Plan Ahead While You Stay Safe at Home

It is April 2020 and the world is a very different place than it was last year, last month, or even last week. COVID-19 is coursing through the world’s population and our state Governors are taking the necessary steps to keep us safe. While our health care professionals and support teams treat those afflicted and the essential employees keep us well fed and supplied, WE STAY HOME. We do this to keep our families, friends, and neighbors safe. It is a strategy that we know to be working.

This being said, staying at home is challenging for most of us. We live in a fast paced world. Quarantine has forced us to slow down and reassess our priorities. Whether you are alone, with your spouse, or with your family, as the days pass it may feel as though the walls of your home or apartment are closing in on you. While construction teams may be sidelined in your area, it is never too soon to start thinking about changes. Keep reading to find key steps to take before beginning any home project, large or small.

DEVELOP YOUR VISION
Renovation planning is like mapping out a road trip. You have to know your destination to start planning. The renovation “destination” is your dream room. Whether it is a kitchen, bathroom, or your whole home, it’s time to start looking for inspiration. Look into magazines or websites such as Houzz, Pinterest, or Instagram. I sometimes find that in the very beginning, focusing on what you DON’T like is easier than getting overwhelmed with rooms you do like! This gives you a narrower vision of your style and taste. Now you can focus on the spaces that you are drawn to. Does streaming natural light make you smile? Do you like a minimal modern kitchen? Don’t forget to include any MUST-HAVE items such as hardwood floors or a spa shower. Create a board or list of these rooms and items that you can refer back to.

SET A BUDGET
This is where people get into trouble. HGTV, DIY Network, and other Television outlets have helped the renovation and construction business in many ways. However, one area of expertise that they lack is budgeting. When you watch an episode of the hugely popular Fixer Upper, you will notice that you can buy an amazing house for $120k in Waco, TX. Here in the DC Metro area, that $120k will buy you a studio apartment with an additional $120 month condo fee. Home renovation costs such as materials, supplies, contractors, architects, and permitting also vary depending on location. If you utilize an interior decorator or design services, plan for additional costs. Be realistic.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PROFESSIONALS
Now is the time to research contractors to bid out your project. Some small areas may work as a DIY project, but in most cases a contractor can complete a task more efficiently and with better results. When looking at projects with electrical and plumbing work, a licensed contractor is not only suggested but is required in most states.

PLAN YOUR TIMELINE
Back to that “Road Trip” again, most of us don’t have the luxury of going on an extended holiday. Your project should also have a defined timeline. Your contractor should be able to give you a definite start date and a projected finish date (barring any materials delays or unforeseen issues). The last thing you need is expecting to get your master bathroom back in six weeks and not seeing it for 3 months!

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Unfortunately, stuff happens. Even with all your planning and all the contractor’s hard work, unforeseen circumstances can lead to cost extras and time delays. Old pipes can leak and floors can be unstable. Most issues are seen in older houses, but you would be surprised at the things that we have seen behind the walls of houses built in the last 20 years! . A good contractor will keep you apprised of any issues quickly and discuss reasonable remedies.

HOW WE WORK
Once you have your vision, budget, timeline and expectations set, we are ready to give you our thoughts. At Congressional Group, LLC, we take a unique approach to renovations and home upgrades. Taking the guesswork out of pricing materials and products allows you, the homeowner, to have a true sense of the scale and scope of the project before day one. We do not underbid to get your commitment just to bombard you with “extras” that should have been included. Unscrupulous contractors will go with this approach to get their foot in the door. By the time you realize you have a problem, you are at their mercy to pay.

We live and work in the same communities as our clients. Ninety percent of our business comes from word of mouth. Our reputation is built on hard work, competitive pricing, and our finished product.

Up Next Week… our bidding process and what we need from you.