top of page

                                                   Are you unsure of your style, hesitant about which contractor to use, worried about the investment

                                                        of a remodel? This three part project planning guide will put your mind at ease and make you

                                                               comfortable with your choices as you move forward with your remodeling project.

 

     

      Part 1: Helps you assess and define what your personal style is or what style you are trying to achieve for your remodel.

  •  

  • Part 2: Provides key questions to ask when searching for the right contractor, not only the remodel project but for you as well.

  •  

  • Part 3: Counting the cost. Speaks to the investment of the project; providing you with a 3rd party insight and a comprehensive national poll. This poll is taken every year to show investors what others are spending, plus the resale value and costs recouped for each different remodel project that people undertake within your particular area of the country.

Process

Part 1: What's your style?

 

What style do you envision for your space? Style is way of expressing ones personality and lifestyle. Through utilizing appropriate styles and then incorporating them into your home, it will truly transform not only your physical environment, but also your internal well-being. When it comes to defining YOU there are no rules or boundaries.


Over the past 13 years, our clients have expressed a specific style of choice as we worked toward the identification of a primary look. We educate our clients to truly understand the authentic elements of a specific style. As an example, some of our clients learned what they called “Modern European” is not exactly what they desired. Hopefully this guide will assist you in better understanding some of the basic elements of specific styles. Below are descriptions of various styles. So, what’s your style? 

 

     Contemporary 
           •  Clean and simple, uncluttered, geometric & organic shapes. 
     French Country 
           •  Rustic, old-world and welcoming charm, warm earthy tones .
     American Traditional 
           •  A casual twist on the classic ways of traditional design, detail moldings, soft and casual fabrics, more neutral tones with subtle                        splashes of color, balance. 
     Shabby Chic 
           •  Turning the old into new, neutral colors, architectural accessories, romantic whimsical feel -Tuscan. 
           •  Use of iron and handmade tiles, warm and inviting yet primitive and simple, earthy accent colors.
     Eclectic 
           •  A way of expressing true individuality, playing with color, form and function, unexpected combination of styles. 
     Asian/Zen 
           •  Uncluttered, neutral colors, low lines, natural elements, elegant, very open feeling, balance and symmetry. 
     Modern European 
           •  Ultra sleek and contemporary, strong hard lines with a very utilitarian but high end look, strong accent colors - English Country. 
           •  Rural, comfortable and homey feeling, pattern, antique pieces, somewhat cluttered but tidy appearance.

     Victorian 
           • A very grand and rich look with intricate detail, strong use of color, decorative paint finishes, an eclectic blend of French, Italian,                    English and Gothic styles.

     Other:

 

What kind of feeling do you want your new space to have? 


What colors are you partial to? 


Are you drawn towards details like molding or do you tend to overlook them when looking at a space?

 
Do you like clean simple lines, organic or geometric shapes?


Is matching or symmetry important to you or do you prefer when different pieces work together? 


When looking at an interesting space, what elements are most important? (rate in order of 
priority) 
           ____ Windows

           ____ Floors

           ____ Cabinetry

           ____ Wall Colors 
           ____ Appliances

           ____ Decorative Light

           ____ Functional Light

           ____ Millwork 
           ____ Counter Surfaces

           ____ Fixtures (faucets, sinks, etc..)

 
Have you thought about or done any research with regards to your appliances, cabinetry, and fixture selections?  

 

If you have; did you find the process overwhelming? Do you need help?


Do you envision what impact your new project will have on adjacent rooms or spaces?

 

Do you need help?

 

Part 2: Top 10 things to do BEFORE sign a contract

 

Before investing in any remodel take the time to do some research and find out more about the company you are choosing. 


1) Research the cost of a remodel so you can have an idea of a real budget when talking to a contractor.


2) Ask for certificates of insurance for both liability and workman’s compensation. 

3) Talk to the last three customers for which the contractor has worked.
 


4) Ask the contractor how many jobs they have performed in your area.


5) Examine the contractor's portfolio in person or on the web.


6) Make sure the contractor has a professional vehicle best suited for your project.


7) Ask the contractor to present an upfront warranty on the work being performed.


8) Have a true sense of compatibility with the contractor you ultimately choose. Do you feel they have your best interest at heart?


9) Look up third party reviews as in Angie's list, Yelp, Google, Home Advisor, BBB ect..

 

10) Ask your contractor for a conditional and unconditional lien release upon completion. This puts all liability on the contractor.


It takes very little time to follow the recommendations outlined above. In exchange you are almost assured a problem free project 
resulting in complete satisfaction!

Part 3: Counting the cost 

 

Clients ask us all the time how much does it cost? Which is a fair question and a difficult one to answer. There are a lot of variables such as: how many liner feet, square footage and units of cabinets, tile, counter tops, electrical, lighting, fixtures, appliances, windows, the movement of a wall and so on... See links below from third party research companies as to what other people pay in San Diego and the rest of the country.   

 

The first reference is Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2013:  

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2013/costvsvalue/division/pacific/city/san-diego--ca.aspx

 

The second reference is Home Advisor:

 

  • 1) Homeowners visit HomeAdvisor.com to find a top-rated pro to complete their home improvement project or repair.

  • 2) Once their projects are completed, the members log in to their accounts and complete a short cost survey.

  • 3) After compiling and organizing the data they report it back to you.

 

For Kitchens:

http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/kitchens/remodel-a-kitchen/

 

For Bathrooms:

http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/bathrooms/remodel-a-bathroom/

IN ORDER TO MAKE A GOOD EDUCATED DECISION YOU NEED 100% OF THE CORRECT INFORMATION.

ANDERSON DESIGN WILL GIVE YOU 100% OF THE CORRECT INFORMATION.

MAKE ANDERSON DESIGN YOUR CHOICE FOR YOUR NEXT REMODEL PROJECT.

DESIGN AND BUILD FIRM 

CSLB # B1 - 991321

bottom of page