Seven Mistakes to Avoid in Your Kitchen Remodel

by Harry Headrick on September 1, 2011

1.  Don't jump over a dollar to save a dime

There are so many ways to save money in a kitchen remodel, and your project will have SO many choices, but some apparent "savings" are penny-wise and pound foolish. Pre-fab granite, great idea (30% or more in savings), low quality cabinets, bad idea (your cabinets are the foundation of the new kitchen and replacing them in a few years will be a nightmare).

So how do you know which is which? Hire a professional designer and contractor.  Not someone who used to work in the paint department and decided to wake up as a "designer" today, and not your friend who is "stylish" and has lots of ideas, but no details. When you are paying folks to build your kitchen, they don't "just figure it out". They will look to you for detailed answers and specifications, and you will turn around and realize that your "stylish" friend is nowhere to be found. A design/build team will help you make wise decisions with your budget.

2.  Don't remodel without a permit

The permit process is there for your benefit.  It's a level of protection for you while remodeling your kitchen and anyone you sell your home to. As a contractor, I would love to skip the building department, save the money and time, and continue to do great quality work, but not everyone out there has those intentions. Have you ever seen Holmes on Homes? ...

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Is My Home Remodel an Investment?

by Harry Headrick on September 1, 2011

Today I spoke with a nice lady who told me she would be living in the house she planned to remodel until she died. Once we both agreed that we hoped that wouldn't happen anytime soon, she then said she wanted to make sure her remodel was going to be a good investment.

What? If that doesn't sound strange, think about it this way – if you're never going to sell the house, how could the remodel be an investment? If you're never going to move, the remodel is for enjoyment, maintenance of your home, increased efficiency, etc. Even reading that sentence back to myself, that sounds like some serious salesman stuff. ...

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