Why Not Have Some Fun With Your Basement Renovation?

Renovating a basement is a great way to maximize your home’s space as well as increase your property value. Your basement renovation can recoup close to 75% of its value!

But, if you don’t require the ordinary bedroom or family room addition that many homeowners complete for their basement, and want to have a little fun, we have some other, more out-of-the-box ideas for you.

Sports Bar

Have a sports lover in your family? Why not transform your unfinished basement into the best sports bar in town?

You’ll want to have all the sports bar essentials like a big screen tv, surround sound, and a small kitchen area to prepare your game time snacks and store your drink of choice.

 Of course, you need the actual bar space, complete with a sink, refrigeration, and nice cabinetry to store your glassware. We can design and build a beautiful, custom bar that will put the finishing touch on your basement watering hole.

Decked Out Cinema Room

Make your family movie nights the highlight of the week by having us turn your big, empty basement into a decked-out cinema room. Basements make great movie rooms since they usually have large, open spaces and few windows to let in unwanted light.

 We’ll do everything from the acoustic work to the lighting to make your basement movie theater more comfortable than your local cinema. We can work out other details like installing big, comfy seats, painting the room a dark color, and installing resilient carpeting that absorbs sound and stands up to popcorn and soda spills.

Yoga Studio

Exercise is so important for your physical and mental health. If you don’t like the idea of going to a crowded gym, you can create a yoga studio or workout space of your own in your basement.

 Yoga studios tend to be sparse and don’t require a lot of built-in equipment, so the focus would need to be on the lighting in the room. Since most basements don’t have much natural light, we could install dimmable overhead lighting.

 Your flooring will also need to be redone, so we could install wood floors that give your new yoga studio a soothing, natural feel.

 You’ll also want full-length mirrors so you can check out your form. Painting the room a lovely, serene color is another crucial part of your yoga studio.

 Suppose yoga isn’t your exercise of choice. In that case, we could easily convert the basement into a home gym by installing a rubberized floor, full-length mirrors, a sound system to play your workout playlist and strategically place your exercise machines of choice.

Tiki Bar

A fun, out-of-the-ordinary option for your basement remodel would be installing a tiki bar. We could paint the room a moody, dark color and install a combination of dimmable and colored lights.

 We could help you find large wooden carved tikis to be a focal point of your bar, along with island-themed seating for you and your friends to hang out and relax.

 You’ll want to display all of your finest liquors on some customized wooden shelves above the bar. You’ll also need a sink or dishwasher to make cleanup easy. 

 Whatever your vision is for your basement remodel, we are here to help!

Outgrowing Your Starter Home? Some Ideas For Adding Space

It used to be that people bought a starter home to get their foot into the real estate game, and then as life situations changed and more people were added to the family, they would upgrade to something with more space.

Now, many people are looking to stay put, and make their current home fit their needs. If you’re one of those people, we have some remodeling ideas for adding onto a starter home to fit a growing family or changing needs.

Finishing a Basement or Bonus Room

Take advantage of unused space by finishing a basement or bonus room. Depending on your basement or bonus room size, you could turn it into an extra bedroom or just use it as a separate living space so everyone can spread out. 

Finishing a basement can be an enormous undertaking, but there are so many options for what you can do. For example, you can add a bathroom, a bedroom, install a bar, turn it into a movie room. It all depends on what is most important to you and your family.

Expanding Master Bedroom

Having a master bedroom retreat where you can relax and get a little peace and quiet is so important. We can make more space in your master bedroom in a few different ways. One option would be to “bump out” and use some of your yard space to extend the room.

Something a little easier would be to refinish a basement or add space from a nearby bathroom or guest room. You’ll not only have more space for a little downtime, but this could also increase your property value. Whatever you choose, this is a big project with big rewards.

Adding a Bedroom

Similar to extending the master bedroom, we could also add a bedroom for guests or kids. We could find some unused space, get the necessary permits, and turn it into a bedroom. 

