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A GUIDE TO REMODELING RIGHT
SPICE UP YOUR WINTER Start planning now for spring remodeling projects
Photo courtesy of Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers and M&G Works
Building your vision Davidson Builders Custom Remodeling and Design Build Additions, Master Suites, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements
2010 NARI
“Contractor of the Year� Whole House Renovation www.DavidsonHomeRemodeling.com
740-965-5089
Experience the difference with NARI During the past 25 years, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has been connecting central Ohio consumers with top remodeling professionals. NARI has grown to more than 250 trusted professional members since it was founded as a not-for-profit trade association in 1985. We invite homeowners to see for themselves why consumers say NARI members are making the difference in their remodeling experiences. For those who have had
difficulty locating a skilled contractor, NARI is the best resource in which to turn. NARI contractors undergo a thorough background check and are screened using stringent criteria for experience and craftsmanship. NARI contractors also must display a commitment to the NARI code of ethics. By reading this and future issues of NARI TODAY, homeowners can learn more about locating and working with the most trusted professionals in the remodeling industry.
Without fail, this special feature introduces homeowners to the professional members of NARI and serves as a guide to remodeling right. In this issue, homeowners will find tools to help them feel comfortable with making decisions about their remodeling projects. Using these guides will give peace of mind and help produce winning results with your home remodeling project. Hire a NARI professional and experience the best. We hope you enjoy the content of NARI TODAY. Experience the difference a NARI
member can make. If you have questions about NARI or how to locate a NARI member who can help with your remodeling needs, visit www.TurstNARI.org to get started. We look forward to serving you. Todd Schmidt, CR
President, NARI of Central Ohio Owner, Renovations Unlimited renovationsunlimited.com
Ourintegrity, Valuesfamily, honesty, respect, education
This is Chuck He shows up late, leaves early, doesn’t return your calls, and is hard to contact. Chuck isn’t a NARI Contractor. NARI contractors undergo a thorough background check and are screened using stringent criteria for experience and workmanship, and must display a commitment to the NARI Code of Ethics. For more information on NARI or a referral to a NARI remodeler in Central Ohio, visit www.TRUSTNARI.org or call 614-895-3080.
Call NARI, Before You’re Stuck with Chuck.
NARI of Central Ohio www.trustnari.org • 614.895.3080
Photos by J.E. Evans Photography
Remodeling by Design Make a wish list to determine your wants and your needs
R
emodeling, renovating or adding on to your home can be both an exciting and an overwhelming prospect. By taking one step at a time you can ensure you will maintain your sanity long enough to enjoy the finished project. The first step is to carefully design and plan what you want
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to accomplish. You have been thinking about this project for a while – exactly what makes sense for your family, lifestyle and budget. At this point, it is time to bring in professionals who can help you make the right decisions.
Wish list Most meetings start with a
wish list – which typically falls into two categories – wants and needs. For instance, a larger kitchen or family room would be considered a need. Hardward floors or granite countertops are wants, and would be determined based on your budget. An additional category might be “in a perfect world
what I really would like is.” Many times this last category ends up taking priority because it’s usually about the way a space feels and isn’t something that is easy to quantify. Achieving all of your wishlist items within an allotted budget constitutes success for both you and your design professional. As such, there should be some discussion at the initial meeting of your expected price range for what you want to accomplish. Careful design is key to achieving your wants and needs within budget. There are several ways to approach the design process. Some remodelers, called design-build firms, provide the design work, plans, pricing and
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construction. Another option is for the homeowner to have the design done and then take it to multiple remodelers to bid upon.
Team approach
A third approach is a hybrid of these two and more of a team concept that involves you, the remodeler and the designer. All three of you work together throughout the design process to control costs so you have a project you’re excited about at a cost you’re comfortable with. The design work and construction drawings can be prepared by anyone from an architect to someone who downloaded a design program from the Internet. However, experience in residential remodeling, zoning and building codes, and construction methods is critical to the success of your project. In addition to the wish list and project cost, the initial meeting should include a discussion about the feasibility of a project. For instance, can the addition be done without moving bedroom windows on the second floor? Will interior changes affect load-bearing walls and will the electrical service or sewer location be affected by the addition? After this initial interview meeting, a proposal and contract will be provided. The costs for design and construction drawings might vary greatly depending on the scope of services. Some designers base their fees on a percentage of the construction cost of the project. Some work on an hourly basis, while others might provide a total contract cost. You can expect separate costs for design and meeting time, construction drawings,
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structural and civil engineering consultants, if needed, and for blue prints. Additional services might include assisting with zoning variances, specification development and bid services and construction observation. Each of these items should be spelled out up front as part of your agreement.
