By Joe O’Halloran
Whether it’s leaky faucets, tattered cabinets or worn-out floors, home remodeling becomes a necessity with time. However necessary it is, though, home renovations come with a price tag—a price tag that may be too costly for some homeowners during current economic times. But being able to create the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams in spite of cost is a lot easier than you think, that is if you are willing to follow a few basic tips that contractors say will dress up your house, all while keeping your budget in line.
When homeowners think of remodeling their house, they usually cringe at the thought of price and, in an effort to appear in control, will generally keep mum about their actual budget to a contractor for fear that the project will cost them the entire budget. Joanne Bechhoff, vice president of Manorville-based of G.B. Construction says the first step in renovating your home in a tough economy is to be honest when it comes to price.
“People need to be honest with themselves and the contractor with their budgets. Give the contractor an honest budget and they will be able to showcase cabinets and other fixtures within that budget,” says Bechoff.
She says shopping around for contractors is just as important as shopping for furniture. She says a contractor that is credible and up-to-date is going to look out for you and give you what you want.
“The National Association of the Remodeling Industry website (www.nari.org) is an excellent source for people who are new to the remodeling process to view all accredited contractors in their area,” she says.
Dave Gallagher, manager of Kitchen & Bath Distributor in Bellmore, says that when people are deciding to renovate either their kitchen or bath, it is important that they shop around and keep an open mind for all possibilities.
“It is important to shop around and find the best prices out there, and weigh your options. You need to balance your needs and your wants, because your needs will keep you within your budget, and your wants will almost always put you over,” he says.
Bechhoff says that with the economy the way it is, she has seen visible changes with the scope of work performed by her company. She says people are cutting back on their decision of new construction and focusing more on renovating what they already have.
Gallagher agrees, saying he has seen an initial decrease in inquires, but that more and more people are deciding to “get their feet wet,” causing an increase in business.
“Anything is possible if people decide to renovate, they just need to keep an open mind. When people walk into a showroom, they generally have a feel for their likes and dislikes, but should take a look at all possibilities within their price range and stay honest,” Bechhoff says.