So here, ripped from the headlines so to speak, are my
Top Ten Tips for Remodeling. Read ‘em and weep.

1. There is a solution to every situation. But it’s
not necessarily yours. You go where the solution is – it
doesn’t come to you.

2. There is no medicine for whatever ails you quite like hard, exhausting, purposeful work.

3. Chew your own food. Don’t make your
problems other peoples. They’ve got their own.

4. I’m not psychic. Maybe you are.
Guesstimates of time and money are just that.
Reality has a way of intruding. When in doubt – go
with Reality. (I don’t know when I’m going to die
either).

5. Pain fades with time. Remodeling is like giving
birth. When you’re in the middle of delivery you
swear you’ll never do it again. But then the kid turns out to
be a looker, a few years go by…..Yadda yadda yadda – you’re in escrow.

6. There are no problems – only opportunities
for creativity, action and collaboration.

7. You’re born alone, you die alone – you don’t
have to win alone. Everyone can win. Some win more
than others but there’s enough in the pot to spread
around. If you squeeze a vendor to bid a job so
low that they can’t make money, harbor
resentment and cut corners – you both lose.

8. Nobody owes you anything. If they help you
it’s because they’re generous people. Acknowledge
them.

9. Everything comes to an end. And then it starts
up again.

10. Remodeling really is like Improv. You show up
without a script. You have no idea what’s going to
happen next ( except you can be sure that whatever
you think it’ll be – you’re wrong). You’re dependent
on others for their performances. So help them shine.
You make it work by paying attention to everything
and dealing with whatever Reality presents to you. Do
the best you can with the resources you have and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

11. Okay, I lied. There are more than Ten Tips to Remodeling. There are actually thousands. This last one, though, is the most important. Don’t forget to put yourself on your own Punch List. No pressure of work or money is reason enough not to eat right,sleep enough, monitor your health and appreciate your
family.

Avoid remodelers at all costs when:

* You can’t verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler.
* The salesperson tries to pressure you into signing a contract.
* The company or salesperson says your home will be used for advertising purposes so you will be given a “special, low rate.”
* The builder/remodeler tells you a special price is available only if you sign the contract “today.”
* No references are furnished.
* Information you receive from the contractor is out-of-date or no longer valid.
* You are unable to verify the license or insurance information.
* You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance, or to pay in cash to a salesperson instead of by check or money order to the company itself.
* The company cannot be found in the telephone book, is not listed with the local Better Business Bureau, or with a local trade association, such as NARI.
* The contractor does not offer, inform or extend notice of your right to cancel the contract within three days. Notification in writing of your Right of Recision is required by law. This grace period allows you to change your mind and declare the contract null and void without penalty (if the agreement was solicited at some place other than the contractor’s place of business or appropriate trade premises-in your home, for instance.)

In addition, be cautious when:

* You are given vague or reluctant answers.
* The contractor exhibits poor communication skills or descriptive powers.
* The contractor is not accessible.
* Your questions are not answered to your satisfaction.
* The contractor is impatient and does not listen.
* Only the work is addressed, instead of your needs as the homeowner.
* There is no presentation book of previous projects presented

In the Bathroom

* Consider reglazing a tub instead of replacing it, especially if it is still in relatively good condition. This can save you more than half the cost of a tub replacement and minimize the dust at the same time.

* Cultured marble sheets are a good choice for tub surrounds, instead of ceramic tile. You will save considerably on labor costs and the marble sheets are much easier to clean.

* Fiberglass surrounds are also less costly than tile.

* Examine how you are utilizing space. You may be able to steal some space from a neighboring room or closet. If your overall space is limited, purchase a jetted tub and shower combination or install a pedestal lavatory instead of a vanity cabinet with a sink. Understand that while pedestal lavatories do eliminate the need for vanities and save space, some models may cost more than a separate vanity cabinet and sink.

* Cultured marble lavatories can be a great budget choice since it is an integrated sink bowl and countertop sold in one easily installed unit.

* Define what is truly needed in the bathroom. Sometimes an extra bath is planned when installing a double sink in an existing bath would meet the need.