Once you have a signed contract, it’s time to take photos and measurements of the affected areas and create drawings of the existing space. This provides a solid starting point for changes. If you have plans of your house this will save time and money. If you can provide a
copy of your title survey this will provide accurate information regarding your home location on your lot, a key to the next step, which is the zoning research. Before design sketches can begin, the designer has to know what the restrictions are within the local zoning codes, as each
a guide to remodeling right
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municipality has different requirements. Each city or township has multiple levels of residential zoning requirements. In addition, the subdivision in which you live might have an architectural review process. All of these documents and informa-
tion must be collected and reviewed prior to setting pencil to paper. Next comes sketching design concepts and exploring options and ideas. Once these have been developed you can sort out what makes sense for you – what you want and don’t want.
Typically, ideas from several of the concepts would be combined to arrive at the perfect solution.
Reality check Now it’s time for a reality check. This involves the remodeler compiling a list of finishes,
flooring, countertops and other materials needed, based on the design sketches and providing you with an approximate cost for construction. The next meeting will be to discuss any changes needed based on the reality-check cost. If significant changes are required, further sketches might be needed or cost-saving changes could be incorporated as the project progresses. Once construction drawings are nearly complete, your remodeler will schedule a meeting at the house with the subcontractors to determine the total scope of the project and final contract numbers. This is an opportunity for subcontractors to ask questions and get clarification on the plans as part of the finalization of the construction documents. The plans are ready to be submitted for zoning approval and building permits. Demolition and new construction will be starting very soon. During the demolition phase, when ceilings and walls are opened up, structural surprises might be uncovered that require attention. The older the home the more common this is, and it’s usually handled routinely. Planning carefully with a team of professionals you trust will ensure a well-informed process that provides the remodeling project outcome you desire. By NARI member Jim Wright, CPBD, president of Residential Designed Solutions, Inc. rdshomedesign.com
Before design sketches can begin, the designer has to know what the restrictions are within the local zoning codes, as each municipality has different requirements. nari of central ohio
nari of centr al ohio | special advertising feature
Additions • Extensions • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Custom Wine Cellars • Basements
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CARING FOR YOUR
CONTRACTOR Keeping a professional relationship intact so projects go smoothly Having strangers in the house can be stressful. But for homeowners, getting along with their contractors is crucial to the success of their projects. Many contractor horror
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stories are the result of bad project planning and a lack of communication between the contractor and client. To avoid such problems on future home improvement projects, here are
some tips homeowners should keep in mind. 1. Don’t rush through the design and planning phase. Achieving a sound, wellplanned design will pay
dividends once the project starts. Keeping track of the project, suppliers and timelines is challenging enough without having to add in forgotten or overlooked items. Making additions and changes to a project also add time and expense. It’s exciting to get a project started, but avoid the temptation to start without all details spelled out and finalized. 2. Trust your decisions. Homeowners put a lot of time and effort into selecting a
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contractor who is trustworthy and professional. Once design and planning is complete, homeowners should stand behind their decisions. For contractors, working with a client who seems skeptical of them or their experience is unpleasant. Contractors will sense that distrust and, in return, might begin to question the homeowner. This will only add unnecessary stress to the relationship. If things don’t seem right on the project, it’s OK to clarify details with a contractor, but avoid doing so in an accusatory manner. 3. Let the contractor work. Once a project gets started, try to leave the contractor alone. Most professionals don’t perform well while being micromanaged. Homeowners pay their contractors to make sure the “i”s are dotted and “t”s are crossed. That doesn’t mean homeowners shouldn’t communicate. A daily update in passing or an email should be all that’s necessary to keep tabs on a project. Keep in mind, too, that exchanging pleasantries is not free. Most of the crew members on a job are hourly employees. Talking might seem polite, but it can be expensive for the builder if it’s a fixed bid project, and expensive for the homeowner if it’s billed time. 4. Pay contractors by agreed-upon dates. Nothing will sour a clientcontractor relationship faster than not paying on time. A good contract will clearly spell out when payments are due. Some contractors even will send out invoices to help remind clients. Not paying on time might strain the contractor’s cash flow nari of central ohio
because much of the materials have been prepaid. Subcontractors also might not be paid until the builder has been paid for that phase of the project. So, the faster a client pays, the faster everyone else gets paid, and the happier everyone is working on the job. 5. Being considerate goes a long way. Offering water or a soda to
workers is the best money a homeowner can spend on a job. Some companies have policies about accepting drinks or food from clients. However, one way to get around this is to put out a cooler labeled “crew drinks” on the porch or where materials are being stored. Some clients will even have cookouts for the crew on a Friday, or after a big milestone
is reached. Those clients have the best guys fighting to work on their projects. They ultimately get better service because they help create a great work environment, and most importantly, show their appreciation for a job well done. By NARI member Matthew Ray, CR, Custom Classic Renovations ccrohio.com
a guide to remodeling right
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Create Elegance SGO Designer Glass is the premier source for high-quality decorative glass. It will dramatically transform any room - creating a stunning focus to your dining room, adding a glowing brilliance to your kitchen and providing an abundance of natural light to your bedroom. We can create a wide variety of custom designs using our signature stained glass overlay. We also offer traditional stained glass, textured glass, molded and slumped glass, laminated glass, carved glass and mirrors, as well as SGO art iron. We’ll bring your design to life! nari of central ohio
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a guide to remodeling right
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Ice dams form when melted snow refreezes at roof edges. In February 2010, homeowners in the central Ohio area saw huge amounts of ice damming.
