By Michael McCutcheon for the Mercury News Q: How can I keep my home and family safe during a remodel? A: That's a great question. Clients usually dwell on price vs. quality, and the remodeling schedule, but rarely do they seriously consider the safety of their family and home during a remodel. Yet I would argue…
When Harriet Burke and her daughter Kathy Scheidemen decided to expand Burke’s 1961 tract house into a “green,” energy-efficient home for the two of them, they agreed they would spend $200,000 and “not a penny more,” Scheidemen recalls. The two women made a list of their desires, including two separate living areas, vaulted wood ceilings,…
A recent article on Bankrate.com, nicely written by Margarette Burnette, lists four steps to make sure you don't end up with a nightmare remodeling story to share at dinner parties. Sure, a nightmare remodel makes for some lively minutes of banter. But really, in the end, you want a successful remodel. If you need something…
I don't mean to make fun of these adorable children dressed up like adults. Really I don't. They're precious. But this image got me thinking about what happens when people involved in a remodel — homeowners, designer, contractor, craftsmen — act like children. Is that not frustrating? So what kinds of childish behaviors are there? …
Before we get started here, let's establish one fact: This economic recession we're in will end. Our lives will get back to normal. And those who undertake whole-house remodels won't be seen as freaks or objects of envy. So that brings us to a family in Oregon who decided to take that longed-for trip around…
If you've undergone your own kitchen remodel, you know about the stress. There are strangers all around your house, inside, outside, in the driveway, in the street. There's noise and dust and chaos. And just when you feel like heading into the kitchen for a pot of tea and comfort foods, AWK! The kitchen is…
Speaking with a contractor or subcontractor can be difficult, especially when your remodeling project is already in progress . That's because your house is likely torn apart, and the place you go for comfort is no longer a refuge. It will be a refuge after the remodel is done, and better than before, but it…
. . . to create awesome remodels. Based on my experiences, here’s my list: 1. Being clear about what you want 2. Becoming clear about your budget 3. Getting professional design advice 4. Checking out the companies you’re considering 5. Not taking the lowest bid 6. Sticking to the plan during construction 7. Not overestimating…
If you live in a condo, you know the truth about this: You often have to jump through hoops to do a remodel. There’s the board to consider, and the neighbors. And the rules. Frank Nelson wrote an interesting article on remodeling a condo, in today’s Real Estate section. As he writes: "Any homeowner who…
There’s an interesting story by Michelle Hoffmann in today’s Real Estate section titled: Weekend wasters struggle with DIY home-repair jobs. The subhead says: That HGTV show made it look so easy. But growing numbers of budget-conscious homeowners are tackling jobs beyond their skills — often to the dismay of their mates. Can you relate? And…