Beginner's Guide to Home Remodeling tag:beginnersguide.com,2007:/home-remodeling//45 2006-07-27T15:48:08Z Home Remodeling Movable Type 3.35 Conclusions: tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.18940 2006-02-07T19:59:54Z 2006-02-07T20:00:19Z John Overall your garden has the potential to be so much more than just a few hedges and some grass.
 
Using your imagination can result in finishing off your family home to a beautiful standard. This creates the wish to spend many more years of happiness growing with your family in the home and the knowledge that the work has been done safely and poses no risk to anyone.
]]> What does an Architect do--and why would I need one for my home project? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.19325 2006-02-13T17:38:23Z 2006-02-13T17:39:02Z John You already know what you want your dream home to look like. Or you’ve been planning an addition to your current home and have sketched out some ideas. Or you’re ready to rebuild a section of your house that was destroyed or just needs updating. You have the ideas, you know what you want it to look like, and you’re ready to go. On the other hand, maybe you know you want a change, but you’re not sure how to go about it and could use some creative consulting. Either way, it’s time to call in the architect.
 
An architect, in the most basic sense of the word, is a person who designs buildings. But he or she is really much more than that. This person is the key to making your dreams reality. An architect gives form and detail to your ideas. He takes your sketches and formalizes them, checking the feasibility of these ideas, and making them work with your existing floor plan, land, and ideas of use. And an architect brings fresh creativity to any project.
 
Here’s what an architect can offer your building project:
 
  • Zoning laws, building codes, contractors, and permitting requirements are just a few of the things that architects help guide their clients through. The processes are often long and arduous, and it’s helpful to have someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of the system, has done it numerous times, and is working in your best interest.
  • Hold your hand from start to finish. A good architect will be there from your first vision to the final day of construction, helping you make good choices, put plans to paper, meet requirements, work with a contractor, and bring the project to completion.
  • An architect will often help you find the right contractor for your project, looking for someone with the right experience, who can do the job on your timetable and for your budget.
You have ideas what you want; and architect can put those ideas on paper, showing you the best way to get the most for your money, use space wisely, and make your floor plan efficient. Also, with the myriad choices of construction materials available, it’s nice to have someone with experience to help you choose the right materials for your project and budget.
]]> What kind of services does an architect offer? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.19326 2006-02-13T17:39:13Z 2006-02-13T17:39:42Z John The services offered vary greatly. It depends on the size and scope of your project, and on your architect’s preference. In a typical project, you might expect your architect to take care of the following:
 
  • Building code analysis
  • Building program review
  • Conceptual design
  • Design development
  • Civil engineering
  • Structural engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Working drawings
  • Specifications
  • Bidding
  • Check in on construction
  • Shop drawing review
  • Project close out.
 
 
Your architect also might help you with site selection, feasibility studies, landscape architecture, interior design, presentation models, construction management, and cost estimating, among other services. Not sure? Just ask!
]]> How do I find an architect? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.19327 2006-02-13T17:39:52Z 2006-02-13T17:40:24Z The American Institute of Architects, an organization of architects in existence sine 1857, has 74,000 licensed architects, professionals, and partners. These people adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct. The AIA web site is a great starting point... John The American Institute of Architects, an organization of architects in existence sine 1857, has 74,000 licensed architects, professionals, and partners. These people adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct. The AIA web site is a great starting point for finding a licensed architect in your area. Visit www.aia.org/architect_finder.
 
Word of mouth is also a great resource for finding a qualified architect who will fit your style and personality. Drive around your community, looking for homes or buildings that you admire. Pick out your favorites, those that embody the type of architecture you’re wanting, then ask who designed them—and ask whether owner of the building is happy with the design and with the working relationship he or she had with the architect.
 