One idea would be enclosing a patio area and converting that into a bedroom. Another idea is building on top of the garage. We have built many guest suites above garages, sometimes with a separate entrance from the main house. It could be an excellent option if you have extended house guests as it will give both of you a little extra privacy.

Expand the Kitchen

If you suddenly have more people to feed, you may need some extra kitchen space. One great way to expand a small kitchen is with the addition of a pantry. This will give you more storage and make organization easier.

If you need more counter space, we can look around to see what areas of the house we can extend into. Maybe knock down a wall or make a breakfast nook more functional by adding an island. It may take some creativity, but where there is a will, there is a way!

Upgrading Finishes

Sometimes you don’t need a whole new space or even an expensive remodel project. Just upgrading your finishes will do the trick to make you enjoy your living space again.

Upgrading finishes throughout your home can make the space look bigger, brighter, and more modern. The kitchen can especially benefit from new finishes. Installing new cabinets can completely change the style of your kitchen, while a new faucet with upgraded technology like voice activation can be fun and practical.

If you’d like some more specific ideas on how to increase space in your starter home, let’s set up a consultation. We’d love to help!

Eye-Catching Color That Won’t Overwhelm The Room

It seems like home décor trends have been stuck in the land of neutrals for years. 

Thankfully, we are finally starting to see bold color choices getting used in homes, and we could not be more excited. Whether you are looking for small pops of color or prefer big, statement-making updates to your home, we have ideas for you. 

Tile Flooring & Walls

The great thing about using colorful tiles on your floors or walls is that there are so many different options. 

Small spaces like bathrooms and mudrooms give you the perfect opportunity to make a statement. Using unusual patterns in bright colors can bring these smaller, sometimes forgotten about areas to life. 

Each room of your home could have different colored tile using different materials. Using bright colorful patterns will make you feel like you’re in a brand new home! If you like the result in a smaller room, you can start including them in larger areas like your kitchen and outdoor living spaces.

Light Fixtures

Light fixtures should do more than keep a room lit up. They are the perfect way to inject some of your personality into a space. 

Your traditional black or gold fixtures have been staples in home decorating for years. We think it is high time to switch it up and get something like a bright yellow chandelier installed over your dining room table.

Adding colorful pendant lights or sconces to an otherwise neutral space is another fun way to give life to a room. You will be amazed at what a difference a new light fixture will make. 

Cabinets

If you’re brave in your home design choices, installing brightly colored cabinets in your kitchen or bathroom is something you should consider. 

Dark greens and blues have been increasing in popularity recently and can be paired with countertops and a backsplash that is more neutral and timeless. This will give your space a big burst of color without being overdone. 

However, if you aren’t afraid of a lot of color, you could consider bright green or orange cabinets paired with a geometric tiled backsplash.  

Start Small

If you aren’t completely sold on using bold colors in your home design, you can start small with a new backsplash in the kitchen. 

Bright blues are very trendy this year and come in a multitude of designs. You can use small tiles, larger subway tiles, mosaic patterns, or even glass tiles to update your backsplash. 

Wallpaper is another way to include bold color into your home. Doing an accent wall with an unusual pattern with lots of colors will completely change the way the room looks. 

If you look online, there are hundreds of wallpaper choices that will look amazing in your home. We can even install a wallpaper mural to really make a statement!

Are You Ready To Get Bold?

If you’re ready to ditch the neutral farmhouse look and transform parts of your home into a bright and bold space, we would love to help. Let’s start brainstorming and find a way to make your home look more attractive.

Remodeling For Life Changes

When we think of a “forever home,” it can be easy to underestimate all of the changes that will take place between now and forever.

Significant milestones in life will demand changes in your home. These are some of the home-remodel projects we have helped out with in various life stages:

Newlyweds

When you’re just starting out, money may be tight, and a big renovation project may not be realistic.

