13 Things Your Home Remodeler Won’t Tell You

With business down it may be the perfect time to indulge in some home improvement projects. Read on for more secrets of home remodelers.

From Reader’s Digest

1. Business is down 16 percent. The good news for you: I’m returning calls and trimming prices.

• Mark of Excellence Remodeling has reduced its hourly labor rates for all projects. In addition, all selection items such as cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, tile, etc. are offered to the homeowner at the lowest possible price available!

2. High-end people will do smaller jobs we might have spurned a few years ago. Focus on projects that will keep your house market-ready, like upgrading a bathroom.

• Mark of Excellence Remodeling has always been a single source remodeler that has produced projects that have ranged in budget from more than a half million dollars to a half day of handyman services. Mark of Excellence Remodeling has won National Awards the past two years for bathroom remodeling projects and offers a value bathroom package.
  

  bathroom with white fixtures, tile and blue accents

3. Triple-check financing before you start. You don’t want to run out of money to pay me because your lender decides to lower or eliminate your home equity line of credit. (And it can, at any time.)

4. Those of us who do new houses or commercial projects may not have great remodeling skills. Long track records count.

• Mark of Excellence Remodeling has been remodeling existing, residential homes throughout Monmouth County since 1987.

5. Look at work I’ve done in the past 12 months, on a budget similar to yours.

6. Check me out: Any liens? Pending lawsuits? Do I have a valid state license? Do my subcontractors?

• Mark of Excellence Remodeling has been a New Jersey state licensed home improvement contractorin good standing since licensing has been required.

7. Test-drive me on a smaller project before you commit.

8. Do I have insurance? Check directly with my insurance company. Those papers I waved in front of you may have expired years ago.

9. Don’t over improve-especially since home values are falling. Check out local trends in the “Cost vs. Value” report from Hanley Wood’s Remodeling magazine.

10. Spell everything out. Otherwise, I may not prime the walls before I paint or I may not build that closet shelf and put up that rod. Expect nothing that’s not in writing.

11. Ask if you’re getting a dedicated crew. If not, your project may drag on while I juggle multiple jobs. Tie the contract to deadlines for each phase.

• Mark of Excellence Remodeling offers a guaranteed on-time completion for all complete remodeling projects. There is self imposed $500 per day penalty clause written in the contract for projects that extend past the agreed deadline.

12. Ditto for the brand and precise quality of the materials, appliances, and fixtures you are ordering. Don’t let us sub in materials of “equal or better quality” that aren’t.

13. Put “while you’re at it” projects on a separate list and ask me to give you separate estimates. Home improvement spending is projected to slide another 12 percent this year. I’ll likely have time-and be glad-to come back.

• More than half of the projects that are performed by Mark of Excellence Remodeling are for previous clients and their referrals.

Award-winning SPA-TASTIC bathroom

Here is the award winning bathroom project from Mark of Excellence Remodeling – “SPA-TASTIC”. Ann Marie Elia was the project’s Designer. Jason Parsons provided the CAD work. This is the second consecutive year that Mark of Excellence Remodeling has won a national award for bathroom remodeling.

Here is YouTube video that illustrates the transformation from concept to completion.

The purpose of the project was to create a spa-like retreat for the homeowners to relax and feel pampered in after a long day. In addition, the client needed a storage solution since the existing space had no vanities or linen closets. The original bath, built in the 1920’s, was gutted to the studs and joists in order to update the plumbing and wiring, insulate the exterior walls and ceiling, and create an opening for a new window. The space was widened by two feet to create room for the vanity unit.

The homeowners wanted a separate tub and shower, but even the expanded space did not leave enough room to accomplish that. We were able to give them both in one area by using a frameless door to enclose a portion of the tub/shower area and a knee wall at the far end. The area is both open and functional. Secondly, the client wanted an interesting tile pattern to compliment the deep colors of the vanity. We utilized an iridescent green glass tile, with a coordinating vertical mixed-mesh glass tile to give the illusion of rain in the shower. An onyx mosaic tile in the arch and soffit above the vanity unit ties both areas of the bathroom together.

The new bathroom has revitalized the entire master suite by providing a retreat the homeowners desired. It contains a combination of soft and deep colors in a minimalist design that is modern without feeling contemporary. The addition of separate sinks and ample storage eliminates clutter and provides the homeowners their own individual space. The custom-built vanity top is open underneath. Combined with the large mirror and recessed lighting, the top can double as a make-up area.

Our homeowners wanted a modern, spa-like update for their bath. Our design team selected the materials and created a 3-D rendering of the space. The footprint was expanded two feet to allow for the vanity and storage unit. An arched soffit compliments the clean lines of the cabinetry and custom vanity. The two-person tub and shower are combined as one unit to save space, while the knee wall and partial glass enclosure provide the openness of separate units. The green glass tile instills a calming effect to the room and the vertical mixed-mesh glass application gives the illusion of rain. Mission Accomplished!

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