I
ce dams cause millions of dollars of damage every year. They are created by heat lost from a house and can form when as little as one or two inches of snow accumulates on a roof – if the snowfall is followed by several days of subfreezing temperatures. Ice dams develop as snow on the upper part of the roof melts. Water runs down the roof slope under the blanket of snow and refreezes into a block of ice at the roof’s edge, creating a dam. Additional snow-melt pools up against the dam and eventually leaks into the structure through the roof or roof trim. Three elements are required for an ice dam to form: • snow; • heat to melt the snow, and; • cold to refreeze the melted snow into solid ice. Ice dams form along the roof’s lower edge, usually above the overhang, because the upper roof surface is at an abovefreezing temperature, while the temperature of the lower part is below freezing. The upper roof surface is located directly above the living space. Heat lost from the house warms this section of the roof, melting snow in this area.
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ice dams
Prevent this slippery slope of roof damage Much of the damage caused by ice dams is apparent. Water-stained ceilings, lifted roof shingles, sagging ice-filled gutters, and peeling paint are easily recognized and can be repaired when weather or budgets permit. Other damage, however, is
not as obvious. If left unchecked, even further damage can occur. Roof leaks cause wet attic insulation. This water-soaked insulation then becomes compressed so that even after it dries, the insulation in the ceiling is not as thick, which can
result in heat lost, thus creating a greater potential for ice dams to form.
Decay and mold In addition, water can leak within the wall frame and into the insulation, causing
Images THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM
it to sag and leaving uninsulated areas. Energy dollars are again robbed, but even worse, moisture gets trapped within the wall cavity. The result is smelly, rotting wall cavities. In addition, structural framing members can decay, metal fasteners might corrode and mold can form as a result of elevated humidity levels – all of which can adversely affect people with allergies. Exterior and interior paint blisters and peels also can cause trouble areas because often paint doesn’t start to peel until
a guide to remodeling right
long after the ice and all signs of a roof leak have evaporated.
Damage control The damage caused by ice dams can be controlled in two ways: Maintain the entire roof surface at ambient outdoor temperatures, or build a roof so that it can’t leak into building materials if an ice dam does form. Metal roofs are good for this, but not always a feasible design for all houses. For new construction: Design the house to include
plenty of ceiling insulation, a continuous air barrier separating the living space from the underside of the roof and an effective roof-ventilation system. For existing homes: Use caulk or expanding foam to seal gaps around pipes or electric cables that penetrate the top plates of the walls in rooms below. Weather-strip the attic door, or insulate and weather-strip pull-down attic stairs. Keep attic vents open so the heat that escapes from living areas and into the attic can go out the
vent before it warms the roof. Whatever plan you decide to follow, focus on the cause. Ventilate, insulate well and block as many air leaks as possible. Cures for existing structures can be elusive and expensive. Contact your insurance company and a professional restoration contractor to come up with a plan to fix the damage and the source of the problem. By NARI member Heather Brace, Campbell Builders DKI Campbellbuilders.com
www.trustnari.org
Photo Courtesy of Michael Matrka Inc.
SPICE UP YOUR WINTER W
hen the leaves have fallen and the temperature starts
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to plummet, the world around us seems to come to a screeching halt. And if the cold isn’t
enough, Ohio’s gray skies and inclement weather force us inside to the comforts of our
Get a jump on spring, start remodeling projects now homes or offices. So do bears really have the right idea? Should we just hi-
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bernate and wait for the warm weather to return? Some may think that’s a great idea, but not your local NARI remodeling contractor. As a matter of fact, winter is one of the best times of year to have a remodeling project completed.
Early bird gets the worm Just as the cool weather slows us down, warm weather does the reverse. When the weather breaks in the spring, people start thinking about spending more time outdoors again. And, when they think about being outdoors, they also begin thinking about enjoying the weather from a new sunroom, screened-in porch or patio. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. This also is when most central Ohioans get their epiphany to start a remodeling or room addition project. The problem is if you want to start your project at this point, it most likely will be well into the warm season before you are able to enjoy your new space. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy the first day of warm weather in your newly remodeled area? Most remodeling contractors get inundated with projects in the spring, which pushes project start and completion dates even further out. In addition, finding a professional contractor to do your work likely will require patience if you wait until the spring to start planning your project.