Installing new tile in the master bathroom shower or a new backsplash in the kitchen is relatively inexpensive but can completely transform a room. You and your new spouse could use the project as bonding time.

Having a Baby

Having a child will change your life in more ways than you can imagine. Of course, you will have to convert that extra bedroom into a nursery for your bundle of joy, but other parts of your home will require attention as well.

You’ll want to tackle any safety and health hazards like installing pool barriers and securing windows before the baby arrives.

Once your baby starts crawling and walking, you’ll want to make sure the floors are safe for them. You may want to install durable, easy-to-clean carpeting with thick padding to help protect your baby from falls.

Teenage Child

In the blink of an eye, that sweet baby of yours will become a teenager. If you went all out on a child’s playroom, you could remodel it into a game room.

You could install a big-screen television and some seating so your teen and their friends can enjoy movie nights. Or, if they are into gaming, you could create a space for them to set up their computer and play their games comfortably. 

Empty Nest

After spending the last 18 years catering to your kids, it’s your turn. Now you can finally do the big home improvement projects you’ve been waiting for.

We can help you design and install the new gourmet kitchen of your dreams. You can upgrade your cabinets and counter spaces, install a huge island and new appliances. 

If the kitchen isn’t an area you spend much time in, we could help you transform your backyard into an outdoor living oasis. We could extend your covered patio, add a water feature, and you could find some comfortable outdoor-friendly couches or other seating options.

The options are endless! Now is your time to be selfish and create a space you enjoy.

Retirement or Downsizing 

Getting older is a fact of life, but there is no reason you can’t live in, and enjoy, your home as long as you want.

The most important thing you can do to stay in your home long into your golden years is to move the master suite to the first floor, along with the laundry. This will enable you to live more comfortably while still having room for kids (and grandkids) to visit.

Depending on the layout of your home, moving the master suite downstairs can be a big project. It will involve re-thinking your main floor layout without sacrificing other living spaces. Plumbing and electrical will also be a concern. It may require an addition.

But if you love your home, it’s worth it. We can work with you to create a design that will fit your needs and your budget.

We Are Here for You

No matter what stage you’re in, we are here to help you through it. Give us a call to schedule a consultation to decide how to remodel your home to fit your life changes.

You might also be interested in: Universal Design Without Looking Institutional

5 Reasons To Stay Put And Remodel Your Home

Every now and then, the house you love will begin to feel small, outdated, and just not what you want anymore. As tempting as it may be to pack up your belongings and move to a different house, is that really a practical decision?

Instead of going through the tedious and stressful process of selling your home and buying another, why not just change the parts of your house that are not pleasing you anymore? Here are some reasons remodeling your current home makes more sense than moving to a new one.

You Can Get Exactly What You Want

Let’s say you want a kitchen with white cabinets and marble countertops, a living room with built-ins and vaulted ceilings, and a custom walk-in shower. What are the chances you would find exactly that when house hunting? Finding a new home that suits you perfectly is rare, but with remodeling, you can have it all.

When remodeling, you can look at your family’s wants and needs and design accordingly. Perhaps you want to transform a neglected dining room into a playroom for kids. You can do that. Or maybe you’d like to turn your living room into a theater room with comfy couches and a huge screen for movie night. You can do that too. 

The bottom line is, if you move to a new home, you will end up having to customize it anyway. Why not just remodel the home you already know and love?

Increase Your Home’s Value

Not only will remodeling satisfy that itch to move, it will also increase your home’s value. A simple kitchen remodel with new cabinet faces and hardware and new counters will retain 81% of its value when you eventually decide to sell your home. A bathroom remodel using ceramic tile, a solid-surface vanity, and a solid white toilet will recoup 71% of its value. Installing new windows will retain 74%.

To ensure you recoup the maximum amount on a project, it is important you have the work completed by licensed professionals who won’t cut any corners.

You can Improve Energy Efficiency

While you remodel spaces in your home, you can look for ways to make your space more energy-efficient.

