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That is a good question. Why does anyone choose to tackle a project at a given time? One, they have the money, two, they have the time and three they have the need or desire to do it.

What happens if you have 2 of the 3? Well, if you have the time and the desire and not the money, your next question is, can you get it?

Funding a remodel

Funding a remodel, or any purchase in your life, usually starts with a budget. How much do you want to spend? It is a good idea to do your research, see how things may cost and then try and estimate how much you are willing to spend to make it happen. Let’s say you want to remodel a half bathroom on your main floor. It is used quite frequently by your family and guests and toilet has stated running, the fixtures are dated and the wall paper, which was never very appealing to you when you bought the house, now it flat out bothers you.

How do you know what your budget should be? Make a list of all the items that you would like replaced and things you would like done. Sites like these help homeowners estimate projects. Know is advance that this is a general starting place and the location and cost of your remodel will differ from state to state. Some sites offer you a good, better or best option. Some may not have included sales tax, delivery charges for materials or equipment, preparation costs, cleanup costs, permits or inspection fees. Although this is a good start it should not be used as an exact budget. These sites are good starting points for those homeowners who are planning projects in advance or using a home equity loan to fund the project.  The company you choose for your remodeling project can show you your options when it comes to quality and price.  Either way, have your financial ducks in a row. The next step is to get at least 3 estimates.

Why three estimates?

Comparing companies and contractors is always a good idea. Making a decision to choose a contractor based solely on what a project may cost is not the way to choose the best man or woman for the job either. The best person for the job should also be the most qualified, have the most experience doing what you want done, has the work ethic (shows up on time, does what they say they will do, communicates with you throughout the process) and the personality that will fit with yours. If you keep in mind that the company you choose for this job will be in your home for a month or longer, this project and the end result, can be an experience you want to repeat or avoid with every bone in your body. You get to choose, so choose wisely.  As part of the process, ask for references. Ask to speak to someone who’s had work done recently, in the last 3-6 months (the remodeling experience is still fresh in their minds). Ask how they came to hear about the contractor you are considering.

Decide what’s important to you?

Of all the items on your list of “wants” and “needs” put them in order of importance. There is a saying, “You can have anything you want- you just can’t have everything you want.” Set a priority list and then, get ready to choose wisely or expand your budget. A really good remodeling specialist, Like Artisan Construction, can offer you ideas that will save your budget money in some areas and make the most of your budget in others.

A remodeling project can be a good experience for everyone involved. You need to have a budget, set your priorities and choose the best person for the job. When you think about it, the better the experience is for you, the better memories you will have every time you look at that new half bathroom. You’ll either be happy; because the project went as planned or it will be a reminder that you need to follow the advice in this article the next time!