10 Steps to Stress-Free Remodeling

With the New Year almost upon us, it will soon me time to start planning your home improvemtn projects. But when remodling isn't sometime you do all the time it might be tough to know what direction to start in and what questions to ask. Here are 10 quick steps to get you started.

 

 

EDUCATE YOURSELF:

Start by looking for pictures of things you’d like to see in your home. And make a list of all your ideas prior to meeting with CAT. Take the time before the process begins to learn all you can about remodeling and the products you can use to improve your home.

MEET WITH REMODELING CONTRACTOR:

Go over project ideas and options with us. The goal of this meeting is to discover all the project possibilities and then reach an agreement as to what the project’s scope of work will include. During this stage you should ask questions, get referrals and we can begin building a relationship together.

PREPARE PLANS AND SPECS:

Go over plans and the scope of work to make sure nothing is missed.

RECEIVE THE FINAL ESTIMATE:

Review the proposal. Be sure to get all your questions answered before signing the contract.

SIGN THE CONTRACT:

Carefully review the contract documents and ask about making adjustments where you feel might be necessary.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING:

This meeting takes place prior to the project start (on large scale projects). The salesman, project manager and homeowner meet to go over all the project details. This meeting guarantees that all team members are on the same page. Communication is extremely important during this phase.

GET READY FOR JOB START:

Here it goes! Remember that with remodeling it often gets worse before it gets better.  Continually visualize the end result.

KEEP UP ONGOING PROJECT COMMUNICATION:

Communicate changes and problems immediately. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.        

PAY ATTENTION TO THE PUNCH LIST:

A final walk through with the contractor at the end of the project will guarantee 100 percent satisfaction with the project. This meeting is designed for pointing out all the items still needing attention.

YOU’RE READY FOR JOB COMPLETION AND WARRANTY

Once punch list items are complete and the final payment is made, you can enjoy your new space.

2011 Replacement and Repair Projects

What’s going to be “hot” and important next year? Replacement and repair projects, because they will be more affordable than a larger scale project and help your home hold value. Also projects that people have been holding off on and don’t want to wait any more.

According to Remodeling Magazines Cost V Value Report almost all of the Top 10 projects are exterior replacement projects.

1. Entry Door Replacement

2. Garage Door Replacements

3. Fiber Cement Siding

4. (tied) Minor Kitchen Remodel

4. (Tied) Deck Addition (wood)

5. Vinyl Window Replacement

6. (tied) Foam-Backed Vinyl Siding

6. (tied) Vinyl Siding

6. (tied) Wood Window Replacement

7. Attic bedroom remodel

8. Window replacement (vinyl - Upscale)

9.Basement Remodel

10.  Garage Door Replacement - upscale

Things are looking up – I hope you’ll take a few minutes this holiday season to look beyond Dec 25^th and start planning your projects for next year. 781-924-5018  catexteriors@gmail.com

Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

I've been trying to remind people for the last few months that as of December 31st the Tax Credits for Energy Efficient project slike windows and doors and insulation will expire. There may still be time to get in under the wire, but I wouldn't reccomd putting it off to much longer.

Acording to the US Department of Energy Website:

"Note that the $1,500 maximum limit is for all of the efficiency measures combined over the two-year 2009-2010 period; you can purchase up to $5,000 worth of products over the two years and get 30% or $1,500 as a tax credit. If you get the full $1,500 tax credit in 2009, you are not eligible for a tax credit on these products in 2010.
The credits for products subject to the $1,500 limit are only available for primary existing residences and only through 2010. The maximum does not apply to geothermal heat pumps, solar energy systems, wind energy systems, and fuel cells, which have no upper limit and are listed below under "Products Eligible for Tax Credits Through 2016." You can receive both the tax credit capped at $1,500 and the tax credit for products with no upper limit. See the ENERGY STAR FAQ for more information on tax credit amounts.
The credits are nonrefundable, that is, the credits are only available to the extent you have a tax liability. For 2010, the credits for home energy improvement products eligible through 2010 may be limited if you are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)."