Google the company, do they have a website or other social media that expresses who they are as a company? Are they personable and present themselves professionally? Search their Oregon CCB number for clean records and current licensing. Call references and read reviews if any are online. Does the general contractor have subs and vendors they use on a regular basis ? Can the company solve your home improvement needs by creating innovative ideas without blowing the budget?

Hire the expert-

Would you pay a mechanic to work on your computer even if the mechanic says he has worked on computers before? Probably not. It only makes sense to hire a contractor who specializes in the area you are looking to repair or remodel. Sure anybody may build a spectacular fence for you but not likely as efficient as a specific fencing company. So investigate the companies expertise, products and vendors before signing a contract.

Be cautious signing the lowest quote-

Sure the price looks great compared to the other three companies but why? Is the contractor and all the trades on the job licensed, bonded and insured? Will the service during the project meet your expectations?  How will any warranty work be handled? How does the company perform and manage the project? Does the contract or proposal appear detailed, clear and concise? Are the products going to be high quality with superior craftsmanship? Check out this home owners story below who almost went with the cheaper guy.

A home owner in West Linn received two quotes to build a fence.  An “all trade company” quoted $1000 less for a fence than a “specialty fence company”. This home owner called the fence company and said sorry we are going with the cheaper guy he is $1000 less than your price. The fence guy asked what material is the cheaper guy using. Client said “Pine” why? Fence guy educated the client about the use of pine in the NW and how it  does not hold up in our weather. He described the importance of Cedar’s longevity in the weather and explained that it costs a bit more but will last much longer and cost you less in the long run.

Needless to say the company who quoted the better materials and higher price built the fence. Always understand what you are getting with the quoted price.

• Discover a look. Such as contemporary, traditional commercial, etc. Visit the library and check out some magazines or browse the bookstore, walk a home show or even find a remodeling tour. Do some image research on the web. Write down and make copies of the little things you like and the things you don’t like, this will help communicate with the designer and contractor.

.

• Establish a budget. Even if you have no idea what a kitchen should cost you still have a comfortable number in mind. It is a big investment and you should feel like you are getting a good value.

.

• Make three interviews. Kitchen remodeling has endless possibilities so choose a professional who has the experience in design and building kitchens, such as design build firms. They have  multiple perspectives on how a kitchen is put together. It takes the right tools, communication and language to make your kitchen remodel flow smoothly. Selecting a company should be based on a good rapport, great referrals, a solid amount of knowledge and creative ideas. One helpful tip- Ask who their vendors are and the subcontractors they use on a regular basis. Do a little research on those companies as well. After all they contribute to a large portion of your project.

.

Cover these three steps and you are off to a great start for a new kitchen.

How to AVOID a stressful remodel.

.

1. The professional team you are working with must be able to communicate well and understand your needs wants and especially those don’t wants. That team should come highly recommended or have a good referral list to call.
2. Research the vendors and subcontractors that the company uses. There must be a good working relationship and high level of quality work.
3. The majority of the project should be planned and ordered before any work begins. Often times this requires a little exploring behind walls and crawl spaces.
4. You must have well written details and plans so everyone has the same level of expectations. Pictures, drawings, and samples are the best way to know what to expect. Any changes should be well documented.
5. Understand the schedule and who will be coming and going from your house. Pay special attention to when the water, gas, and electrical will be shut off and approximately for how long.
6. Keep in good contact with the project manager during the process to follow how the schedule is coming along and understand any changes that may occur.
7. Be sure the project will be kept clean and a safe working environment. Any non work related areas should be sectioned off with plastic or other protective barriers.

.

Here is a tip to make the process more enjoyable once work has started. Write a blog with photos about your project and share it with others to help pass the time. This also is a great way to record what is going to be hidden in the walls long after the project is complete.

Please feel free to comment or ask questions about your remodeling process.

Top items to replace. Counter, floor, light fixture, wall color, plumbing fixtures, and hardware. No need to go top of the line here, there are several products that are good quality at a low cost.

1. Flooring: Stick with vinyl flooring. It is cheap and the technology these days make the patterns look like real marble tile. It is simple to install and easy to maintain.

2. Counter: Find a local granite and marble fabricator and ask about there remnants. Most fabricators will have a pile of left over slabs to dig through and will install them at a low cost.

3. Plumbing fixtures: Upgrade the faucet and shower or bath fixtures if they look a little wore out or outdated. If the toilet is more than 10 years old I suggest replacing it as well.

4. Light fixture: Change out the light fixture to an inexpensive one that will match the new plumbing fixtures. No need to add lighting or move it, just replace the existing one. Now you have the opportunity to get a brighter one in case that old one was not quite bright enough.

Design tips:

Keep it simple, the new hardware and fixtures should be consistent in color/finish and style. Flooring and the counter should compliment each other in a light tone to keep the room bright. If you like contrast and dark shades then paint or stain the cabinet a dark color while keeping the walls a lighter shade with an eggshell or satin finish. Always a good idea to apply a primer in a bathroom to prevent mold from showing up. Spice it up a little and install a framed mirror. Does the cabinet/vanity look well used? There are shops who will build new doors and sell a wood veneer to apply onto the cabinet box for a new look without replacing the cabinet. This is called refacing.

1. Mud set shower pan-
   

   Marble shower floor

   This pan is very common and uses a rubber linerover a sloped mortar bed directing moisture to the drain. This is used in many cases where a prefabricated pan will not fit because of the custom size shower. This method gets finished with a tile of choice for a custom looking shower.

