House Damaged by Fire Before and After

For the last few weeks we have been working on this house 

damaged by fire.  Part of what we done was replace 

the siding and the garage doors.  

It is beginning to take shape.

Davey and Brandon hard at work.

They are almost done with the siding on the front.

Before pictures of the back of the house.

Prepped for siding.

The back with the new siding and door.

This house will be getting a bigger change soon.  We will 

be adding a porch to the front and I can't wait to 

share the pictures of that transformation.

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Tips On How To Obtain A Great Estimate

You and your spouse have spent months planning a remodel and finally you call a few contractors to get estimates.  You explain what you are wanting done and think the contractors are sharing your vision, that is until you receive the estimate.  Below are some tips that will help you convey your vision to the contractors.

• Let them know your budget.  The budget makes a big difference in calculating an estimate.  There is a big difference in the pricing of a high end and a low end remodel. The majority of home owners are looking at a moderate or mid range budget. You might have granite taste but only have the budget for a solid surface, it is those types of things that really add dollars to an estimate. It is usually thought that if you have a $50,000 budget tell the contractor you have a $40,000 budget.  Almost always during a remodel there are unexpected problems that pop up.  If you leave a few thousand for the unexpected pop ups and none happen you have just budgeted in a luxury item that otherwise you might not be able to afford.
• Don't be afraid to talk to the contractor.  Have a written punch list of what you are wanting and also have a copy for the contractor, he will appreciate it.  On this punch list add everything you are wanting done.  Have a follow up list of the things you would like but don't think will be in your budget. The contractor might have some ideas of how things can be tweaked to be able to include some of your extra wants.
• Visuals always help convey your vision.  Clip pictures from magazines and books, join Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram to find ideas for your remodel.  Start you own Pinterest board to pin your ideas to and share it with the contractors. Make an idea board or book using magazine clippings and printed out prints from online; you can also include samples of flooring, tile, and such.  Home improvement stores sell samples of various items and they also have free brochures that could be used on your idea board or book.   Using graph paper and a ruler draw out your plan and add it to the idea board.  

Remember that the contractor's goal is to give you an estimate that covers both what you are wanting in your remodel and also staying within your budget.  He wants more than anything to win you as a customer and for you to be a happy customer.  Happy customers mean more jobs and referrals, so he will be very happy when  these aides are used, helping him prepare an estimate that ensures him of obtaining you as a customer.