Debunking 3 Pieces of Dumb Remodeling Advice

From Margaret on January 23rd, 2012 in General Remodel

It’s like having a baby. Once you’ve made it known that you’re looking to remodel part of your home, the stupidest advice seems to abound. You’re bombarded with strong opinions of what should and shouldn’t be done, and it’s hard to know which advice to follow, or if you should just—pardon the pun—throw the baby out with the bathwater and start from scratch.

But you want guidance. You need good advice. We’re here to help you parse through the silly and ineffective guidance, and confidently take the reins on your project.

Just remember, if you need professional advice, get out there and find it. Or better yet, take it from us. For free.

For cost information on your remodel, or to find a contractor, click here.

If only parenting were as simple.

Myth #1: Never Let the Contractor Out of Your Sight

You may want every single detail of your remodel to go smoothly, but that’s no excuse for riding your contractor. Do your homework on the front end: once you’ve planned your project on your own and decided what you need and how much you’re willing to pay, find a trusted contractor.

This is where you drill and grill your prospective contractor. Be clear on how much time and money you’re willing to put in, and your expectations (keeping in mind, of course, that every remodeling project requires some flexibility). Once you’ve chosen a contractor, trust that they’re the awesome professional that appreciates a check-in, but won’t need babysitting for 4-12 weeks.

Myth #2: DIY Means No Pros Whatsoever

If you want to cut corners or finish some of the project yourself, remember that there can be a beautiful balance between yourself and the contractors that you hire. While you may want to replace the paint and hardware in your kitchen remodel, leave it to the contractors to replace the heavy-duty appliances and electrical components.

If you only look to a contractor, you may miss the chance to save money or enjoy doing some of the details yourself. On the other hand, if you take on a project yourself, you could end up with a DIY disaster that costs just as much, if not more, time and money, and you may not end up with the slam-bang job you had in mind.

Myth #3: To Save, Get Lesser-Quality Materials. It Makes No Difference.

While you may be able to cut corners in cost somewhere else, the quality of materials is not the place to try and save. That old adage definitely holds true here—buy nice or buy twice. When you’re dealing with energy-saving appliances and value-adding materials that you want to use for years to come, don’t skimp.

Try to save in other ways, such as looking to how you can get a remodeling rebate for ENERGY STAR rated appliances, and other incentives. Or hold off on the extras of the project to get the essentials right the first time. You’ll save money in the long run.