Time is on your side To the surprise of most homeowners, the time of year has little or no impact on the nari of central ohio
completion time of a remodeling project. As a matter of fact, winter presents many opportunities that other seasons don’t. Building permit applications are much lower in the winter, which results in a much quicker approval turnaround. In summer it can take up to four or five weeks for a building permit to be approved, while in the winter it may only take one or two weeks. Inspectors also are more available to conduct their routine inspections because of the lower volume, which in turn keeps your project moving. The first rule of economics 101 (supply and demand) also plays a part in winter. Materials are easier to obtain because the demand for materials in winter is lower. Vendors and subcontractors
Photo Courtesy of J.S. Brown & Co.
Photo Courtesy of Renovations Unlimited
Make your neighbors jealous.
In the summer it can take up to four or five weeks for a building permit to be approved, while in the winter it may only take one or two weeks. are not handling as high of a volume so their products and services may be acquired without as much of a delay. If you’re not a big fan of waiting, winter may be the right time to start your remodeling project.
Remodeling reality The truth is, interior remodeling and room addition projects can be completed year round in central Ohio. NARI remodeling contractors understand how to protect your home from dirt, a guide to remodeling right
dust and inclement weather while your project is in progress. The same level of service you expect from a remodeling contractor can be delivered year round with the same level of quality outcome you deserve. Maybe it’s time to spice up your winter with a remodeling project that can cure the winter blues and give you a jump on spring. By NARI member Bryce Jacob, CR, vice president, Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers davefox.com
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CHIC&SAVVY MAKEOVERS 10 simple and smart steps to setting up a decorating budget
W
hether you have $100 for a room makeover or tens of thousands of dollars to spend on remodeling, there are lots of choices to be made. Determining the amount you are willing to spend will help ensure you get what you want out of your
project. 1. Start by making a wish list. List all the rooms you want to decorate and what you want to do in each. For example, a living room wish list might include new carpet, new or additional furniture, updated
window treatments and more exciting accessories. Be specific about what you want to do. You don’t want to overlook any details. 2. Prioritize your projects. Whether you decide to tackle an entire room or take on one thing in the room at a Photos Courtesy of Fine Designs & Interiors Ltd.
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time, make a list of what should be done and in what order. For example, if you are painting, replacing carpet and buying new furniture for one room, order your furniture first so you can ensure your desired wall color works with it, then paint, and lastly install the carpet. 3. Look at your finances. Start with your monthly income, and then subtract all monthly expenses. How much can you afford to spend on a decorating project? Don’t forget any extra funds you may have tucked away for reinvesting in your home. 4. Start window shopping. Look in catalogs, on the Internet and in stores to get an idea of what items cost. You may find some dramatic price variations. Often that’s due to the durability of the product, so ask yourself if you’ll want the items you buy to last a long time or if you may want to redecorate in five years or so. If your tastes change often, going with less durable, less expensive items may be OK for your project. 5. Get specific. Pick out exactly what you want to have in the room, or rooms, you are redecorating – from the specific pieces of furniture to the wallpaper design.
Start a spreadsheet listing what needs to be done or bought for each room and the approximate cost of each item or task. 6. Don’t forget to include labor. What kinds of tasks are you willing to do yourself? For what parts of the project do you need to hire someone? Projects often get completed more quickly with outside help, but be sure to factor in those costs.
a guide to remodeling right
7. Get estimates. If you are hiring contractors, get written estimates listing what services and materials will be provided in the quotes. Add this information to your spreadsheet. 8. Make your choices. Check your spreadsheet estimates against the budget you have set. Then decide what you can afford and how long the project will take.
9. Pad your budget. Remember to tuck away 10 to 15 percent of your total budget for unexpected expenses. 10. Keep an eye on details. Don’t forget to add decorative accessories and window treatments into the equation. People often overlook these items. It’s the little touches of color and flair that can pull an entire room together. Don’t stop before these items are com-
pleted. Go all the way. Redecorating can be exciting and fun. But preplanning and staying within a carefully thought-out budget can help you get it done right. By NARI member Melinda Peters Elliott, Fine Designs & Interiors, Ltd. shopfdi.com
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At Mont Granite, we travel all over the world to hand select natural stone to beautify your home. Our ever-changing inventory features selections from or remodeling, you want the best quality and largest variety of natural stone to select from. At Mont Granite, you will personally choose the exact piece that will grace your home. We work closely with you and your industry professional colorful selection.
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