by Diane Plesset | Archive, Building and Remodeling Plans, Contractors, D-I-Y and Problems |
Remodeling Horror Story: Trick Or Treat?
The title of this blog is seasonal, but unfortunately, a “Trick or Treat” remodeling horror story happens year ’round. It’s not limited to one type of remodeling project. Here is a remodeling “horror” story list, bad experiences that were avoidable:
- A D-I-Y basement renovation that got out of hand.
- A master bathroom project that was totally bungled by a designer who acted as the general contractor.
- A D-I-Y master bedroom expansion into an adjoining bedroom; taking out a bearing wall is a NO-NO!
- A bad deck replacement done by an unlicensed contractor that left the Homeowners with no legal recourse.
- A new home that had all of the hot and cold lines swapped by the plumber.
- A D-I-Y floor refinishing project that ended up with the floor being replaced after the sanding drum was installed backwards, chewing up the floor.
- Homeowners who had purchased appliances ten years before the actual remodeling, and ended up donating the appliances because they wouldn’t fit in the new kitchen.
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by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Additions and New Homes, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans, D-I-Y and Problems, Remodeling Budget |
Have Remodeling Reality Shows Got You Frustrated Or Angry?
Remodeling reality shows can be fun, inspiring — and frustrating!
Misinformation Is Rampant!
Remodeling reality shows are still popular, despite the bad press they’ve received. I don’t know about how you feel, but it frustrates the heck out of me, because these programs spread misinformation to Homeowners. There’s a glut of home remodeling shows on several channels. Although they are fun to watch, they should be viewed as entertainment and not as serious “How-To” guidelines. There are several categories of misinformation that get my blood boiling:
• The time it takes to do a project
• Overall cost of the project — what consumers would pay for something similar
• Realistic cost of labor and materials — how much the Homeowners actually paid
• You’ll save a lot of money if you do the work yourself!
The Time It Takes To Do A Project
The audience has no way of knowing how much of the actual filmed project ended up on the editing room floor. This can cause serious problems for D-I-Yers and remodeling consumers who think that a bathroom can be remodeled in a week or less. A standard 5×8 bathroom remodeling project can take four to six weeks (or more), from demolition to completion. And the time frame they tell you doesn’t include the time required to make decisions or get permits before construction starts!
by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Appliances and Plumbing, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans, Cabinets, Contractors, Countertops, D-I-Y and Problems, Flooring, Lighting and Electrical, Remodeling Budget, Tile |
D-I-Y Kitchen Remodeling Success: Know What You Can Do and Cannot Do
D-I-Y Kitchen Remodeling required skill and patience.
D-I-Y kitchen remodeling was the last thing that Naomi wanted, but Michael was confident that he could be the general contractor. Like a lot of homeowners, they had been thinking about remodeling ever since they bought the home. Everything about the existing kitchen was dated: white laminate cabinets with continuous oak pulls, white laminate countertops, a dropped ceiling with fluorescent lighting. (more…)
by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Additions and New Homes, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans, Contractors, D-I-Y and Problems, Remodeling Budget |
Avoid Home Remodeling Anxiety: 4 Easy Steps
Remodeling anxiety getting to you?
Remodeling anxiety? It’s a very real phenomenon for most homeowners. There have been very few homeowners in the past 33 years who didn’t feel anxious and overwhelmed about their project before we met. Hundreds of homeowners, with different lifestyles, different needs, and different budgets. Pretty amazing.
During a meeting four months ago, I was reminded how overwhelming the remodeling process can be, even if someone has been through a renovation before. Five years ago, my client remodeled her kitchen. Her contractor did a wonderful job, but she didn’t have a designer. When she talked about choosing the material for her kitchen countertops, that long ago, it’s easy to see (and feel) the remodeling anxiety she’s reliving. Have you ever been through a remodeling project? A home addition? An updated bathroom? A new kitchen? (more…)
by Diane Plesset | Archive, Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans, Contractors, D-I-Y and Problems, Remodeling Budget |
D-I-Y Home Remodeling Success Is A Recipe!
Found space in a basement is great for many purposes!
THE GOAL: How To Make A New Room Using Leftover Space
Classic, time-tested recipe for D-I-Y home remodeling success. The goal: To convert a leftover basement area, approximately 280 square feet, to be a multi-purpose bonus room for the entire family to enjoy. One corner of the area, approximately 24 square feet, can accommodate a powder room for occupants’ convenience. An existing doorway accesses the rear garden for indoor-outdoor parties. Delicious possibilities for year-round entertaining!
The key to D-I-Y home remodeling success is to be honest about what you can do yourself, and what you can’t do (i.e., hire others!)
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by Diane Plesset | Accessibility, Function, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Additions and New Homes, Archive, Bathrooms and Kitchens, Building and Remodeling Plans, Contractors, D-I-Y and Problems, Design Professionals, Remodeling Budget |
The Key To D-I-Y Success: “Know Thyself”
Found space in a basement is great for many purposes!
How To Make A New Room Using Leftover Space
Classic, time-tested recipe to convert and remodel a leftover basement area, approximately 280 square feet, to be a multi-purpose bonus room for the entire family to enjoy. One corner of the area, approximately 24 square feet, can accommodate a powder room for occupants’ convenience. An existing doorway accesses the rear garden for indoor-outdoor parties. Delicious possibilities for year-round entertaining!
The key to D-I-Y success is to be honest about what you can do yourself, and what you can’t do (i.e., hire others!)
(more…)
