1. Clean and declutter. You will need to completely empty out the area to be remodeled. This means removing everything inside of cabinets, on shelves, and on counter tops.
2. Brace yourself for the dirt. If you’ve ever seen a construction site, you probably noticed there was a lot of dust and dirt. There’s going to be a lot of extra dust in your house for the next few weeks, but resist the urge to vacuum it! There are a few things you can do to minimize the mess: setting up ZipWalls and cordoning off the remodel area are steps in the right direction. A great contractor will also help you figure out how to redirect your home’s airflow to minimize the amount of dust you encounter outside the workspace. This can also be helpful if painting or staining needs to be done inside. Be sure to change the HVAC air filter frequently during the remodel.
3. Prepare for noise. This may not be a problem if you are away at the office several hours a day, but if you do work from home, you’ll want to make sure your home office is set up as far away as possible from the construction area. Escaping the loud pounding of hammers or the buzz of a saw is not easy, and may require you to get creative or even find a temporary out-of-the-house office.
4. Expect to be faced with tough decisions. Problems will undoubtedly arise when walls come down and you are able to see something you couldn’t see before. This could mean changes in the design as a result of unexpected circumstances, such as electrical or plumbing issues. While good planning will help keep these problems to a minimum, it’s still likely that some unplanned problems will occur. Knowing exactly what you want before the project begins helps these decisions happen faster and prevents delays on your end, helping to keep costs down and the schedule on track.
5. Remember to Communicate. The most important thing to do leading into a remodel is to communicate with your contractor. Most contractors will tell you that the key to a successful remodel where all parties leave happy is good communication between the clients and the remodelers. If you have any questions, ask! Don’t be shy or hesitant. The more at ease you feel with the process, the more you’ll be able to trust your contractor, minimizing tension and stress.

We service the northwest region of Ohio from the Michigian and Indiana border to as far down to Paulding Ohio and as far east as Findlay Ohio.

When clients make a decision to remodel their home, the next question naturally is, “Can I stay in my home during a home remodel?” The answer is yes, most often you can. Of course if it’s an extensive whole-house renovation, we evaluate each project on a case-by-case basis.

Because remodeling is one of our firm’s specialties, I have some important suggestions to share with you in order to make staying in your home during a remodel as safe and trouble-free as possible.

The first thing I always recommend is – as always – ask your contractor a multitude of questions during the interview/feasibility process. If you get the feeling that he isn’t the utmost professional and you don’t have complete confidence in him and his team, don’t proceed further.

In addition to having the skill level and experience to successfully complete your remodeling project, your contractor and his employees, subcontractors and design partners should have the attitude that they are guests within your home. They need to be trustworthy, respectful, house-trained guests each and every day.

Our company can handle a wide range of projects! We specialize in General Remodeling starting with Bathrooms, Kitchens, Full Home Remodels, Garages, and Basements. We can also handle your Decks, Fencing, and Additions needs!

How we come up with our estimates determines on the projects, some estimates are based off of a Square Footing price. Some come from our designers and subcontractors. We jobcost every single one of our jobs to gather information for the next time we may need it.

1. A floating wood floor has to be free to expand and contract with seasonal changes in humidity, and it can’t do that with heavy cabinets resting on top of it.
2. You’d have a tough time cutting out the strips that extend under the cabinets if you ever wanted to replace the flooring; you’ll be spending money on a surface you’ll never see; and you run the risk of scratching your new floor if you install the cabinets after it’s in place. Those are all good reasons to lay a kitchen floor after the cabinets are in.
3. If you install cabinets directly on top of this flooring, it will drive too much pressure into a floating floor. This amount of weight can potentially break the floating floor where each of the pieces locks together.
4. Unfortunately, if your floating floors can’t expand, they will turn against each other. This expansion pressure will pinch the panels together and create “peaking.” Peaking is what happens when the edges of your wood press against each other and end up pushing directly upwards. This means the entire floor could become totally uneven.

1. Hardwood Flooring

Pros:

• popular for its visually appeal
• many varieties available to vary color and style
• high ROI
• can be resurfaced every 3-5 years
• best for shared living spaces

Cons:

• expensive compared to other top flooring materials

• can develop scrapes, scratches and dents over time

• can incur moisture damage

2. Laminate Flooring

Pros:

• lower price than hardwood

• ease of installation

• durability

• variety of colors and styles, like natural wood

• good for high-traffic areas

Cons:

• prone to moisture damage

• difficult to repair

• not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms

3. Vinyl or Linoleum

Pros:

• affordable

• versatile

• great for high-traffic areas

• easy to maintain

• DIY installation possible

Cons:

• lower ROI vs. wood or laminate

• less popular due to appearance

4. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Flooring

Pros:

• come in a variety of looks and designs

• durable

• non-porous or waterproof

• great for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways

Cons:

