What Do I Ask My Contractor?

When National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) contractors were asked what questions homeowners asked most frequently, the group unanimously agreed that their most popular queries were:

• When can you start?
• When will you be finished?
• What time will you knock on my door each morning?
• What time will you quit for the day?
• Are you going to work every day?
• Can you finish before (insert any major holiday or significant family event)?
• How much will it cost per square foot?

Unfortunately, these are not the type of questions that are going to tell you much about a particular remodeling contractor.

Better, instead are questions such as:

Here are some questions NARI members recommend you ask before signing a remodeling contract:

• How long have you been in business?
• Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
• Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
• Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance? (Always verify this information by calling the agency. A copy of an insurance certificate does not let you know if the policy is still current. Even if the certificate has an expiration date, you cannot tell if the insurance has been canceled by either party. If licensing is required in your state also ask if the contractor is licensed and call to verify compliance with the law. Not all states offer or require licensing. Check with your local or state government agencies.)
• What is your approach to a project such as this?
• How many projects like mine have you completed?
• What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
• Have you or your employees been certified in remodeling or had any special training or education?

You'll be better prepared to secure a good quality remodeling contractor. 

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.SouthlakeRR.com

Planning a New Kitchen? Read This Before You Start (III)

Part 3

For some, a new kitchen is simply a case of updating cabinets and equipment, but for the discerning homeowner, it’s an opportunity to completely re-plan the room -- to increase its size or capabilities. We are happy to share your top tips for managing a successful remodeling project:

    * Get estimates from two or three different professionals. Be clear about what you want done and ask for a written specification and quotation.
    * Ask for references and talk to previous customers. A good remodeler will provide you with credentials and references. Seek jobs similar to your own.

    * If the builder is a member of a trade association, check the membership criteria – and make sure they really are. Some disreputable handymen have been known to inflate their credentials by falsely claiming membership.
    * Avoid adding to the job or changing your mind halfway through – it will usually cost more and cause delays. Confirm any changes you do make in writing.
    * Use a contract – plain English agreements, in writing, work fine for small building work.
    * Agree on staged and final payments before work starts.
    * Avoid dealing in cash.
    * If any problems arise while work is in progress, or you are unhappy about anything, talk to your remodeler right away. A good one will work to make it right -- and want to -- before the project is finished.


Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.SouthlakeRR.com

Planning a New Kitchen? Read This Before You Start (II)

For some, a new kitchen is simply a case of updating cabinets and equipment, but for the discerning homeowner, it’s an opportunity to completely re-plan the room -- to increase its size or capabilities.


Part 2

Last time we began discussing how to approach a kitchen redesign. We left off with the important issue of safety and competence.

Safety and Competence
Moving or changing utility points (water, gas and electrical) will add to the cost of the project, but this is the time to make sure that you have a good supply of well-placed electrical outlets.

Lend Your Support
If you are renewing an existing kitchen, your remodeler can help you with plans and drawings, but major alterations to the existing layout – for example taking out a wall or building an extension – will almost certainly require additional supports to the existing structure. Be sure you discuss that and get the right professional advice.

Check Out the Rules
Planning permission is not always necessary for small extensions but you should ask if the work can be done within permitted development. All extensions must, however, meet Building Regulations. An informed professional can help get this done.

Are You Floored?
Think about flooring – can you overlay your chosen material on to your existing floor? Make sure whatever you choose is suitable for kitchen spills and water leaks which are inevitable. Some laminate flooring, for example, does not cope too well with leaks.

Use the Pros
Finding a professional company to transform your kitchen won't be a problem. A good place to start is to ask friends and relatives who have had similar work done to recommend someone – they are only likely to do so if they had a good experience.

Lastly, during the construction work think about how you are going to cope without kitchen facilities. Most remodelers will work around your family needs but the hot water and cooking facilities will inevitably need moving at some point so get your contingency plan in place.

Next up: Top Tips for a Successful Kitchen Remodel


Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.SouthlakeRR.com

Planning a new kitchen? Read this before you start

Counters, cabinets, tiling, lighting and more.

For some, a new kitchen is simply a case of updating cabinets and equipment, but for the discerning homeowner, it’s an opportunity to completely re-plan the room -- to increase its size or capabilities.

Part 1


Decisions, Decisions
Whether you are increasing the available space or not, do some ground work before you start. Before you consult a remodeling expert take some time to think about how you will use the room. Are you going to be eating in the kitchen? Do you want it as a family gathering space? Will you need an informal seating area? Are you a passionate cook who needs lots of work space, or a quick and ready cook that needs a couple of microwaves?

Where Are Your Drains?
One of the most important considerations when you start planning your kitchen is drainage. If you start moving pipes about to accommodate layout this can prove expensive and may not be in line with building regulations. If you are changing things it is always advisable to check out your ideas before you start.

The Eternal Triangle
When you are planning the preparation area, remember the working triangle theory linking the oven, fridge and sink. Make sure they are close together and incorporate worktops between then wherever possible to allow food preparation and somewhere to place pots before the next operation in the cooking procedure. Finally, think about storage and how much is needed for cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils as well as groceries.

Next up: Safety and Competence


Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.SouthlakeRR.com

To Cover Your Walls: It Ain't Just Paint

We just recently built a new room that left the homeowner with several new walls to decorate. The homeowner didn't find anything she liked in the multitude of collections of wallpapers at several area design centers. I suggested she browse the following online collection and ureka! She fell in love!

She even added this to the boy's room.

Design Your Wall (designyourwall.com) turns images into custom sheets of wallpaper. An array of materials is available, including Terralon, polyester and natural fiber that contains more than 30 percent recycled materials, plus heavyweight vinyl and more textured materials like grass cloth. Prices are by the square foot, from $7.95 for heavy artist canvas to $9.25 for Mylar or foil.

Stylish and unique wallpaper and murals designed in-house or licensed from artists all over the world.

"One of a kind" wall decor products
Getting an image to a wall is a longer process, with considerable back and forth between customer and company, which makes sense since your final product is far more permanent than, say, hanging a canvas on the wall. A company representative works with a customer to discuss the best material for the image, and scaled-down versions of an order are printed on the materials under consideration for $5 each.


If you're looking for wall coverings, and know what you want, or are having a hard time finding something that clicks with your inner designer, you may want to look here.

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.southlakerr.com