Contractor Tips for Remodeling on a Budget

Remodel without sacrificing your style or budget

Remodeling can be expensive, and many times more costly than you originally expected, especially  if you start to make changes during the process.  Stay on plan by following these contractor tips for remodeling on a budget.

1.  Find a contractor that has a creative mind and is considerate of your budget.  Be honest about your budget from the start.  If a contractor knows you are serious about doing business with them, and not shopping around for a bunch of estimates,  they will spend more time finding creative ways to meet your criteria.

2.  Time is money. Pick a contractor and architect that will work in completing your plans in a timely manner. Before finalizing this step, make sure you are 100% satisfied with them. Making changes during the remodeling process means costly change orders down the road.

3.  Shop for good deals. Once your plans are complete, and you know what is needed for the project, shop around at second hand stores, tag sales, and Craig's list for budget friendly items.  It's important this step is done prior to the start of the remodel. Making changes during the process will effect both budget and cost.

Using salvaged items does not mean you need to compromise style. These 42" raised panel cabinets, the stainless steel appliances, and the black granite counter tops are all second hand finds. If you have these items on hand prior to the start of the project, a creative contractor can make it work.

4.  Do some work on your own. This should be addressed during your first meeting with the contractor as some may not allow this.  If your contractor is open to it, do the work when it's convenient to the contractor, such as on the weekends.

5. Have a good attitude. You  know the golden rule, treat others how you want to be treated. Treat your contractor and his subcontractors with respect. Your kindness will go a lot further, especially in the case that you decide on some last minute changes.

6.  Make prompt payments.  Abide by the terms of your contract and meet payment deadlines.  Failing to do so can hold up the project. Developing a good relationship with your contractor, means they are more likely to go that extra step for you when  needed.

Get Gutsy Paint Idea

Walls are not the only place where you can add pattern and color to a room. Get creative & get gutsy! Paint your floors instead. Your old, worn hardwood planks provide the perfect opportunity to add color and pizazz to any space.  Paint them solid or get artsy and add a playful design. This technique can be applied to stairs as well. This DIY project is labor intensive but worth every minute. You will be in awe with the results.

How to:

1.  Sand your floors, and then clean well

2.  Apply a base of primer. Let dry 24 hours.

3.  Start at the back of the room and work your way to the door.

4.  Paint your floor with oil-based exterior paint.  Let dry 24 hours.

5.  If painting a bathroom floor, consider using marine paint (used on boats)

5.  Lightly sand and clean. Add another one or two coats, sanding between each.

View homes that need your creative touch

White, black, gray are all safe floor color options. But what about red? It's an electrifying jolt of color paired with white walls and offers the opportunity to create a consistent color story, complemented by red accessories in each room.

(how to & photo source: Natalie Myers / Houzz.com)

This gingham plaid pattern is so inventive for a painted floor. As long as the the paint coats are kept thin, this pattern seems relatively easy to achieve.

Continue your design on the stairs to create a unique space that will become the envy of your neighbors.

(Photo source: Bockman & Forbes Design)

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Who Said Hardwood Flooring is Just for Floors?

Give your home, or home-to-be, the wow factor and make it stand apart from the rest by adding small, creative touches through out the home.  Plain walls are the perfect place to begin.  Most people will default to painting their walls, but let's kick up the creativity a notch and use traditional flooring as a wall treatment.  

Flooring used as a wall treatment adds dimension,sophistication, and drama. You can take this idea and apply it to a ceiling as well. If cost is a  factor, shop for flooring on Craigslist, Habitat for Humanity, or Salvage shops.  

How-to Guide

Find a home where you can apply this DIY project

(Photo source:  Fulcrum Structural Engineering)

Does Your Home Tell More About You Than You Think? / Part III

BABY BOOMER HOMES
DOES YOUR HOME TELL MORE ABOUT YOU THAN YOU THINK?

Bradenton, FL newly listed homes

Sarasota, FL newly listed homes

What does the Baby Boomer generation look for in a home?  Baby Boomers are your mid 50's - mid 60's age group who are approaching retirement. They have distinctly different preferences than the Gen X and Gen Y generation.

Baby Boomers no longer need a home to accommodate children, but they still have distinct partialities in what they want in a home. Think about what might be important features for Baby Boomers, then read on to see what a majority of the buyers in this age group prefer.

Boomers House (50’s – mid 60’s)

Prefer single family homes with amenities

Want to enjoy their home

Love to entertain

Facing retirement but still want to be active

Want to be near shopping centers and medical services

Wants a floor plan to adjust to their lifestyle

Prefers off white with chocolate glaze or dark finish cabinets

Able to afford a little more in upgrades
Don't want to pay for space they don't need

Prefer a temperate climate

The Gen Y Home

The Gen X Home

Does Your Home Tell More About You Than You Think?/ Part II

Gina Ursini
Keller Williams
941-812-4894
Contact me
http://ginaursini.kwrealty.com/

What does Generation X like in a home? 

DOES YOUR HOME TELL MORE ABOUT YOURSELF THAN YOU THINK?

View Gen X Sarasota & Bradenton homes for sale 

From my last post, we know that generation Y's (mid 20's - mid 30's) are very mobile and tech savvy. They grew up with the internet and they can't envision life without computers, iphones, etc., so finding a contemporary home that is maintenance free and customization oriented is important. 

Different generations have diverse preferences, but can one decade make a difference? Let's move onto Generation X. For all you Gen X's, (mid 30's- mid 40's),  think about what you like in a home, then view the information below  to see what a majority of the buyers in your age group prefer.

Generation X House (mid 30's - mid 40's)

Contemporary in style
Big on entertaining

Women play a big part in the decision process

Prefers open spaces and outdoor spaces

Family oriented (50% have families so themes are important)

Wants closets and cubbies for storage

Likes flex spaces

Generation Y House (20's - mid 30's)

Boomers House (mid 50's - mid 60's)

Does Your Home Tell More About Yourself Than You Think? / Part I

Gina Ursini
Keller Williams
941-812-4894
Questions?  Contact me
Gen Y homes
http://ginaursini.kwrealty.com/
http://www.yoursarasotadreamhome.com/

GEN Y HOMES 

DOES YOUR HOME TELL MORE ABOUT YOURSELF THAN YOU THINK?

Different generations have diverse preferences when it comes to choosing a home. For all you Gen Y's, (20's- mid 30's),  think about what you like in a home, then view the information below  to see what a majority of the buyers in your age group are looking for in a home.

Generation Y House (20's - mid 30's)

Contemporary in design and not afraid of color
Want smaller homes, smaller yards, and low maintenance, so have time to travel
Can't remember life without a computer, so researches everything, including buying a home
Tech savvy and more customization oriented
Culturally diverse group of friends
Likes flex spaces

Generation X House (mid 30's - mid 40's)

Boomer House (mid 50's - mid 60's)

Is Your Home Ready For Some Football?!

Is your home ready for some football?!

With kick-off hours away, fans are getting prepared for  this season's opening game. This means picking out the right menu, wearing their proper gear, and most importantly, creating the ideal setting for cheering on their favorite team. These one of a kind entertainment spaces demonstrate how fans have utilized their space for the ultimate viewing experience. Find the inspiration you need for you and your biggest fans!

Entertainment Rooms

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Bedroom Products on Houzz- For Example:

Bed Pillows · Bedskirts · Shams · Beds · Dressers Chests And Bedroom Armoires · Headboards · Nightstands And Bedside Tables · Sofa Beds ·