If you are remodeling your living room or bedroom, you can install new windows. Switching to energy star windows can reduce your electric bills by 12%. If you are doing a full kitchen remodel, you can upgrade to energy star certified appliances. An upgraded refrigerator will save you 9% on your electric bill. A new dishwasher can help you save on your utility bill while also saving on average of 3,870 gallons of water over its lifetime.

Don’t forget about lighting. Replacing your most-used lights will save you $45 per year. You can also install dimmers and timers to reduce your electricity usage.

Moving is a Hassle

While remodeling can be intrusive and messy, moving to a new home is one of the most stressful events you will experience. While remodeling isn’t exactly a walk in the park, it is far easier than packing up all of your belongings and moving them into a new space.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about things like your kids switching schools or finding a new neighborhood coffee shop with a remodel. Remember, you moved into your home for a reason. You may just need to spruce some things up to make yourself love the home again.

You Love Your Neighbors

Perhaps the biggest variable with moving is what your new neighbors will be like. They might be great, or they might be "not so great." And it only takes one bad neighbor to make living in your new neighborhood a miserable experience.

If you love your current neighbors, don't take those friendships for granted and make sure you consider neighborhood relationships in your remodel vs move decision.

Remodeling is the perfect way to turn your house into your dream home. We can bring your vision to life and are able to work with a wide range of budgets. Let’s get started on your home remodeling project today.

ELM Construction Can Help Pollen-Proof Your Home

Spring is in full swing and that means seasonal allergies are rearing their ugly head once again. If pollen, ragweed and other allergens make your spring difficult, there are changes you can make to your home to alleviate some of those problems.

So if itchy eyes and a runny nose has you wishing for relief, read on below for tips on how to make your home more healthy for you.

What is a pollen count and why does it matter?

Put simply, pollen count is a measurement of the number of grains of pollen in a cubic meter of air. The higher the count, the greater chance that those suffering from hay fever will have allergy symptoms. The pollen count is different than a pollen forecast. While the pollen count is an actual count, pollen forecasts are predictions based on past pollen data and weather forecasts.

Proper ventilation

Ensuring that your home is properly ventilated is the first step to managing pollen and other allergens. Choosing the right filter for your air conditioning system is key. Many particles, including pollen and mold, are too small to be caught by average paper filters. Instead, be sure you are using HEPA filters and replacing them regularly.

Vacuum and clean regularly

A clean house is a healthier house. Vacuuming carpets and area rugs at least once a week will help remove pollen, dust mites, pet hair, mold and other allergens hiding in your home. A vacuum with a HEPA filter will help get rid of other toxins. Don’t forget about furniture, drapes and bedding, which are all magnets for contaminants. Clean the filter on your vacuum regularly.

Control humidity

High humidity creates the perfect conditions for growing mold, mildew and dust mites. Overly dry air will cause pollen to remain in the air. A humidity level of 30 to 50 percent in your home is considered optimal depending on the season.

Windows & Doors

Properly sealing around windows and doors can help reduce the pollen in your home, while also lowering energy bills. ELM Construction can help you find numerous ways to make sure home stays sealed and efficient.

While opening windows can bring in more pollen, that same fresh air can help offset other allergens. Try to open windows when the pollen count is low.

‘Flexi-Glass’ windows

One of our favorite solutions, though, addresses the issue by giving you fresh air but also blocking much of the pollen. While only for unconditioned spaces, these lightweight windows can convert your screened porch into a sealed space with flexible ventilation. They can be closed to help keep out pollen but opened at 75 percent so you can enjoy the fresh air the rest of the time. 

These flexible windows allow you to control your airflow throughout the year. You can close them in the dead of winter or summer and make your normal screened porch much more comfortable during extreme temperatures.

As an additional benefit, the flex vinyl glazing is resistant to impacts from items such as golf balls or hail, helping to protect your windows vs. regular glass.

Keep in mind that Flexi-Glass products are for screened porches or unconditioned spaces only.

