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Creating a Schedule for your Next Home Remodel

Home Remodeling Contractors in San Francisco CA

Home remodel projects, whether you are adding another level to your home or simply adding a small bump-out, can alter your typical routine and disrupt the normal order of your home until they are finally wrapped up. The end result is always worth it, but it can be a relief when you get your newly remodeled home to yourself again. But how long before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor? Putting together a schedule for your next project can help you get an idea of what to expect and is an essential tool for evaluating if the remodel is on time and on budget.

Plan it out

The first step in your home remodel should be a thorough and well-researched planning process, which you can anticipate taking around one month. This portion of your project includes articulating your vision, budgeting, and yes, creating a timeline. At this point, it is also a good idea to acquire any permits or wiring or plumbing schematics you may need to begin your remodel.

This phase of your project can also be helped along with the expertise of a home remodeling contractor or general contractor in your area – don’t hesitate to use them as a resource. At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we are happy to walk through the project with you, discuss the experience we have with the type of remodel you are doing, and share our insights in the planning process.

The next several steps of your remodel will vary depending on the size and complexity of what you are doing with your home, but generally speaking, most projects take between three and eight months to complete. When constructing your home remodel timeline, be sure to give yourself a little wiggle room. No matter how well prepared you and your team are for your project, it is very normal for there to be timing hiccups. Giving yourself a little padding in your schedule acknowledges Murphy’s Law while reducing your stress levels.

Schedule the project parts

For the bulk of your home remodel, there is usually an order of operations that is standard and ensures your project will go smoothly. For example, it makes sense to plan to do electrical and plumbing work after demolition and before framing and drywall. Once you know in what order to tackle the different parts of your project, you can start to build your timeline. As an example of a generic home remodel timeline, you can estimate two weeks for demolition; five days for electrical and plumbing; ten days for framing and drywall; one week for painting; ten days for installing fixtures and cabinets; five days for doors and windows; one day for cleaning up the project area and cleaning your air vents; one week for flooring; and one week for trim and finishing work. Lastly, be sure to keep in mind that some of these components of a home remodel may be able to overlap, while others will require the completion of the previous step before the next can begin.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983. Our general contractors are home remodeling experts and enjoy working with homeowners as they start the process with their next project. Contact us today to get started on your home remodel!

Mares & Dow Construction

September 21, 2018

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Home Remodeling Trends

Every year there is a new wave of remodeling and design trends that seek to capture home owners’ attention. This year, many of the trends are driven by a homeowner population that is staying longer in their homes and are seeking to revitalize their space and utilize more of it in efficient ways to fit their changing needs, all without breaking the budget. These remodeling goals can also be summarized by a trending design concept: lagom, which is a Swedish word meaning, “just the right amount,” and is meant to evoke designs that are understated and balanced. When you start working with your home remodeling contractor to put together your next project, consider these simple yet impactful ideas.

Large, open spaces

Many homeowners are embracing large, open spaces in their kitchens and living room, methodically removing walls and counters that break up the rooms. These spaces are also being remodeled to be diffused with natural light by adding large, energy efficient windows and skylights. For an even more minimalist design effect, kitchens are also being outfitted with open shelves instead of cabinets. An open kitchen or living room allows for more friends and family to gather, sharing the space for a dinner party or game night with ease.

Finished basements and attics

Why undertake an involved home addition when there is perfectly good space already available? Often underutilized, basements and attic designs are now the subject of many homeowners’ remodeling projects. Basements are transformed into offices and craft rooms or a place to lounge in solitude. Attics are reimagined as reading nooks and playrooms. Instead of using them as just another storage space, finishing one of these previously forgotten rooms can feel like your home just gained a significant amount of desirable square footage.

Remodeling for accessibility

A more functional but no less popular remodeling trend is to adapt homes for their multi-generational residents with greater accessibility needs. Many families now require houses that not only accommodate the new arrivals of children, but also parents and grandparents. For some homes, this means widening doorways and hallways and renovating bathrooms so they are wheelchair accessible or introducing ramps at entrances. In other situations, it may mean constructing a new room on the ground floor for easy, stair-free access. As more and more families welcome more generations into their homes, they are turning to creative remodeling solutions to reimagine their space in a way that can comfortably accommodate their changing needs.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has been serving the Bay Area since 1983. Our team of general contractors are home remodeling experts and can help you with your next project. Contact us today to get started!

Mares & Dow Construction

July 22, 2018

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Considering a Home Remodel? 5 Questions to Ask a Contractor

Home remodeling can be an exciting but an overwhelming undertaking on your own. While you may know what you want out of a remodel, it is difficult and complex to turn your dreams into reality. General contractors have the expertise you need to create a beautiful, long lasting remodel. Here are 5 questions to ask a contractor to get started on your home remodeling.

5 Questions to Ask a Contractor

Are my timeline and budget reasonable?

The first components of your remodel that you need your contractor to understand are your timeline and budget. Be realistic and upfront with your contractor. This will allow the contractor to provide you with accurate advice and estimations of what is possible for your home remodel.

What remodeling options are available for my home’s structure?

Let your contractor know what you need out of a remodel. Prepare by creating a list of your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” For example, must-haves might be the new bedroom you need because a family member is moving in or an additional dining space to accommodate a growing family. Nice-to-haves could be additional windows or appliances that you have been considering, but could be cut from the project if needed to fit your time and budget. Your contractor will survey your home to determine what options are available to you based on your home’s structure, timeframe, and budget.

What are the current design trends for my type of home remodeling?

A contractor will be up-to-date on current home remodeling design trends in your area. They can provide you with ideas from recent remodels as well as samples from magazines or design companies. Take your time considering what final look you want for your newly remodeled home. It is helpful to cut out magazine photos and place them in the area of your home that you will remodel, so you can envision what the space can look like in different styles.

What are the best materials?

Your contractor will also have the experience to source high-quality materials and local sub-contractors that will be able to give you a long-lasting installation. Ask your contractor about what materials they recommend for the remodel and the designs you choose. With a quality local home remodeling contractor, you will be able to rest easy that the materials you use in your remodel will last for years to come.

What are the long-term impacts of my remodel?

While many people undertake a remodel to fulfill evolving home needs, there are secondary considerations that your contractor can speak to. For example, you will want to understand how your remodel will impact your homes’ long-term value and maintenance costs. Ask your contractor if they are aware of options for your remodel that can increase the value of your home or reduce maintenance.

We hope you found 5 Questions to Ask a Contractor to be useful.

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we are experts at home remodeling and general contracting. We have been serving the Bay Area since 1983. Before you get started on your next home remodel, call us to discuss your plans and ensure you choose a general contractor that meets the needs of your project.