* If you are going to add a large jetted tub to your project, consider adding a water heater dedicated to that tub. A large jetted tub can hold up to an average of 75 gallons or more, which can easily overextend your existing water heater and cause problems in the future.

* When revamping yesterday’s bathroom to fit with today’s homeowners’ expectations for luxury, homeowners can familiarize themselves with the latest options in home spa advancements. One such indulgence is an electric warming system beneath your new stone or tile floor.

Now you can get started!

In the Kitchen:

* If at all possible, reuse existing appliances, and build your new cabinets around them. This could save you anywhere from $1,500–5,000 easily. However, be aware that appliances, like anything electrical, are sensitive to change and may develop problems if they are moved. Should you decide to avoid potential appliance “burn–out” and purchase new appliances, choose energy conscious models for a reduction in your utility bills.

* Maintain present location of major fixtures, appliances and utilities relative to the plumbing, gas and electrical outlets. This could even apply to the location of the telephone. Moving plumbing, wiring and jacks can be extremely expensive.

* The faucet can be a costly item. The least expensive selection is chrome. Even a high-end chrome faucet is considerably less than a mid-range brass or porcelain version. A standard two-handle faucet generally costs less than single handle. Faucets and handles are sold separately, so you may want to choose a chrome faucet with brass or porcelain handles for a different look. Faucet caution: The price variances in faucets reflect the various internal and external features. Always choose a faucet with replaceable internal parts. You won’t want to have to replace the entire faucet if it breaks – it’s simply not cost-effective.

* Choose neutral colors in fixtures, appliances and laminates. They are less expensive initially and wont look dated when the color trends change. White and almond sinks are much cheaper than color varieties. And neutral laminate colors for countertops are less than custom colors or textures.

* Good floor covering is important. It ties one room to another and provides visual consistency. Familiarize yourself with the prices of the various flooring materials to make the best decision for your home. To get you started, vinyl or laminate flooring is less expensive than wood, tile or slate.

* Use the existing floor covering if it is still in good condition. If the kitchen has old vinyl flooring, there may be a hardwood floor underneath that could be sanded and refinished, avoiding the need for a new floor entirely.

* If you currently have a vinyl floor covering and wish to update with a newer version, you can install synthetic floor leveler material over the existing vinyl floor and lay the new vinyl flooring on top, rather than tearing the old flooring off to install the new.

* Consider your cabinet options carefully. Those choices will drive the overall price. You can add some options at a later date to defray some of the initial cost. Some that are easy to add include tilt front doors, spice racks and slide out wire baskets. However, if you decide to wait, make certain that the option you want will be available and can be added after installation. Note of caution: Waiting will cost you more in the long run. Adding new cabinets often requires installing a new floor. Refacing existing cabinets not only eliminates the need for new flooring, countertops and appliances altogether, it is a major savings in any kitchen remodel.

* Go with a simple design in the kitchen employing single height wall cabinets, blind corner cabinets rather than those with Lazy Susans, and other standard options. Watch your upgrades.

* Use standard cabinetry instead of custom cabinets, or use a combination of the two if they are compatible.

* Choose cabinets that can be operated without the addition of hardware (those that are finger–pulled).

* Install cabinets without soffits to decrease the labor cost. Also consider cabinets without trim moldings or with simple trim.

* If you are going to put in new wood trim (in your crown molding, trims, and door casings) to match the new cabinets, order pre–finished trim instead of having the painting or staining done on–site. This will decrease labor cost. Ordering finger–jointed vs. clear vertical grain also will save you money.

* Consider stenciling on the backsplash instead of using tile.

* Laminate countertops are the least expensive choice among solid surfacing, tile and granite. You can dress it up with wood or tile trim for a more innovative look.

* Connect fluorescent light fixtures to the existing ceiling fixture box instead of installing new recessed lighting, which may require a new ceiling because of the recessed features.

Now that you’ve read this – go- create a new kitchen!

Getting Started

* The most important step is finding a professional remodeling contractor for your job. Check out Find a Professional Remodeler on www.RemodelToday.com for a contractor near you.

* Hire a professional contractor who is familiar with the building codes in your area. Updating work that does not meet code can be extremely expensive.

* A well–written contract can prevent costly mistakes or additions to the scope of your project. It is a critical step in maintaining your budget.