Ready to plan your project? ELM Construction is here to help you improve the health and safety of your home. Contact us today to discuss your next remodel!

Give Your Bathroom New Life With A Custom Shower

A custom shower can really make your bathroom shine, taking it from blah to beautiful.

Working with a professional, qualified remodeler like ELM Construction is the best way to make sure you get the right custom shower solution for you. ELM Construction has been building award-winning bathrooms for more than a decade in the Birmingham area.

Luxury Showerheads

Installing more than one fixture in your shower can inspire that luxury feeling in your bathroom. These showerheads can be fixed or handheld to give you more water and an upscale appearance. (A handheld showerhead can also give you the added benefit of making it easier to wash a pet if that’s a need.)

Another frequent choice is pairing one or more fixtures with a rain shower. A rain shower is just like the name implies: it is designed to give you the feel of standing outside in the rain. They are much larger than traditional showerheads, providing significantly more coverage. They are available in multi-function models as well to allow you to concentrate more pressure in a smaller spray if the need arises.

Curbless Showers

One popular change is to entirely remove the tub and replace it with a high-end, curbless shower. Most showers, even those without tubs, require you to step “up and in” to the shower. A curbless shower eliminates that step, bringing the shower entrance flush with the floor of the bathroom.

This offers benefits both aesthetic and functional. Curbless showers can give your bathroom an open, more modern look. For homeowners or guests with limited mobility, they are easier to use. This is especially important as we see more multi-generational homes and plan for aging in place. It’s one of many ways we can incorporate universal design without making your home look institutional.

Open Up Your Shower

An open shower offers an airy feel and a more spacious look, but it does require a “splash zone,” to deal with water that may fly out of the shower. An open shower also doesn’t offer the privacy of a traditional shower. If you or your partner is going to feel exposed while showering, it’s probably not the right option for you.

Installing a half wall can offer some additional privacy, as well as keep more moisture in the shower. Frosted glass walls are another good way to compromise between an open shower and a fully enclosed one.

Another alternative is a frameless shower. By eliminating the traditional aluminum framing support, a frameless glass enclosure can help keep water and heat in, but still give you that open look.

Be sure to work with a qualified remodeler to get your properly designed curbless or open shower. Several factors need to be considered, including the slope/drainage of the floor and proper placement of showerheads to ensure water doesn’t splash or flow outside the shower area. For example, a rain showerhead that directs water straight down will work better than a traditional angled showerhead. You can also get creative with drainage by using decorative tile, metal or even wood features that hide the drains.

Body Sprays

Body sprays are another popular option. These are wall-mounted jets that deliver water directly to the body. They are great for massaging sore muscles or other aches and pains. It’s important they be placed properly to maximize pressure and utility. The goal should be to provide coverage for the whole body, with installation of multiple sprays.

Use Proper Ventilation

An important but often overlooked aspect of your bathroom is adequate ventilation. One of our favorite solutions is the WhisperRecessed LED™ Designer Fan. It has the look of a recessed light but functions like a traditional bath fan. With this type of fan / light, you get the benefit of ventilation and lighting without the old-school look of the classic ceiling mounted bath fan. Another tip is to use a timer switch for the bath fan. That way you can leave the room and let the fan continue to work without having to remember to go back and turn it off!  

ELM Construction is ready to help you create your dream bathroom and improve your home.  Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

Caring For Your House Now Will Save You Money Later

Your home is probably your most valuable asset. It’s one of the many reasons we take our responsibility in renovating your home so seriously at ELM Construction.

With more than a decade’s worth of experience remodeling in the Birmingham area we’ve worked on dozens of beautiful area homes. Unfortunately, that also means we also have seen many houses that have suffered damage in some way from fires to storms. Some of the damage we see, though, is preventable with simple maintenance. It’s why we think it’s so important that homeowners know how to take care of their homes.

