Mark of Excellence Remodeling

was the featured contractor on a

4-day EXTREME Remodel for

HGTV’s “Home Rules” episode

Click this link to view the show’s

remodeling portion in detail:

http://tinyurl.com/MoER-HGTV

To schedule your complimentary

design & budget consultation

call or click: 800-734-3737

www.MarkofExcellence.com

We invite you to watch the transformation of this Monmouth County home in a the video below.

You can view many more project videos here: PROJECT VIDEOS

If you are planning home improvement projects, there are a few things to consider. One of them is that you have to plan these carefully, since there can be many different things involved. If you live in the same house that you are planning your remodel, and you have kids, it is a good idea to sit down with them first and let them know that they are going to have to watch out more carefully. Home improvements can be dangerous, with materials hanging around, fixtures removed, and new appliances and items that may be delicate, like marble counter tops, and tiles for the bathroom, and much more. You need to let them know so they are careful not to get hurt, but also that they don’t break anything that may be expensive to replace.

One of the things you really need to think about is what your priorities are. If you are doing home improvements to living areas, you need to get certain things finished right away, like the kitchen or bathrooms that you use all the time. If you are working on home improvements to a basement, then you should cordon this area off from traffic so nothing is disturbed.

Another thing to consider is the time it is going to take, and the money involved. Many people get started on projects, and run out of money in the middle, or some other thing comes up and the job ends up not being completed, and in some cases, stays that way for a long period of time. In order to make sure that any project gets completed, you have to make time, and have a budget that you stick too. You may find that you can substitute expensive things like marble, for a just as nice laminate or lesser grade rock, that will be far less expensive on your pocket book.

You can also get quality but cheap materials in other places. You can go to estate sales, auctions, and flea markets. One good place to find many different things, from materials to major appliances is through the Habitat For Humanity Thrift Store. This organization gets donations of all kinds, and whatever they can’t use, or have an abundance of, they sell to regular people at very reasonable prices. You can often find one of their stores in your community, and you can find out by looking them up on the internet.

Now you need to be realistic about your home improvement projects. Some things you can do yourself, but more major jobs, ones that involve electrical or plumbing, you should really have a professional come in and do. They will know what kinds of building codes are required for the job, and can get it done is much less time than you can. They can do the job right the first time, which is important for any home owner.

When seeking a home improvement contractor, make sure they are licensed, insured and have experience working in the areas that you need done. They should be able to give you a free estimate, and a definite time line on when the job will be completed. You should always check their references, and even a call to the Better Business Bureau might be a good idea.

I’m not sure if you want to hear this, but the countdown to Christmas is on. That’s right—45 days and counting. Take a moment, catch your breath, and get ready to dive in.

Figuring out ideas for the home improvement gurus on your list shouldn’t be too difficult, right? After all, you’re probably a home improvement guru of sorts yourself or you wouldn’t be here. Start thinking through your own wish list and coming up with something your loved ones will enjoy should be a snap.

For those on a budget—which is most people during this roller-coaster economy—focus your attention on the wide, wide world of home improvement gadgets to get the most bang for your buck. Who doesn’t love gadgets, especially gadgets you’ll actually use.

Check out a few of the home improvement gadgets on my personal wish list this year:

1) BullsEye Auto-Leveling Laser and Stud Sensor from Black & Decker

Why didn’t I come up with this great home improvement idea? No more eyeing the picture frames to get them straight. For about $60, this cool gadget projects a level laser line that keeps everything straight, plus helps you locate studs and live a/c wiring.

2) Wonder Winder Hand Crank Extension Cord Winder from Green Leaf

When I discovered this $30 home improvement gadget, I immediately thought about all the times I’ve gotten frustrated trying to straighten out an unwieldy extension cord. The Wonder Winder—love the name, by the way—can save us those headaches, helping extend only the amount of cord needed, then rewinding and storing the cord beautifully until next time.

3) Complete Home Repair: With 350 Projects and 2300 Photos from Black & Decker

I wish I’d had this incredibly detailed home repair book about 10 years ago when my husband and I bought our first house. For less than $20, I can almost guarantee you that this book would have saved us hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars in mistakes and unnecessary service calls. Crossing my fingers that Santa brings this one!

4) Tikkina 2 LED Headlamp from Petzl

I always love the ability to combine my inner home improvement geek with my girly side. A headlamp isn’t exclusively a home improvement gadget—in fact you’ll find it for $20 largely at camping and outdoor supply stores—but it sure would come handy when I need some extra light and my hands or full. And for the girly girl in me—this one comes in French Rose!

5) Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Special Edition Knife by Swiss Army

Speaking of girly, what could be more “home improvement meets feminine” than a pink Swiss Army knife? I’m ashamed to say I’ve never owned one, but I’d be proud to own this special edition version designed to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. A new multi-purpose gadget, plus money toward breast cancer research, would be $17.50 well spent if you ask me.