* Save money by planning ahead. Go through the design process first and choose everything you want to include in the new room(s), from appliances to light fixtures, etc. This will define your budget and prevent hasty (and costly) decisions later in the project. Be sure to include all your product and material selections in the contract to avoid confusion and unnecessary change orders. Include the model, size, color, and other specifications. It is also wise to save 10–20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of work.

* The number one way to decrease the cost of your remodeling project is product choices. Look around to determine whether you can achieve a similar look with a less expensive product.

* In addition, pay attention to how labor intensive some design features may be, for example laying ceramic tile on kitchen countertops and the backsplash.

* Compare products and their prices carefully before you make final decisions. And keep an open mind when you discuss product and design ideas with your contractor.

* Make decisions based on value and quality, not just price.

* Think about staging the work being done to minimize the initial financial impact. It is often easier to create a more manageable budget by starting small and adding to the project at a later date. This will break the work into several jobs instead of one large project. The down side of staging a remodel is that you may end up paying more in the long run.

General Remodeling Tips

* Be creative. There are often multiple solutions to accomplish a design objective, some more expensive than others. Discuss various options with your contractor.
* If all the room really needs is a facelift, make the most of changes with paint, as opposed to structural changes. Changing the color of a room can revitalize it. This is the easiest way to bring life to a room on a budget.
* Heavy or textured wallpaper can work wonders as well. You can save money by wallpapering a slightly damaged wall rather than replacing it. If the wall has grass cloth wallpaper on it, consider whitewashing it for a totally new look. Several layers of whitewash (in various shades of white) produce a clean, sophisticated look in any room.
* Faux finish painting or other textured decorative painting techniques also can hide minor damage or irregularities that flat paint won’t.
* Attempt to keep windows in their existing places during a remodeling project. Moving windows is not a cost–saving endeavor.

Finding Space

* Creating more space can be a big budget buster. Once you add square footage to a home, the price increases significantly. One alternative is to borrow space from a neighboring room (called space reconfiguration). A great place to steal space for a bathroom expansion is from the linen closet. You can make up some of the lost storage by finding small spaces in between wall studs for small niches or built–in shelves.
* You can also try borrowing space with optical illusions. There are many ways to make a small room appear larger. To transform a small bath, install a bow window or a skylight. Vaulted ceilings can be a nice touch, too.
* If you are going to expand outside the existing home, consider a small bump out of two to four feet. This may allow you to cantilever the floor joists and eliminate the need for excavation and foundation. If possible, be careful not to extend beyond the roofline, which might require a new roofline to your job.
* Whenever you are adding on new space to a home, have a heating/cooling contractor determine whether your existing heating/air conditioning system can accommodate and heat/cool the extra space. If the heating/cooling system is damaged, you will be forced to replace the existing units.

Each remodeling job is different, we offer tips for kitchens and bathrooms specifically.

“The bones begin to creek a little more as you age — things that don’t happen when you are younger,” says Morris Carey, one of the Carey Bros., nationally recognized experts on home building and renovation. As a baby boomer himself, he knows the changes this generation faces.

Their nationally syndicated radio show, “On The House,” has partnered with Premier Bathrooms, a company that specializes in walk-in bathtubs, disabled bathrooms and assisted bathing products, to help educate people on how to make sure their home is safe and secure so they can maintain their independence as long as possible.

“When looking at the safety of a home, the bathroom is top of mind, especially for baby boomers” says Iain Whyte, CEO of Premier Care In Bathing. “It’s a highly-used area where many accidents can occur. Start with this room when considering safety.”

Here are some easy tips from Premier Bathrooms and the Carey Bros. for creating a safe and secure house for aging adults:

1. Safer flooring
Hard floors like linoleum, hardwood and concrete become a hazard for slipping and injury as we age. Many people choose to install carpet because it does not lift and move, reducing the chance of tripping. Plus it is warmer on feet and softer if there is a fall. If you do choose to keep your hard floors, make sure they are free of clutter and clean up any wet areas right away. In bathrooms, use a non-slip flooring option and rugs that have a sticky backing.