Regular maintenance can save you money down the road, allowing you to invest in a new kitchen or addition rather than expensive repairs. Just like regular oil changes, tire rotation and other maintenance for an automobile, a house benefits from regular attention.

There are literally hundreds of things that can go wrong in a house, but these are some of the common areas to keep an eye on.

Regular furnace and air conditioner care

Annual professional maintenance will help lengthen the life of your HVAC system. Regular changing of your furnace filters will not only improve the air quality in your home, but also help your system run more efficiently and help prevent costly repairs. How often you need to change them depends on a number of factors, including the usage of your HVAC system and the type and size of the filter used. A good rule of thumb is every three months for 1-inch filters; 6 to 9 months for thicker filters.

Keep your gutters clean

Gutters are designed to guide water from your roof and away from the foundation. Regularly cleaning your gutters and inspecting downspouts will help prevent water damage to your landscaping, roof and walls. It eliminates a nesting place for pests that can cause damage to your home (such as mice) or just annoy you in your yard (like mosquitos).

Flush the hot water heater

Water heaters accumulate sediment and minerals at the bottom of the tank. Sediment build up can cause damage and make it more difficult for the water heater to properly produce hot water. (Sediment build up is often indicated by a “popping” sound coming from your water heater.)

Water heaters should be flushed at least once a year, but more frequency could be required depending on the composition of your water.

Inspect your deck

Keep in mind that fully inspecting your deck and checking its safety takes the skills of a pro. As a homeowner, you may miss deterioration that a professional eye would not.

These are just a few of the areas on your deck that should be checked: deck boards should not warp or sag, flashing should be tight and undamaged (replace damaged flashing, especially in any areas where water is accumulating), tighten all loose fasteners and pound in loose nails, and check that railings and handrails on stairs are tight and secure.

Check your home’s exterior

Take a walk around your house and really look at it. Any cracks in the foundation? Missing vent covers? Holes or other damage to siding? Seals around windows and doors still tight?

Take a look at the roof (from the ground!) to see if there is any visible damage. If there does appear to be damage to shingles, hire a professional to address the problem. Any of these openings can allow moisture, insects or other pests to infiltrate your home.

Clean that dryer vent

The most common reason a dryer doesn’t operate properly? Too much lint in the dryer vent or hose. Not only can lint build-up lessen the efficiency of your dryer, it may also lead to fires.

Other safety checks

There are several other items that should be checked regularly to make sure the home is safe and efficient including your fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, garage door/auto-reverse feature, water softener and sump pump.

If your maintenance check uncovered a larger problem, ELM Construction can help you make sure your home is up to snuff. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs!

Top Remodeling Trends For 2021

We’re probably all ready to leave 2020 behind and turn our attention to 2021.

If you’re looking to remodel your Birmingham area house next year, we’re ready to help you design and build the best project to fit your needs. Above all else, your remodel should work for you, not just follow the latest trends. Still, it can be helpful to see what some of the key trends are to make sure your home doesn’t look dated or out of step with the latest design options.

Our designers work hard to keep up to date with the latest information from architects, interior designers, color forecasters and other experts. Here are some of the major trends that are expected to be significant influences in 2021. While many of these shifts have been years in the making, COVID-19 has only accelerated many of them.

Home learning/home office

No surprise – we’re seeing increasing demand for home working space for both adults and students. The key is to remodel with flexibility in mind – creating adaptable spaces that can be used for multiple purposes. For example, consider if you have a large open floor plan. By using features such as French Doors we can create a flexible space that provides multiple private spaces when necessary, but shared space when desired.

Finished basements, attic spaces or loft areas can also create private, flexible workspaces for students or parents.

Find more about home offices: Remodeling for Your Dream Home Office

Functional design

We’re big believers that your remodel should be about more than just a pretty finish – it needs to solve your problems and improve the way you live. Functionality is a key trend for 2021. As homeowners spend more time at home – especially in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom – they are looking for features that improve the utility of those spaces. Features such as pull-out spice racks, touchless faucets and more seating for family meals are all growing in popularity.

