Maybe you need more living space. Maybe your kitchen is outdated. Maybe you are itching for a spa-like bathroom or a family-friendly all season room addition. All of these things are possible in your current home with a well-planned home remodel. That’s where I come in.
I’m Grant Tschetter, owner of Boulder Creek Custom Homes. I have been in this business for nearly two decades and there are some key things I have learned about the remodeling process. The most important is this: Unless you are a professional, it’s best not to DIY your home remodel projects, with very few exceptions.
Believe me, I understand the lure of the DIY. There are dozens of TV shows that make it seem so easy. Trust me. It’s not. If you watch those shows, you also know how often unexpected surprises pop up. You see how much time it takes, the creative solutions involved and the difference a professional eye can make. Plus, most remodels require specific tools and equipment your probably don’t own or know how to operate unless you do it for a living.
If it is cost-savings you’re after, consider the fact that most professional contractors get contractor’s rates on materials and can do the job in way less time than you can. They know where to save and where to spend to get the most value. Also, if you don’t get it right the first time with a DIY, fixing it and doing it over is often the costliest mistake of all.
If you’ve gotten this far and you’re still considering a DIY remodel, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you know exactly what you want your project to look like and how to get it there?
Do you have the time to complete this project without turning your life upside down?
Have you ever undertaken a project like this before?
Do you have the tools, equipment and materials necessary to complete the project?
Are you familiar with the applicable building codes and permits?
Do you enjoy physical labor?
Do you have the necessary skills for this project?
If not, do you have the time and resources to learn these skills? Are you sure this is even in your wheelhouse?
Where will you obtain the necessary materials?
If you cannot complete the project according to your original schedule, are you (and your family) prepared to handle the resulting inconvenience?
Will you need assistance with this project? If so, who will assist you? Do they have the time and skills required for this project?
Do you understand all the safety issues associated with this project?
Are you familiar with the architecture and structural makeup of your home (how knocking down one wall will affect the rest of the structure)?
Have you considered the hidden costs associated with doing it yourself — time, tools, and the possibility that you may actually decrease the value of your house if the result isn’t up to professional standards?
What does your spouse or partner actually think about this (I have witnessed some nasty arguments, please be on the same page).
If you answered NO to any of these questions, do yourself a favor and call me. I am a professional with hundreds of happy customer referrals. My crew is respectful, friendly and clean. We always have your best interest in mind, and I promise we will surpass your expectations.
Now let’s remodel!