• one of the most expensive options

• difficult to install

• can chip and scratch under heavy use

5. Natural Stone Tile Flooring

Pros:

• durable

• insulated for warmth

• comes in many styles, colors and shapes

• great for radiant heating

• eco friendly

• good for homes with kids and/or pets

Cons:

• one of the most expensive options

• can easily chip or scratch

• some stone tile types are porous

• expensive repairs

6. Carpet

Pros:

• cost-effective

• soft and warm on feet

• multiple colors and designs available

• great for soundproofing

• stain-resistant varieties exist

  Cons:

• difficult to maintain – professional cleaning recommended at least once a year

• can absorb smells

• not great for homes with pets

• not recommended for moisture-prone areas: kitchen, bathroom

7. Magnetique

Pros:

• Quickly change broken pieces

• Magnetic floors will last longer

• Save you the headache of throwing materials out after use

Cons:

• New to the Industry

• Cost

• Availability

Yes we can do that project for you while we are there, only after a change order has been submitted and you as the homeowner have agreed on the changes being made and the scheduling of the project!

The short answer is “No” you do not have to be home during the project if you do not wish to be. If you are to feel the need to be at home while the project is happening then you are more than welcome to. If you are not going to be at home during the project we just ask that we have access to the areas we may be working in.

Here is the thing about being expensive: It’s a myth. Our prices aren’t just based on cost of materials, overhead, tools, etc. It’s what we create from those tools that makes us unique. Our work has a special signature that only we can add. The creative magic that we bring to the table, It can’t be replicated.

Why do we use subcontractors? We use subcontractors for a multitude of reasons.

1. Our crews are not trained to do or handle every specific job.
2. We may not hold the proper licensing to complete the job if inspection is needed.
3. In some cases it can speed up a job if we can have multiple crews or people working on different tasks.

In most cases if we have access to a garage we may ask to store the materials in their garage so they do not get damaged during the process. If you do not have a garage or wish that they do not go there we may store them in our trailer, and or at our facility until they are needed.

Here are 4 simple phases to every remodeling process.

• Phase 1: Planning & Budget. Starting your remodeling project with a realistic budget will save you time, money, and disappointment.
• Phase 2: Making your selections. Finalize your decisions.
• Phase 3: Tearing it all out and replacing it with new – what you can expect during this part of the process.
• Phase 4: Finishing touches, getting those final details completed.

The time it takes on the job to complete could be 2-5 weeks. Here are a few things that can delay the jobs and be time spent waiting for availability.

DESIGN – 1 TO 4 WEEKS

Before any renovations take place in your bathroom, some preliminary work needs to happen. You should have a good idea of what you want from your remodel before you meet with your contractor. You’ll have to go over your plans with a contractor, who will need time to measure out the space, know what features you want to include, and work with you to decide where they should best be placed. These details will also help your contractor establish an estimate for how much your remodel will cost.

ORDERING MATERIALS – 1 TO 8 WEEKS

After finalizing the design (and agreeing on a price), you (or your contractor) can begin ordering the materials. There are some things to keep in mind, though. For instance, if you order custom cabinets or tiles that need to be shipped from overseas, this stage can take a lot longer. This can also lead to certain materials arriving in a very staggered fashion. Work with your contractor and suppliers to create a schedule that involves as few gaps as possible.

CONSTRUCTION – 2 TO 5 WEEKS

The first part of construction is the demolition of the existing bathroom space. Fairly straightforward, this step takes a day or two at most, and includes things like site preparation, floor protection (unless you’re redoing that, too), installing dust barriers to contain the work and protect the rest of the house. (Days 1-2)

Once the existing bathroom has been demolished, the layout, framing and backing are made, transforming the design outlines to the actual bathroom space. Plumbing and electrical are roughed in over the next few days, with installation of the tub or shower, and new exhaust fans and ventilation also being installed. (Days 3-4)

After the guts of the bathroom are in place, drywall can be put up wherever necessary. Part of this process will also include the installation of moisture-resistant boards around sensitive areas, particularly around the tub or shower. (Days 5-10)

The installation of walls allows tiles to be put in place. This process can take about a week on average, give or take a few days. It can last a bit longer if extensive drywall work is needed, if the room temperature doesn’t allow mud to dry quickly, or if the ceilings are also being changed from a textured to a smooth profile. (Days 11-14)

Once the drywall is up, wall and floor tiles can be installed, grouted and sealed. This process will take four or five days on average. After the tiles are set, the bathroom walls can be primed and painted with an initial coat. (Days 15-20)

Then, the last bits of construction are done. Vanity, counter, and plumbing and electrical fixtures are installed, a few more coats of paint are applied, and accessories like towel racks are put up. (Days 21-23)

After the construction has effectively been completed, there are still a few small but important steps that need to be taken to ensure the space is ready for use. The contractor will need to clean the area and inspect the electrical and plumbing to ensure the room can be used without any inconveniences. (Days 24-25)

Here are some general estimates regarding the expected timeline:

• The average kitchen makeover in the United States takes 6-8 weeks.
• Larger or more intricate kitchen remodels may take 10-12 weeks.
• Complete, large kitchen remodeling projects will take longer, sometimes ranging from 3-5 months in total.