2. Wedi systems or Schluter-Systems-  These systems are presloped water proof rigid panels that can be cut to fit any shower size. Material tends to cost more but labor can be less since it is a quicker and a simpler process. These are becoming popular because of the versatility with linear drain styles and curbless options for wheelchair access and modern design. This method also gets finished with a tile of choice and has prefabricated panels that accept custom drains for that contemporary look.
3. Tile ready pan- Simple, quick, and durable. Designed to be waterproof and mold resistant they are however limited to certain sizes. Plan accordingly and check that the sizes will work for you. I recommend purchasing these pans and having them on site before framing the shower. These pans have a built in curb and splash around the edges for a leak proof system. They are provided with an epoxy to set the tile for ensuring a good bond to the acrylic surface.
4. Fiberglass or Acrylic- This method is good if you are looking for a less expensive solution since it is a prefabricated pan that does not accept tile. That is right, this is the least expensive route and works great if you are not looking to put tile on the floor of your shower. You can however still tile the walls with the proper preparation and get that tile shower you are looking for.
5. Corian- A certified Corian fabricator can custom build a pan and walls out of Corian if you prefer to have a shower with no grout and still a choice of several colors. While this method seems maintenance free the pan tends to be slick. I suggest adding a decorative mat to prevent any slipping.

After the pan is complete the walls must be prepared with mold resistant board (concrete board, Hardie Backer, or other approved board for showers) and sealed properly. Tile in wet locations should never be installed over Sheetrock. The moisture will breakdown the Sheetrock and build up mold and possible rot inside the wall.

.

-I AM TIRED OF THE DIRTY STAINED GROUT!

-I WANT TO UPDATE THE LOOK!

-WE NEED MORE SPACE!

My must-do ideas when remodeling a bathroom:

• GRANITE COUNTERS: I start by searching for a solid slab remnant as a cost effective way to eliminate grout.  Another plus, granite or marble counters can become the focal point of the room.
• FLOOR TILE: I use nothing smaller than 12×12 floor tiles that are set with a gap no larger than 1/8″ together minimizing the grout lines that can stain over time. Don’t forget to maintain the tile every year by sealing it with the proper treatments if it’s natural stone.
• GROUT COLOR: Selecting a grout color for the floor and shower is important to cut down on the amount of possible stains that can accumulate over the years.
• ADJUSTABLE SHOWER HEAD: I always suggest adding an additional shower head on a diverter valve that is hand held for cleaning and rinsing the shower. Most hand held shower heads can be mounted on an adjustable slide bar that doubles as a grab bar.
• SHAMPOO STORAGE: Adding shampoo niches are a must in the shower to gain storage. There are many sizes that can be custom made to accommodate anybody and any amount of hair product. If there is an opportunity to install a bench I suggest  a floating style so there is room to store items under it.
• EXTRA SPACE: There are tricks in custom cabinetry to give bathrooms more storage space.  When choosing new cabinets,  I prefer full extension drawer guides.  Increasing the depth and height of the cabinets will also add space.
• LIGHTING: Minimize shadow lines and maximize visibility by adding lights on each side of the mirror rather than only above  the mirror.  Also, add appropriate lighting in your shower based on size and tile color.   To make general lighting effective, new technology allows recessed lighting to be used without any glare from the ceiling.

.

Luxury additions:

• FLOOR HEAT: Installing electric floor heat is essential to give a luxury feel to any bathroom.  Floor heat can be placed anywhere in the bathroom even under tile in the shower floor. I always install a programmable thermostat so your floor is warm when you get up and shuts off when you are away so there is no electricity wasted.
• ACCESSORY LIGHTING: Lighting can add a dramatic difference to a room.  Add indirect lighting on a separate switch that is easy on the eyes in the middle of the night, such as under the toe kick in the cabinet, behind an elevated mirror on the wall, in the ceiling with diffusers, or in the side of a skylight cavity.  Add direct lighting to highlight areas in the bathroom.
• TOWEL WARMER: While the electrician is adding new wiring,  running a line for a towel warmer is an easy upgrade if you have the space to hang one on the wall.
• ADD SPEAKERS: Consider adding speakers in the wall or ceiling if you enjoy listening to music while soaking in the tub or hearing the news report while in the shower before work.

.

Consider these changes in your bathroom remodel and you will have an amazing new master bath that becomes your relaxing haven.

Ask about these other items for your bathroom remodel or updating project.  Framed vanity mirror, floor tile layout and design, contrasting colors, natural stone vs. porcelain tile, curbless shower, steam shower, Marmoleum, cork flooring, current local codes and requirements, instant endless hot water, frameless shower door, and  body sprays.

Do you have a computer with valuable info that is not on a surge protector?

Don’t lose your valuable and expensive appliances or electronics to a power surge or outage. You may think you are in an area where power surges don’t happen but it can happen anywhere and anytime. Imagine rushing home just time for your favorite TV show to find out that your TV will not turn on due to a surge that happened while you were out.

The solution: For less than a new computer monitor  add a surge protector onto your electrical panel that will protect your whole house and all your electronics. Talk to your local electrician about installing one that best suites your home and electronics before they may get damaged.

Consider protecting your new appliances in your kitchen remodel with a panel surge protector while your electrician is on the project.