Your local yellow pages phone book is another place to look. Just make sure to check references, and ask all the right questions (see below for a list of questions to ask before hiring).
]]> What questions should I ask before hiring an architect? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.19328 2006-02-13T17:40:33Z 2006-02-13T17:41:04Z John Once you’ve found a few candidates who look promising, it’s time to start interviewing architects. Set up meetings to discuss your project, look at pictures of the architect’s past projects, and try to determine whether this person has the experience and expertise to do the type of project you’re seeking.
 
Interviewing and choosing an architect is time consuming—but not nearly as time or money consuming as hiring the wrong person for the job! Make sure to spend plenty of time finding the right person, one who will listen to you and respect your wishes, get back to you in a timely manner, and communicate with you in a way you find comfortable.
 
Some other questions to ask to identify the right architect for you, as suggested by the AIA:
 
  • Who from the architecture firm will you be working with? Will the person you’re interviewing be the main contact, or will someone else handle communications?
  • How does the architect establish fees? How much, and when, will payments be due? Will payments be tied to milestones in the scope of the project?
  • Does the architect have time for your project? And is he or she really interested in doing it?
  • How will decisions be made? And how much will your wants and needs to be taken into consideration?
  •  What is the architect’s experience with cost estimating?
  • What should you expect the design process to entail? How is the project organized?
  • As the project progresses, how will fee changes be handled?
  • What services does the architect provide?
  • How long should the project take?
 
 
Don’t forget to check references. It’s important to talk with past clients, and to really drill them about their experiences. Ask them how well the architect stuck to what he or she promised. Did the person get the design he or she wanted, and is the person happy with the results? Also, ask for advice on working with that particular architect. The reference may be able to suggest communication tips or other details that will help you enjoy a better working relationship.
]]> What kind of formal agreement will we use? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.19329 2006-02-13T17:41:13Z 2006-02-13T17:41:38Z John You’ll work with your architect to create a contract. This contract will govern timeframes, fees, services to be rendered, what is expected from you and the architect each, the scope of the project, a budget estimate, and so on. A contract helps keep everyone on the same page. Before signing, make sure the contract is set up to give you what you’re looking for in the project. Also, make sure you understand all provisions before you sign.
 
The AIA provides standard forms of agreement, and it’s a good idea to make sure you and your architect use these. They have been carefully reviewed and court tested through the years, and they cover the aspects that matter most to both parties.
]]> Closet Design Overview tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.19732 2006-02-22T21:24:43Z 2006-02-22T21:25:35Z John The closet is a very important space in our home. This is a place to store, hide and organize all of the stuff the modern family collects. It doesn’t seem to matter how many closets we have in our home, condo or apartment we don’t see to have enough and somehow we can’t seem to get them efficient or organized enough to store everything. Originally, the closet was a small, enclosed space used for storage or hanging clothes. Thankfully, in the modern home, closets are built into the walls during construction so little or no space is taken in the actual room. Prior to World War II built-in wall closets were uncommon, if a home did have closets they were small, shallow and dark. When homeowners moved to the suburbs, closets became larger and more spacious. There are a variety of closets with different functions and names. The broom closet is a handy closet to store tall items such as mops and brooms. These storage closets are ideal to hide cleaning products and appliances. Many homes have coat closets located in close vicinity to the front door or entryway. Like the name implies, the coat closet is a perfect place for the family coats and jackets. The home that has several linen closets is perfect for the growing family. Linen closets are located near bedrooms and bathrooms. They are equipped with shelves to hold sheets, towels and other linens. Oh, the beauty of a walk-in closet! The well-equipped walk-in is equipped with multiple places to hang clothes, shelves for sweaters or shoes and other amenities. The walk-in may have three-way mirrors, special lighting and even built-in dressers. The walk-in closet is a woman’s dream! What has now been coined as the California closet is a very large walk-in with many shelves, shoe racks, hanging rails and other practical organizational tools to organize your clothes. With careful planning, your new organized closet can double your storage space.

]]> Decision Time tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.19733 2006-02-22T21:25:52Z 2006-02-22T21:26:41Z John Before investing too much time and money into closet reorganization, you should take several things into consideration. The first step is cleaning out your closet (be ruthless) and then begin deciding how you want to organize that space. The most wasted space in a closet is the space between the top shelf and the ceiling. Don’t forget this space and plan some storage options to maximize this area.
 
