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CREATE YOUR DREAM |
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Have you been dreaming
about remodeling? Maybe you want to turn your bathroom
into a luxurious home spa; transform your kitchen into
a cooking/entertaining center; or maybe you need more
living space and a dramatic renovation like adding a
room, another level to your house or combining apartments.
Whatever your dream, we can help you make it a reality.
First, let’s acknowledge a well-known truth about
remodeling – you’re scared! Or, if scared
is too strong a word, you’re apprehensive or nervous.
With good reason; your most intimate space – your
home – will be turned into a construction site,
leaving you wondering when (and if) your life will ever
return to normal. Perhaps you’ve already experienced
a previous renovation or heard horror stories from someone
who has. Let’s face it; the future of your dream
home lies in the hands of strangers – even though
you’ll do your best to hire reputable professionals.
We’ve tackled the problems that come with remodeling
and developed the following guide for you to follow
– whatever your budget may be. We’ll tell
you what you can do for yourself and how MyHome can
help you. These nine steps will alleviate your fears
and show you how your dream can become reality.
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Step
One - Envision Your Dream
Use your imagination to see the ideal look and
layout of the space you’re planning to renovate.
Try to visualize it on your own, first, without
using magazine photos or showrooms. Make a wish
list.
If you need help with your vision, call MyHome
for a free consultation with a remodeling consultant
– either over the phone or in your home.
(We don’t charge $100 to $2500 just to share
ideas with you, like other companies.) Our remodeling
consultants are trained and knowledgeable about
planning and designing all types of projects.
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Step
Two - Define Your Dream
Research, research, research. Visit kitchen and
bath showrooms as well as tile, plumbing fixture
and appliance stores to get ideas of what’s
out there and how it will fit into your lifestyle.
Take notes on specific models and styles you like.
Go on the Internet. You’ll find a wealth
of design ideas you can tap into. Browse home
design magazines. They’re an excellent source
for finding beautifully detailed spaces that appeal
to your sense of style. Find a picture of one
or two specific items like a wall tile, sink or
countertop – that’s enough to begin
the design process.
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Step
Three - Price Your Dream
Your research will give you some idea of how much
the materials for your dream will cost. But what
about the labor? Many people have no idea how
much construction costs unless you’ve been
through it already or know someone who has. You
need an estimate. This is the best way to get
an idea of the scope and cost of your renovation.
Beware of those companies that require a non-refundable
deposit for a proposal – sure most of them
will credit your deposit toward materials you
buy from them, but what if you don’t feel
comfortable with that company doing the work –
there goes your deposit. Also, when interviewing
contractors to do the work, make sure you take
the time to review our report: 15 Critical Questions
to Ask a Contractor BEFORE You Sign a Contract.
MyHome will provide you a full labor proposal
with a firm price quote. We don’t low-ball
our quotes to get the job then increase the price
as the project goes on. We know you don’t
like the “nickel and dime” technique
many contractors use, so be wary of low-ball contractors
and ask yourself: “Do I really want the
contractor, who came in 20-30% lower than everyone
else to be the one who works on my most prized
possession?”
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Step
Four - Design Your Dream
Take a shot at designing your space. Measuring,
of course, is the first step in the design process.
Determine how much space you have to work with.
Will the materials you’re contemplating
fit in the space? Will they look good? Try to
draw the basic layout of how you’d like
things to look.
Alternatively, you can hire a designer. They will
charge a fee to meet with you and prepare drawings,
either based upon the project or an hourly basis.
Be sure to check credentials before hiring a designer
and look at his/her portfolio. You probably should
speak with some references too.
If you work with MyHome, we include the design
phase in our services to you, at no additional
cost!
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Step
Five - Purchasing Your Materials
With your design in place, it’s time to
start buying all those materials you admired.
Be sure to make a materials list and pick out
everything you’ll need. Chances are you’ll
have to go to numerous stores and/or deal with
many different sales people. (Even if you go to
one of the major home improvement stores that
carry almost everything, you’ll need to
shop in the various departments.) Make sure you
bring your designs so the various store clerks
can, hopefully, help you with your selections.
