have waited so long for our dream home, we can want it done "NOW" for the cheapest price possible. Often, cutting corners creates more stress and problems than working with a true competitive experienced professional from the beginning. When everything is considered, you will be happy you awarded your project to the best, a Design Build contractor.

Please come talk to us. You will be pleasantly surprised!

Basic Critical Decisions

How is the average homeowner to decide the best remodeling contractor possible to award their project to? How can they insure true satisfaction for years to come? Generally, talking to friends and family about their projects helps answer most of their questions. However, there are many options out there. Everyone has positive and negative things to consider.

All homeowners considering a project have the following check list looking for:
1. A designer who"gets" your taste and honors what is important to you
2. A licensed, experienced, and insured professional
3. A team that can be trusted in your property, around your family, and with your pets
4. A professional who can be depended on to do it right the first time in a timely manner
5. The best contractor and product for the best price point
6. A professional who knows their product to guide in important selections

Did you realize all these important issues have to be considered before you begin? This is an excellent juncture to discuss what options are out there, so you understand why selecting the best contractor or remodeling professional to award your project to is critical. We have all heard the horror stories of folks who acted too quickly in their decision process. They may sign a contract before spending the time and due diligence to make important comparisons. That can be a big mistake.

Referrals truly are a great place to start. Finding a professional who has a high percentage of referral business is very wise. They value being considered excellent enough that their clients would only work with them or only refer them to the people they care most about. It sounds logical! Yet, surprisingly naive homeowners can be fooled and pay the price of spending lots of time and money that leads to disappointment or worse,actual harm to their property.

New England is unique. Since we are where America began, we enjoy the charm of  original historical homes as well as newer construction. The good news  is customer's have multiple choices between companies to consider for their project. There is lots of competition which , again , is good for customers. However, this truth boils down to the trite comment "comparing apples to apples".
Great confusion exits in comparing services and products from the myriad wealth of possibilities.

Let's realistically consider the categories of professionals you can choose from. Many remodeling needs present themselves. Each category of professionals may have a focus that can prove be the right fit for individual clients. The following suggestions take all that into consideration. Let's be  realistic, positive, and truthful as I inform you of your choices.

A novice can easily become confused immediately just trying to decide which of the following contracting professionals is best for their project:
1. Design Build Company
2. Big Box Retailer
3. Hardware Store Kitchen Department
4. Local Neighborhood Handyman / Carpenter
5. Neighborhood Kitchen and Bath showroom
6. General Contractor

Let's define the pro's and cons as we compare the distinctions in these possibilities. Being in the business for twenty years, I have been a designer and sales professional in many categories in the remodeling industry. I have experienced personally the pros and cons of each of the categories. I've  witnessed great results as well as needed to rescue very disappointed people who trusted  the wrong company.  Check in next week. I will define the distinctions in each of these categories.