A Handy Guide to Starting a Home Remodel
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Apprehension and inexperience keep many homeowners from pursuing renovation
projects that would make their homes more functional, enjoyable and comfortable.
Getting your hands dirty on the front end - with some planning and preparation -
is the best blueprint for a successful home remodeling project.
To help you start your remodel on the right track, consider these tips from Gary
White with JCPenney Home Services.
Start with a plan
Although it may sound obvious, the first step really is to decide what you hope
to accomplish with your renovation. At the least, begin to outline rough ideas
to discuss with an expert. Reaching out to contractors before you've determined
a basic idea for your project can waste time and money. Spend time listing the
features you must have, as well as some nice-to-haves if budget allows. Also
think about overall functionality, design and layout. If you get overwhelmed or
need ideas, don't hesitate to turn to online showrooms or magazines for
inspiration.
Set a budget
If the sky is the limit, skip ahead, but if you're like most homeowners, money
matters. Have a clear idea of what you can afford to invest in your renovation
before you get started, and if necessary, research the financing options
available to you. Look for financing that provides deferred interest or low
monthly payments to help manage the project cost. Setting a clear budget can
help keep your contractors accountable, and it goes a long way toward ensuring
you can enjoy your finished project without regret.
Draw up the plans
To help set your plan in motion, there are numerous online tools you can utilize
to simplify each step of the process including design, budgeting and more. If
you're planning a home remodel, a comprehensive resource like JCPenney Home
Services offers a one-stop-shop for bathroom remodeling, countertops, custom
window treatments, flooring, heating and cooling, water heaters and whole-home
water treatment. You can find unique landing pages for each service that
provides product information, complimentary in-home consultations and online
pricing quotes at JCPenneyhomeservices.com.
Involve a professional
Unless you have the time and skills, you'll want a licensed and insured
contractor to lead the project when you're ready to get your renovation in
motion. It can be wise to solicit multiple bids, not only to ensure you get the
best value, but also to find someone whose work, style and experience is most in
line with the needs of your project. After all, this person will be a big part
of your life during a fairly stressful time period. Always check references and
verify the contractor's standing with local associations.
Get ready for work
Remember that you'll need to create a work environment that is safe for your
contractors and protects your valuable possessions. Establish a clear path to
the project space for easy access and removal of debris. Furniture, appliances,
room furnishings, valuables and breakable items should be removed from both the
path to the work site and the work site itself. If your renovation project will
involve an essential room, such as the kitchen or a bathroom, make alternate
arrangements such as creating a makeshift kitchen with the bare necessities in
another part of the house.
Countertops 101
Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most common renovation projects, and
countertops are often a focal point of these redesigns. However, choosing the
right countertop can be overwhelming. To help make the difficult decision a
little simpler, JCPenney Home Services experts offer insight on two of the most
popular choices:
Granite countertops have long been the mainstay of a beautiful kitchen or
bathroom. Granite is a natural stone, quarried from large stone deposits around
the world. It can have many different variations of patterns and colors, giving
each slab a unique appearance that is visually rich and dynamic.
In addition to its distinctive beauty and classic elegance, granite is also
extremely durable. Granite is highly resistant to heat and scratches and, with
proper sealing, offers good water and stain resistance and is easy to clean.
Granite typically needs to be sealed, both prior to installation and at least
once per year. If properly maintained, a granite countertop will last for as
long as you own your home, making it a potential long-term investment.
Quartz is another popular choice for countertops due to its durability, stain
resistance and ease of maintenance.
It's an engineered product made mostly from up to 93 percent quartz, a
non-porous natural stone, combined with a small amount of binder and color.
Small particles of glass or reflective metal flakes can also be added to some
quartz designs to achieve a more unique look. The result is an attractive slab
that can be made in a wide variety of tones and colors, and can be finished to
duplicate high gloss polished stone.
Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials and one of the easiest to
maintain. It is highly resistant to heat, water and stains, including stains
from coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar and more. Unlike granite,
quartz does not need to be sealed, making it easier to maintain over time.
To aid in the planning process without the need for a salesperson, a resource
like the Countertop Wizard at JCPenneyhomeservices.com lets you scope out the
project and order samples online. Simply enter measurements, browse and select
materials and options to get instant quotes.