Additional storage is also important as we all focus on stocking up on food, toilet paper and other necessities!

Natural materials

Homeowners are increasingly looking to their home as a sanctuary. With that in mind, there is greater demand for natural materials incorporated into flooring, wallcoverings and more. Research has shown that the use of materials and colors found in nature can reduce stress, provide a sense of wellbeing and improve mental health.

Colors that inspire

The focus on nature is carrying over to the color trends for 2021 as well. Almost every paint company comes out with their forecast for the “hot” colors of the next year in the fall, and there’s a definite trend this year toward earth tones and comfort for 2021.

That means subdued colors with names like brown sugar beige, watercolor blue and urbane bronze. Colors collections that include a lot of yellows, greens, browns and off-whites are the rule for 2021. According to the designers, the colors are engineered to be soothing, gentle options that provide a feeling of calm and hopeful optimism for the coming year.

Sustainability

The trend toward more sustainable, green and energy-efficient remodels is also continuing, as it has for the last several years. Homeowners are embracing the opportunity to lower energy bills while improving their global impact.

From new windows to energy-efficient appliances, ELM Construction can help you find practical ways to improve your home’s sustainability without breaking the bank.

Ready to plan your next remodeling project? Contact ELM Construction today to discuss your remodeling needs!

6 Useful Tips when Budgeting for Your Remodel

This month on the blog we’re talking about one of the most important parts of planning your remodeling project: budgeting.

It’s not as fun as picking out your cabinets or new appliances, but it’s important to know what a project is going to cost before you get started – and what you can afford. As part of our design/build process, ELM Construction is going to make sure we create the best project for your budget, working with you to make your dream a reality!

Read on below for six tips on how to manage the budgeting process.

1. Get a rough idea about what it’s going to cost

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as saying “X dollars per square foot.” There are some online resources that can be helpful when setting an initial rough budget, but take them with a grain of salt.

One of these is the annual Cost vs. Value report produced by Remodeling magazine. It offers estimates for the average project in 22 categories in more than 100 markets.

Recognize that those are averages and every project is different. That’s especially true when it comes to remodeling. There are demolition costs, unique situations of the property or home and other challenges that aren’t present in new construction.

2. Know how you’re paying for it

Now that you’ve done your initial research, it’s important to have at least a rough figure in mind of what you can afford. You also should know how you intend to pay for the project. Are you paying cash, taking out a home equity line of credit or some other type of loan? How much are you comfortable spending on the project?

3. Get the right remodeler

A professional, experienced remodeler is going to be able to identify potential challenges ahead of time and help you accurately plan for your project. Our consultative approach will help you accurately plan for your project. We can help you figure out if the budget you’ve set is realistic or if the project needs to be adjusted.

Make sure when you are looking at proposals/estimates from multiple remodelers that you are comparing apples to apples. Some contractors might leave costs out of the initial bid in order to try to win your business. If you see something in one estimate, but not another, ask why!

4. Think design/build

The best way to avoid problems is to work with a design/build remodeler like ELM Construction. With the design/build model, the designer and remodeler are on the same team, working together throughout the process. That means more efficiency and practical designs that can be built to fit your budget.

5. Establish priorities

Know what is important to you. Our goal is to get you everything you want, but you may have to make some cuts to hit your budget. What is going to be essential to your happiness and what can you live without? Our designers are also probably going to be able to help you come up with some alternatives to save money.

6. Set aside money for surprises

No plan will capture everything. As just one example, a kitchen remodel may discover mold hidden in the wall behind the sink. Older homes often will have other surprises hidden in the walls, such as poor insulation or bad wiring. A general rule of thumb is to set aside an additional 10 to 15 percent of the project cost for these unexpected expenses.

Ready to plan your project? ELM Construction is here to make sure you get the best remodel to meet your needs, at a fair price. Contact us today to discuss your next remodel!