RISMEDIA, April 1, 2010—When it comes time to remodel, many homeowners think “do-it-yourself” or DIY is the smartest and most cost effective way to get the job done. And while popular TV shows on HGTV and publications at the home improvement store boast the ease of such projects, Jeff Brecko, vice president of Aurora Custom Remodeling, advises homeowners to take an in-depth look at their project and consider all options before tackling such a large undertaking.
“DIY projects can be great if you are taking on a small project, but when remodeling major portions of a home, such as a kitchen or bathroom, there are many structural and design elements that need to be considered,” said Brecko, who also serves as the 2010 chair of the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Remodeler’s Council. “Essentially, there are five aspects that must be considered when deciding whether to hire a professional remodeler versus doing the project yourself. Those aspects include design, quality, time, money and warranty.”
Brecko said the design aspect of a remodeling project is paramount to its success. A professional remodeler can take a homeowner’s idea and transform it into reality with an addition or renovation. The years of experience a homeowner gets when they hire a professional remodeler will make the project better and this expertise is invaluable in designing a project to fit within an existing structure and budget.
Quality is the next facet a homeowner must look at when remodeling. The quality of a professional remodeling job will be far superior to that which a homeowner will receive if this is their first time remodeling, Brecko said. Professionals are able to guarantee better subcontractors at better prices with better leverage. Though a homeowner may find excellent subcontractors by contacting friends who have remodeled, checking references and calling past clients, they are unlikely to secure the pricing and warranty a professional remodeler will command.
Everyone knows time is money, and that is especially true when it comes to remodeling. A professional remodeler will ensure the project stays on time and within budget by perfecting the plans before the job begins, creating a thorough scope of work, hiring the qualified subcontractors and vendors ahead of time and properly supervising the quality of work. If it is necessary for a client to move out of their home during the renovation, a professional remodeler can save them extended rental costs by maintaining a deliberate pace of construction according to a pre-planned construction schedule.
“Many remodeling projects become the victim of the best intentions,” Brecko said. “A professional remodeler will employ systems to ensure that the project stays on schedule to protect not only their bottom line, but more importantly, their reputation.”
The last aspect Brecko recommends considering on a remodeling project is the warranty that comes with a professional company. When homeowners hire a professional, they are buying a service more than a product. A professionally managed job will have quality built in and will require less maintenance and fewer warranty calls on products.
“When you hire a professional remodeling team, you can expect motivated individuals who desire your complete satisfaction,” Brecko said. “Homeowners deserve to have someone working on their home who has experience, knowledge and the wherewithal to back up their work and reputation.”
For more information, visit www.aurorabuilders.com.
