Month: November 2019

Completing a home remodel is a project that requires a lot of time, energy and money. Because remodeling your home is a large commitment and not a DIY project, it’s imperative to do your research and ask your potential contractor the right questions. Before hiring a contractor, you should ask them these five essential questions:

1) What’s your license number?

Although this question may seem inconsequential, it’s an important one to ask. A contractor that works without a valid contracting license is not one you want to work with. Skimping on a key factor such as a license may also mean this individual will skimp on other important aspects of the remodeling process like being bonded, insured, getting the proper permits to complete your project, communication with your homeowner’s association and more.

2) Can I see examples of your completed work?

Taking a look at examples of your potential contractor’s work will give you an inside look into their capabilities, skills and previously completed projects. In addition to this, it will illustrate whether or not they have a wide portfolio of projects and experience. If they don’t take photos of their work, it may be an indicator that it’s not up to par or they were unhappy with the final results.

3) Do you take on remodeling projects of my scope?

If you’re looking through the portfolio of the contractor’s work and don’t see projects that fit your vision or the scale of your project, ask if they take on projects like yours. It’s essential to confirm that your contractor has the skills and ability to complete your remodel. They may not have been given the opportunity to complete a project as unique as yours quite yet, but that does not mean they are unable.

4) Who will be working in my home?

Depending on the contracting company, the individual you meet with to discuss the project may not be the one who completes it. If this is the case of the contractor you’re considering, ask to meet the project manager before hiring them. This will be the person who is in your home on a daily basis and who’s making sure your project gets completed. Your trust in them is just as important as your trust in the company in general.

5) How do you work?

Remodeling isn’t always a 9-5 job. Depending on the contractor, their work may start earlier, end later or flow into the weekends. Asking in advance how the contractor works will save you some headaches and allow you to adjust your lifestyle for the duration of the project if need be. Other important questions to ask that relate to your project are “Will you clean up after your work each day?”, “Will you be hauling off any garbage and debris from the project?” and “How have you resolved differences in opinions in the past?”

If you live in the Southwest Florida area and are looking for a contracting company that will be able to answer all these questions and more with confidence, contact Varian Construction at (239) 514-0103. Varian Construction is a 30-year-old, owner-operated company that takes pride in their projects all while alleviating the stress on the homeowner.

If you’re deciding whether to remodel your home or move to a new home, it’s important to weigh your options before making this big decision. Both sides of the coin have their pros and cons, but here are five reasons to remodel your home instead of buying new.

Remodeling your home is less expensive

Take a look at the current market. It’s extremely rare, if not nearly impossible to find a home for the price it would cost you to complete a full-home remodel. The average cost of homes on the market will vary based on your location, but according to Zillow.com, the median home price in Collier County, Florida is $335,900. In comparison, the average upgrade to finishes within your home such as paint, trim, flooring and cabinetry may range from $40,000-$60,000. Not to mention, after remodeling you won’t have a mortgage to pay off on a new home, closing costs, realtor expenses and more. It’s a cost-effective win-win.

You stay in your current location

This benefit of remodeling may seem obvious, but it’s one many overlook when debating between moving or remodeling. If you chose your home for its ideal location but had to sacrifice on some other home benefits in the process, remodeling is your chance to make the home exactly what you’ve dreamed of while staying put. Additionally, moving can be an extremely stressful process, especially if you have children. Remodeling allows you and your family to stay put, with no change in schools, groups of friends, jobs and more.

Remodeling truly makes the home your own

When you first bought your home, you may have done so because it met your basic needs. It had the right number of bathrooms; was the type of house you were looking for and it was in the perfect neighborhood. Additionally, you may have purchased the home because it was in your budget at the time and was less expensive than one with modern finishes. Since then, aspects of your life have changed. It’s rare that by moving again, you’re going to find a new home that’s perfect in every way, shape and form. By remodeling, you’re able to truly make a house your own. Maybe it’s by opening up the space, remodeling an old bathroom or upgrading your kitchen.

You’re left with a sense of accomplishment

It’s no secret that renovating your home can be a time-consuming and expensive process. But, it’s completely worth it in the end. Once your home remodel is finished, you’ll be left with a sense of accomplishment. And the gorgeous home that perfectly fits your family’s needs and better fits your vision may come with a much lower price tag than buying new.

If you’re a Southwest Florida homeowner and reading this piece has inspired you to ditch the idea of moving and instead remodel your home, contact Varian Construction at (239) 514-0103. Varian Construction is a 30-year-old, owner-operated company that takes pride in their projects all while alleviating the stress on the homeowner.