Best Contractors for Kitchen Remodeling and Basement Remodeling in Tennessee

 

You can have a beautiful kitchen in your home without even having to spend a lot of money on it, but you can also get the look of a larger kitchen without spending a lot of money as well. This means that your kitchen can be much more than just a place to cook and eat, it can also be an extension of your home.

If you are thinking about doing a lot of basement remodeling yourself, it can be a great idea to start off by getting it remodeled with your new kitchen. You will be able to enjoy all of the advantages of doing the work yourself without spending as much money as if you were going to hire someone to do it for you. Let’s take a look at what you should consider when you are considering whether or not this is a good idea for you.

The first thing you should think about is how much time you want to put into this project. If you only have a little bit of time to spend on it, then you should probably consider getting the remodeling done by a professional. However, if you have a good deal of time available, then you should look into kitchen remodeling and basement remodeling.

It is a good idea to find a contractor who has been doing a lot of basement remodeling. They should have experience doing it all over the country, so they should be able to get you up and running in no time at all. Once they get started, they should be able to get you everything that you need.

Another thing to consider is that you want to use a professional project manager for your project. These people will handle all of the steps from start to finish so that they know that you are going to get the best results possible. If you have any questions they should be able to answer them for you.

When you are finished you will need to consider where youare going to install the cabinets. There are a lot of different options that you have and you should really sit down and figure out which ones you want to use. Some of the things that you can choose from include refacing and installing, a glazing system, or a combination of the two. You will also need to decide if you want the same style of cabinets as what is already in your kitchen or if you would like to add something new.

When you are remodeling your kitchen with a contractor you can also go in and add in basement remodeling. This can include things like adding a new floor to your kitchen, redoing the plumbing or electrical system, or just about anything else that you could think of. A good contractor will be able to help you figure out all of the details so that you will be able to complete the project without hassle. This can be one of the biggest projects that you will ever do, so you want to make sure that you go into it knowing what you are doing.

Remodeling your kitchen and basement can be a very big project. It can also be very intimidating because you might not know where to start or what you are capable of doing. Take some time to look at what options you have and how much you are willing to spend before you get started.

Home Remodeling Tips - Getting Started

With the decline in the economy, there have reports recently stating that remodeling one's home is a consumer extravagance. This is not only inaccurate but irresponsible. Remodeling is often necessary for overall upkeep and maintenance of one's home; putting off home improvements could result in more costly repairs and improvements in the future. An older roof cannot and should not be ignored. It will not offer the needed protection, will not be energy-efficient and detracts from the aesthetics of one's home. If it is left to deteriorate, it could leak, resulting in further damage to a home's interior. Leaky windows can let water seep into walls and cause black mold to grow; deteriorating chimneys can not only fall apart and cause damage but could result in leaking into the home.

The studies and reports in the actual remodeling industry are factual and encouraging. The Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI), a Charlotte-based organization of industry professionals in the kitchen remodeling industry, conducts a "Remodelers 360" survey that examines consumers' kitchen design preferences, kitchen remodeling experiences, and how they use their kitchens. The results reveal what common sense would tell us: more Americans are eating at home as a result of the downturn in the economy, thus the desire to remodel a kitchen is still motivating consumers to remodel. The value homeowners get for a kitchen remodel and the aesthetic and practical benefits to the home still make it a highly worthwhile investment.

According to Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report 2008-2009, remodeling is still an excellent investment that not only improves your quality of life and the cost of which can be recouped if or when you sell your home. The Cost vs. Value Report gives approximate costs of particular remodeling projects and provides potential resale amounts and percentage of return on investment. The costs of remodeling obviously can vary from place to place across the U.S., based on regional fluctuations in material costs and contractors' labor costs and overhead.

Bathroom Remodel: Update an existing 5x7-foot bathroom that would include replacing all fixtures, installing a ceramic tile surround; installing a new plumbing in the tub, shower and sink; installing a standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; installing a medicine cabinet, light fixture and ceramic tile floor.

Approximate Project Cost:$15,899

Resale value: $11,857

Cost Recouped: 74.6%

Deck Addition (wood): Add a 16x20-foot deck using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers. Install pressure-treated deck boards in a simple linear pattern; include a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material and stairs

(assuming three steps to grade). Provide a complete railing system using pressure-treated wood posts, railings, and balusters.

Approximate Project Cost: $10,601

Resale Value: $8,676

Cost Recouped: 81.8%

Major Kitchen Remodel: Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with a layout of approximately 30 linear feet of new semi-custom wood cabinets, installing laminate countertops and a standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Install an energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring and finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.

Approximate Project Cost: $56,611

Resale value: $43,030

Cost Recouped: 76.0%

Minor Kitchen Remodel: In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with approximately 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware; replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops and install mid-priced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.

Approximate Project Cost: $21,246

Resale Value: $16,881

Cost Recouped: 79.5%

There are also many remodeling projects that increase your home's energy-efficiency. Updating older bathroom plumbing fixtures with newer, more water-conserving fixtures is an affordable way to improve a home's efficiency, lower water costs, and improve the appearance of the bathroom as well. Other minor things that can be done include installing new doors, installing Energy Star- rated windows, sealing cracks and crevices with spray foam, and if possible laying thicker insulation in the attic.

