With the weather we've had lately, you are probably thinking of Spring projects. If you aren't ready or willing to sell in the New Jersey real estate market of today, remodeling - at least small projects - probably sounds intriguing. It could be a way to change part of your home to make it more livable for you, or perhaps add an improvement for when you do sell. Here are 5 Tips for Remodeling your Mercer County home.
1. Make a list of ideas and prepare a budget
You probably already have some projects in mind. Prioritize them, then invite a professional remodeler to visit your home and give you cost estimates.
2. Hire a Professional
Start by searching NAHB's Directory of Professional Remodelers at www.nahb.org/remodel. You'll get a list of nearby remodelers to contact. Asking realtors, friends, and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project.
3. Check his or her references
After you narrow down the professionals who match your project's needs, conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references, and asking if they are a trade association member (such as NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated, and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.
4. Prepare and sign a contract
Don't hire any professional without a thorough understanding of what they will accomplish and charge and get it in writing. You'll want to check the remodelers' insurance coverage, ask about any warranties on their work, know who is responsible for obtaining any building permits, and understand the process for making any change orders after the contract is signed. Make sure that you and your remodeler see eye to eye before you sign on the dotted line.
5. Use the energy efficiency tax credits now available
There are credits for doors, wndows, insulation, heating, air condtioning, water heater, energy-generation products, and more. Make sure the professional you hire uses the latest green materials and design, and informs you of the tax savings for each item.
I've had many years of experience in the building trades and can help you choose a remodeler or advise on which projects will bring you the most value for the cost. A good place to start thinking of what remodel you might want is to look at the sales prices of your neighbors' homes. Use the search page on my web site, and contact me for real estate specifics on any Mercer County or Hamilton NJ community.
Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.net/
http://www.newjerseynewhomes.blogspot.com/
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