Measure and Visualize: If you are planning on ordering your closet organizing products or purchasing them in a store, it is imperative to get accurate measurements. These measurements will be a guide in ensuring racks, shelves, clothing rods and shoe racks will fit into your space. It is also a good idea to make a sketch of your dream closet including all of the specialized units you need to get everything organized.
 
Types of Storage: If you own a multitude of shoes, now is the time to get the proper storage and shelving to give your shoes a home. If you own many sweaters and you hesitate to stretch them by hanging them on hangers, then be sure to add plenty of shelves. Another consideration is storage for your hang-up clothes. It is wise to consider floor to ceiling storage so all space is utilized. Hanging rods are available in short hanging. This configuration places one rod directly below or above another rod. This allows you to hang shirts, folded pants, skirts and shorts. Longer hanging spaces allow for at least five feet for dresses, pants and long coats. Drawers for purses, scarves and other accessories are also pluses for the organized closet.
 
Shop: Before jumping off into closet heaven, be sure you have your plan, budget and the best design for you and your needs! Careful shopping will be a huge pay off in the end. Once your closet is installed, it needs to last awhile. The options are vast and the time it takes to shop the Internet, specialized stores and retail stores will be time well spent! The consumer can choose from organizing products for every budget. Custom-built closets can be built to enhance and match your home décor. Closet kits have many options and can save the consumer installation prices because they can be installed by someone who is handy with a hammer. Whatever your budget or needs, there are closet designs for you!
]]> Closet Organizers tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.19734 2006-02-22T21:27:02Z 2006-02-22T21:28:37Z There are many options to maximize your closet space. Organizational products are available on the Internet and many retail stores. If you are building a house, now is the time to have built-ins added. Even if you are living in... John There are many options to maximize your closet space. Organizational products are available on the Internet and many retail stores. If you are building a house, now is the time to have built-ins added. Even if you are living in an older home, there are many options and easy to install closet organizer kits!

Hanging Shelves: Regardless of your closet size, there are a multitude of choices to maximize all of your storage options. Reach-in closet organizers are ideal for the smaller space. Begin your organization of the smaller closet by purchasing a hanging sweater shelf. Most of these portable soft shelves hold around 6 to 7 sweaters. The advantage of a sweater shelf enables you to find your sweater easily and at the same time they retain their shape because they are folded nicely and the compact shelves. These shelves are sturdy and are hung from clothing rods by durable metal hooks.

Garment Racks: There are portable garment racks available to the consumer as well as permanent depending on your need and size of closet. Single, double and tall clothing racks are available to meet any of your clothing needs. The average men’s pants (on straight hangers) are at least 44” long. On the average, a woman’s robe is 52” long. Double racks need to be far enough apart to accommodate a man’s shirt that is 38” long and a woman’s skirt that is around 36” long. These measurements are crucial before deciding on the rack that best fits in your closet area.

Shelving: No closet makeover would be complete without the addition of shelving. Shelves for sweaters, shoes, purses and accessories are a must for your organized closet. A woman’s sweater that is folded is on the average 10” wide and 14” long. Your shelving unit should have smooth shelves so sweaters don’t get snagged. Shelves should also be deep enough so your folded garments don’t wrinkle due to cramped spaces. It is also practical to add shelving that is adjustable to accommodate changing needs.

Shelving for Shoes: The average boot is 14” high and 9” wide and the average shoe is 6” and 9 ½” long. Shelving to accommodate shoes should at least be wide enough to hold a pair. Slanted shoe shelves are also a desirable addition to your closet. These shelves enable easy access and easy viewing of your shoes.

Drawers: There are several advantages to adding drawer space to your closet. Drawers make the area look clean, and they can hide a multitude of accessories that are otherwise difficult to organize. Whatever size drawers your closet can hold without overcrowding, will be a wise choice to complete the organization of your closet. Drawer dividers are available to organize lingerie, belts, scarves, socks and hose. These dividers allow you to customize your drawer to meet your needs.