Consumer energy tax incentives and credits are being offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and are providing consumers tax incentives to have energy-efficiency improvements done to their existing homes and new construction. The plan includes federal tax credits and includes:

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for:

Windows and Doors

Insulation

Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)

HVAC

Water Heaters (non-solar)

Biomass Stoves

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for:

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Solar Panels

Solar Water Heaters

Small Wind Energy Systems

Fuel Cells

The Joint Center for Housing Studies is Harvard University's center for information and research on housing in the United States. The Joint Center for Housing Studies examines emerging housing and community development policies and concerns. Industry leaders and public officials also use the center's research to learn about trends and issues in the housing field.

According to The Joint Center for Housing Studies 2009 Growth Markets for Remodeling report, remodeling has helped to increase the energy efficiency of existing homes over the past two decades, especially older homes built during or before the 1930s. Most homeowners are currently interested in projects that will improve their homes' energy efficiency and address other environmental concerns (utilizing "green" materials for reducing carbon footprint and health concerns for example). In 2007, homeowners spent over $52 billion of their improvement to energy-related projects, up from less than $33 billion (in inflation-adjusted terms) a decade earlier. Homeowners are motivated by environmental concerns, and have a growing interest in products and projects that meet the green goals of quality and durability, environmental performance, and safety (such as lessening the chances or consequences of certain disasters on the home).

As credit conditions start to ease up, owners will find it easier to finance their home improvement projects. As home prices edge back up, owners will again realize the wealth-building benefits of investing in their homes. And as sales pick up, recent buyers will want to make improvements as the economy continues to improve. When the uncertainty of the economy and job-security lessens, people will feel less fear about spending money on remodeling projects.

Remodeling can be done at any time of year- it is not necessary to wait until springtime to tackle home improvements when most contractors and home improvement specialists are backlogged with work. Certain projects are definitely best-suited to fair weather: roofs, exterior painting, decks, and siding. But there are many projects that can be completed at any time: interior painting, kitchen or bathroom remodel, basement reclaiming or remodeling, removing wall(s) to open up interior spaces, flooring, and installing doors and windows, refinishing wood floors or putting in new trim work. A great project is redefining a room by changing a bedroom or poorly-utilized room into a bathroom, office, media room or workout room/ relaxation retreat, or a space that fits your lifestyle.

As more and more homeowners are remaining in their homes, they look to remodeling to help create their dream home from the home they already own. Your home is a major investment- maintain or improve its value, efficiency and appearance to improve your quality of life!

How to Choose Remodelers

What is remodeling?

Remodeling is updating or altering the appearance and functional utility of a building. Home remodeling is big business. It accounts for about 40% of all residential construction spending and about 2% of the U.S. economy.

So to answer the question "Is it worthwhile to remodel my house?"
Probably; however, there are many factors to consider.

Why Remodel?

First you need to determine what's your motivation? Why do you want to remodel? Are you remodeling for your self and your families enjoyment or to increase your appraised value?

Second do not expect a full recovery of your remodeling investment. Some estimates are as low as 40 cents on the dollar. Others, depending on what you remodel may recover more than 80%.

When to Remodel?

Other factors that will impact the return on your investment:
1. What sort of economic times are you experiencing? Are you in an up or down market?
2. How long do you tend to stay in the home? The longer the better for a good return on your investment.
3. How's the housing market in your area? Are you competing against a lot of new tract homes?
4. How will the remodel will impact your appraised value? Find out before you invest your money.
5. How strong is the resale market? Ask a local Realtor for comparable sales for your area.
6. How soon do you plan on selling?
7. Do you plan to sell with full MLS service, FSBO, or Flat Fee MLS?

Who should remodel?

Ask yourself who will do the remodel? How good are you at remodeling? If you're not really handy, maybe find a friend and barter or trade services. Are you going to do the work or hire the project out?

If you are considering remodeling, get three bids from local firms. Ask brokers, lenders, and appraisers if the cost of the remodel warrants completion. The percentage of return on the investment for remodeling will change over time and vary from area to area. Ask the professionals.

Weigh carefully the expense of remodeling based on the return. Do only those projects which will bring you a significantly higher sales price or greater family pleasure. Improvements and upgrades cause anguish for most sellers, because a seller wants to recover the full dollar value of the improvements. The industry standard suggests you will get back about 40 cents on every dollar. Don't expect to recover the full amount.

For Example, if you put in improvements totaling $10,000, you should expect a net return of approximately $4,000. As a seller, you must remember that you put in that nice brick walkway because you wanted it, not for its resale value.

What should you remodel?

Average 2007 cost vs. a value report - average ROI

Deck - 85.4%
A major kitchen remodel - 78.3%
A bathroom remodel - 78.3%

Kitchen and Bath remodels are always safe to consider for good dollar return on your investment.

Know this answer; are you adding something to the home that will bring you and your family pleasure and enjoyment or are you adding something to add value? Two very different considerations.

Areas of remodel that will bring you only marginal return on your investment are:
1. Home office
2. Sunroom additions
3. Family room additions
4. Master suite additions

Regional differences are also a consideration.

In the West Kitchens and baths are big.
East coast and North leans more to siding, dual pane window and energy types of remodeling.
The South is big on family rooms, sidings, kitchens and replacements.
And the Mid West leans toward kitchens, baths and decks.

Summary

Overall the two normally safe areas to consider upgrading and remodeling for the greatest return on your investment, are bathrooms and kitchens.

You need to answer these questions before you begin:
1. Why are you remodeling?
2. Who will do the remodeling?
3. What are you going to remodel?
4. How long do you plan to stay in the home?
5. How will you pay for the remodel?
6. What return on your investment are you expecting?

If you answer these questions and plan your project, you can probably recoup between 40 and 80 percent of your remodeling costs.

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