2. Walk-in tubs
Walk-in tubs like the ones from Premier Bathrooms are great for seniors that want to take baths but don’t want to climb over a big ledge and risk slipping and falling. The walk-in door is the main reason people choose these types of tubs, but the benefits don’t stop there. With a contoured seat and hydrotherapy system, walk-in tubs are a must for someone who wants to remain independent in their home and stay healthy. Different models are available with unique features like temperature control and automatic seat lifts so you can find one that is right for you.

3. Higher toilet
They are called handicapped toilets, senior toilets and tall toilets, but whatever the name they are a great idea for aging people. These types of toilets sit higher off the floor so that the user doesn’t have to bend their knees as much to get up and down. Ease of use becomes key as we age.

4. Wider doorways
Whether we like it or not, most baby boomers will eventually use a walker, cane or wheel chair. Door openings are rather small, especially in older houses. Wider doorways make walking around the home easy, no matter what your life situation. Plus it’s great when the grandkids come over in a stroller.

5. Good lighting
Low lighting can be disastrous for aging adults whose vision isn’t as good as it used to be. It’s important to have well-lit rooms and walkways so that it’s easy to get around all areas of the house. Make sure you are using lights that are easy to reach and use so that you can walk around in confidence.

“These steps are a great start to help people live comfortably in their home,” says Carey. And Whyte agrees, “Life changes mean changes to our homes too. Living your golden years in a safe and secure house is very important for both health and comfort.”

For more information visit www.premier-bathrooms.com, call (800) 578-2899 or www.onthehouse.com.

The recent economic downturn has forced 67 percent of homeowners to rethink their plans, with the biggest changes including doing work themselves (42%), fixing or sprucing up what they already have (39%) and remodeling in phases (36%). The biggest reason consumers are cutting back on remodeling is because they simply do not have the money (42%).

Funding for home remodeling stems from a variety of places, but two out of three (66%) homeowners support their projects with their savings. Others plan to cut back on travel and entertainment (29%), while one out of five (21%) are using a home equity or other loan.

Ninety-one percent of homeowners have already gotten their hands dirty with either a repair or remodeling project. But not all repairs or remodeling projects went smoothly for DIY respondents, with over one third (34%) having at least one regret stemming from trying to fix a broken appliance, installing tile, floors or cabinets.

“Whether homeowners are venturing into a project themselves or plan to hire a professional, you need to lay out a budget, decide what you want most at the end of the project — and decide what you can live without,” says Bob Markovich, senior home editor at Consumer Reports. “The more homeowners know what they’re getting into, the more money they’ll save.”

Consumer Reports Readers Reveal Top 5 Remodeling Headaches

According to the poll, the most popular remodeling projects for homeowners are kitchens (19%) and bathrooms (17%). In another survey, Consumer Reports asked 6,000 readers to reveal what went wrong when they remodeled their kitchens and baths and how much those mistakes added to the overall cost of their projects. Here’s how to avoid their mistakes and save:

1. Don’t rush in. Changing plans is the most common, but costliest remodeling gaffe, adding $1,500 to kitchen projects and $650 to bath remodels. Be sure to leave time for research and create a comprehensive plan, listing every product.
2. Prepare for the unexpected. There’s a lot going on behind the walls. Unexpected water damage was an issue with 17 percent of bathroom remodels, while structural problems caused headaches for 10 percent of kitchen projects. A good contractor will be able to anticipate, allowing the homeowner to budget accordingly.
3. Don’t chase the low ball. Contractors are lowering their profit margins due to the tight market, but they often make up their costs in labor or other areas. Readers who went for the lowball ended up spending a median of $1,500 extra for labor on their kitchens and $1,000 extra on their bathrooms. Don’t sign a contract with a lot of open-ended amounts for products and materials — these are called “allowances,” in contractor speak.
4. Get the paperwork in order. Have the contractor attach copies of his up-to-date license, insurance, and workers’ compensation policies to the written contract. He should also get permits and provide a lien waiver when the job is done; this will keep suppliers from contacting the homeowner for unpaid bills.
5. Focus on the boring bits. Specifying lighting and placement of trash cans are not much fun, but are critical to the process. For example, the proper exhaust fan will prevent mildew in baths and vent odors in kitchens.