Remember to order materials that can be delivered
within the timeframe you have for your project.
And, when setting up the deliveries, remember
that someone will have to be available to accept
them. Try to arrange the deliveries so you don’t
have too many materials in your home long before
the project is set to begin. For example, you
don’t want your refrigerator, dishwasher,
stove or bathtub sitting in your living room for
weeks before they’ll be installed. Also,
certain products, such as tiles, may only be delivered
to the curb, so you must make arrangements to
get them into your home.
If you work with MyHome, your remodeling consultant
will help you choose and finalize all your materials;
we’ll place the orders for you; and we’ll
accept the deliveries at our warehouse, one of
our showrooms, or directly at the job site when
we’re ready to install them. And, for your
protection, if you buy any products from MyHome
based on our designs and it doesn't fit, comes
in damaged, is incorrect or there are any other
technical problems, it is our responsibility to
replace, fix or service it at no additional cost.
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Step
Six - Scheduling & Planning
When all your materials are ordered and you either
have them in your possession or know when they’ll
arrive, it’s time to schedule your project.
If you haven’t chosen your contractor yet,
you’d better get moving. Some contractors
have a long waiting period before they can start
a project. Also, if it is necessary, be sure you
and your contractor got the project approved by
your condo or coop board, and under certain circumstances,
by the New York City Department of Buildings.
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Step
Seven - Under Construction
Time to start your project! If you’re able
to live off-premises during any substantial renovation,
we strongly recommend it. It will make your life,
and the lives of all those involved, much more
convenient. Nobody enjoys living in a home that
is under construction. Just be sure you stay on
top of the construction progress as it is made.
Stay in communication with your contractor to
make your needs known and to be sure any problems
that arise are taken care of promptly. All parts
of these nine steps are important, but this is
the most crucial piece. It is during the construction
that your life will be in the most turmoil, especially
if you are living in the home during the renovation.
So, it is the part you will remember most. Even
if the end result is a fantastic renovation, if
the contractor puts you through hell, you’ll
never forget (or forgive) it.
At MyHome, one of our project managers will supervise
your project and handle the day-to-day operations,
ensuring everything is performed correctly and
on schedule. Should unexpected issues arise, your
project manager will respond to them efficiently
and effectively. We know that construction is
always an unpleasant experience. MyHome has no
magic trick that will avoid the dust, aggravation,
and unforeseen problems. However, we promise that
we will do whatever it takes to solve every problem
promptly and efficiently and will not stop until
you're satisfied.
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Step
Eight - Making Sure Your Dreams Come True
Typically, some loose ends must be tied up at
the end of every project. These are called “touch-ups.”
Common touch-up items may include replacing a
door handle or cabinet panel. Make sure your contractor
takes care of these touch-up items before you
pay the final bill. Sometimes it’s hard
enough to get a contractor to complete a job,
even when there is a balance, because they are
likely on to the next project. If you pay the
balance before the touch-ups are done, you may
never see the contractor again.
At MyHome, your project manager will help compile
your touch-up list and expedite its completion.
We take pride in, and responsibility for, completing
your project. Once that happens, you can begin
enjoying the dream that you turned in to a reality!
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Step
Nine - Guaranteeing That Your Dream Doesn't Become
A Nightmare
Now that the work is done and all the materials
are installed, you need to make sure you have
some protection against things going badly in
the future, such as cabinets coming loose, tiles
separating, accessories not working, etc. If you
work with a contractor, make sure you get some
warranty, in writing for the work. Also, make
sure the contractor gives you more than just a
cell phone or beeper number, otherwise you may
never be able to find him if you need the warranty
honored.
When you work with MyHome, you get a full 5-year
warranty on all the labor we do. It’s
an unprecedented guaranty in the industry,
but we
are happy to offer it for our clients’ comfort.
Plus, you get all the manufacturers’ warranties
on the materials we purchase for you.
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