Top 3 Questions to Ask Your Residential Remodeling Contractor

Choosing a residential remodeling contractor is a big step. Whether you are undertaking extensive home renovations, a bathroom remodeling project, or custom millwork additions, finding the right professional has the potential to make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the finished project. It can also save you quite a bit of time and money.

There are three questions to ask your remodeling contractor.

  1. Are you an industry insider? An insider has formed working relationships with a broad range of suppliers, contractors and other professionals. This benefits you because it results in favorable material pricing, accurate estimating and realistic scheduling of your project.
  2. Do I need a permit? With the exception of a few handyman-type jobs, the majority of home renovations may need one or more permits. A seasoned remodeling contractor knows this and should have a process in place, which ensures that permits are pulled and work is scheduled with inspections factored into the flow of the labor.
  3. How long have you been in business? Although everyone has to start sometime, you do not want your kitchen-remodeling project to be a remodeling specialist’s first job. The longer a company has been in business, the better its professional reputation is likely to be. A company that does not pay its bills, does shoddy work or fails to finish on budget and on time is unlikely to stay in business for more than a couple of years. Look for a time frame that is measured in decades.

At J. Schmidt Homes, we believe that our ranking among lead-free EPA certified firms and feature on Houzz bespeak our expertise, workmanship and quality of customer service. Contact us today for more information on our remodeling and home building services.

 

 

New Construction: How to Plan for a Bathroom Sanctuary

IMG_1485While kitchens get the most attention, it’s the bathroom that you and your guests will appreciate most once you move into your new construction home. Bathroom trends are always changing, but some things remain constant. When choosing what you want in a custom home, always allocate a guest bathroom that is convenient to visitors in the home. A growing trend is to have dual master suites in a custom home, which provides the owner with a luxurious bathroom as well as one for another member of the household. According to a recent article by postcrescent.com, bathrooms provide a sanctuary. Experts say some of the features that stand out to people looking at new homes include double sinks, solid surface countertops and showers with decorative tile.

  • Relaxing in a garden tub

Although a growing number of homeowners are opting out of the garden or jetted tubs, it’s wise to have at least one bathroom in the home with a garden tub because of resale value. If you decide to leave the tub out of some bathrooms, consider an over-sized shower with trendy glass mosaic tile and upgraded shower heads.

  • Choosing a non-slip flooring

Years ago, some homeowners chose carpeting in the bathroom. Design experts say carpet in a bathroom in a major turnoff for most people. At the same time, it’s good to have non-slip surfaces in the bathroom that could cushion a fall as you age. When planning your bathrooms in a new construction home, think about whether an older person will be using the space. If so, opt for non-slip flooring and universal design features such as grab bars in the shower.

  • Going high-tech

Touch-free toilets are especially appealing for guest bathrooms. Talk to your builder about including at least one bathroom on the main floor near the entryway of the home and main entertaining areas. Although not all the bathroom trends this year revolve around technology, The National Kitchen & Bath Association reports that people are gravitating to clean and white contemporary design, floating vanities, heated floors, open shelving and trough sinks.

At J. Schmidt Homes, we can help you build a dream home that includes on-trend bathrooms. Whether you want to remodel the bathrooms in your existing home or live in a new construction house in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, talk to us about the latest in bathroom designs. For more information about new home plans for your family, please contact us.