Closet Lights: Most closets even if they are walk-in closets, have the disadvantage of not having natural light. When building a new home or remodeling your existing closet, make sure you choose adequate lighting in your closets. Lighting fixtures with adjustable heads are an advantage in the larger closet. Specialized light bulbs can be purchased that mimic the brilliance of daylight so colors such as black and blue remain true to the human eye. This important detail cannot be forgotten when you organize your closet. Lighting is important so you won’t have anymore mismatched socks.

Hopefully, you have your perfect closet plan and are ready to install a closet that will help organize your home and your space. Just think of all the time you will save off of your morning rush to get ready for work because your closet is organized and everything is at your fingertips. An organized closet is an added convenience and selling point to any home.

]]> Tr-State Remodeling tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.21737 2006-03-17T16:23:09Z 2006-03-17T16:36:15Z phillip Tri-State Remodeling: a Delaware home remodeling contractor today launched the website tri-stateremodeling.com as am information portal for Delaware home owners to research information concerning remodeling, home improvement tips. The site contains daily articles and a monthly newsletter on the topic, and is sure to become Delaware's primary resource on remodeling.

Future plans include educational guides on renovation, professional advice from experts, and even a Q&A forum - more easily-accessible information for homeowners than ever before.

I could have used this site 8 months ago, before that sweaty foundation repairman in a muscle-shirt and revealing pantaloons swindled me out of 700 canoles.




]]> Make Sure Your Remodeling Project Pays Off tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.21772 2006-03-21T18:31:24Z 2006-03-21T18:58:59Z There are a lot of obvious signs for taking on a home remodeling project: waiting in line for the shower, storing junk in the garage when you're out of cabinet space, or parking in the lawn. Not only will updated... phillip There are a lot of obvious signs for taking on a home remodeling project: waiting in line for the shower, storing junk in the garage when you're out of cabinet space, or parking in the lawn. Not only will updated space make your house more comfortable, but it could very well pay off at a later time in resale value.

In order to find out if your project will add in resale value, take stock of other houses in the neighborhood. If several have been upgraded in the past few years, check the methods of choice. If most of the other houses have furnished basements or added bathrooms, these would be projects to consider.

Naturally, you won't want to take on a project just for the resale, especially if you want to stay there for a while. Remodeling is chiefly done to add to your quality of life. In this regard, choose an improvement that makes sense for your situation.

]]> Kitchen Remodeling tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.30862 2006-07-27T15:43:03Z 2006-07-27T15:43:46Z Choosing the Layout Finish Materials Common kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid Personalize your kitchen... phillip kitchremo.jpg

Choosing the Layout

Finish Materials

Common kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid

Personalize your kitchen

]]> Interior Design tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.30863 2006-07-27T15:45:09Z 2006-07-27T15:45:37Z Interior Design Overview Budgeting Effectively Where do I start? Purchasing Kitchens and Bathrooms... phillip interdesign.jpg

Interior Design Overview

Budgeting Effectively

Where do I start?

Purchasing Kitchens and Bathrooms

]]> Bathroom Remodeling tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.30864 2006-07-27T15:46:27Z 2006-07-27T15:46:55Z Steps to take before remodeling Getting started Building requirements Elements of a bathroom remodel... phillip bathremo.jpg

Steps to take before remodeling

Getting started

Building requirements

Elements of a bathroom remodel

]]> Architects tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/home-remodeling//45.30865 2006-07-27T15:47:40Z 2006-07-27T15:48:08Z What does an Architect do--and why would I need one for my home project? What kind of services does an architect offer? How do I find an architect? What questions should I ask before hiring an architect?... phillip architect.jpg

What does an Architect do--and why would I need one for my home project?

What kind of services does an architect offer?

How do I find an architect?

What questions should I ask before hiring an architect?

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