Yes, we give warranty work to all of our jobs. Our Warranty work is good for a year, it starts the last day the project is done and ends a year from that date. Our warranty covers all labor costs. It does not cover the materials needed for the job.

Yes, you can convert your tub into a walk in shower. The process is pretty simple.

1. Remove the existing tub to start with a black canvas.
2. Determine what kind of walk in shower you are looking to install.
3. Install the walk in shower whether it is a tiled walk in shower or an acrylic insert.

COVERAGE 1: FLOORS TO DOORS

Involves proper prep prior to any work being done: Sweeping and vacuuming every square foot, then laying down physical floor protection coverings ideal for any surface including tile, linoleum, concrete, wood, and concrete. Threshold covers and ramps in front of every doorway protect against rolling equipment; channels act as safe conduits for long cables and wires.

COVERAGE 2: DUST TO RUST

Ensure your contractor takes every precaution to proactively minimize dust, debris, and any potential damage. The best way is to physically isolate work areas with temporary dividers and other dust barrier systems. Constant vacuuming and cleaning of project areas also help to minimize exposure. Discuss the best approach with your contractor before work ever starts.

COVERAGE 3: AIR TO SPARE

Commercially available air purifiers and blowers are also sometimes used. Talk to your contractor about their approach and strategize together the best way to reduce and control air pollution. Close off all work areas best you can, limit movement throughout your home, and demarcate traffic lanes to ensure non-project rooms and spaces get minimal exposure.

COVERAGE 4: BOUNDS TO SOUNDS

We will work with you to choose days and times when the inevitable onslaught of noise will make the least impact. Temporary plywood exterior walls and other custom-built physical barriers can also reduce sound pollution to the rest of your home and neighborhood.

COVERAGE 5: MEAN TO CLEAN

A foundational component of effective PSH is a frequent and thorough cleaning protocol. Project areas must be routinely swept and vacuumed to minimize exposure and protect the rest of your home. At the close of the project, all renovated areas must be professionally cleaned to ensure a smooth transition to your complete satisfaction, locked and loaded and ready to live in!

Here are 10 common bathroom remodeling mistakes.

1. Failing to commit to a theme
2. Not creating a cohesive look
3. Neglecting storage space
4. Going crazy with pattern
5. Choosing the wrong tiles for your needs
6. Poor quality fittings and finishes
7. Not enough (or too much) lighting
8. Neglecting proper ventilation
9. Rushing the design process
10. DIY-ing a professional job

Here are 10 Common Kitchen remodeling mistakes.

1. Putting Form Over Function

2. Designing for the Neighbors

3. DIY Remodeling

4. Losing Sight of What the Kitchen Is For

5. Failing to Include Enough Storage and Counter Space

6. Neglecting the Lighting

7. Ignoring the Aesthetics

8. Busting Your Budget

9. Skimping On The Small Stuff

10. Making Changes During Construction

Here are the differences between an estimate and a proposal.

Estimate

Contractors use estimates to calculate their expected costs to complete a project. They look at the specifications for a project and determine the raw materials and labor they need. The contractor then goes to their suppliers to get quotes for the raw materials, which they use to calculate the estimate.

An estimate may also include an accounting of taxes, overhead, subcontracts, and equipment costs. Contractors generally work up estimates before or during the process of drafting a bid or proposal.

Estimates are usually free, but some contractors do charge for the time it takes to provide a thorough and accurate estimate.

Those who charge for estimates often have a formal education in construction and you can expect a much more detailed document where everything is spelled out. As a client, if you’re receiving multiple estimates, sometimes the more detailed one will help you find items that less detailed estimates may have overlooked.

Proposal

A proposal is a detailed document submitted as part of a competitive process to win business. It includes quotes received from suppliers for raw materials, proposals from subcontractors for their portion of work on the project, and estimates of labor costs, taxes, and other overhead. It also includes a markup of the contractor’s profit.

For example, the type of siding, brick, or stucco for the exterior of a building, the type of windows, as well as a timeline for the project and a schedule for payments would all be included.

Some proposals also include a place for the customer to sign in order to represent their acceptance of the proposal. Some contractors may also refer to this type of proposal as a “contract.” Others simply ask for a signature to acknowledge receipt of the proposal.

While the difference between a construction estimate, quote, bid, and proposal may be confusing to understand, knowing the difference is crucial to the success of your projects

Here are 10 ways to keep your project running smoothly and to avoid any delays.

1. Establish communication with the right person

2. Do not delay in selecting products

3. Select products without a long back-order

4. Do not add changes to your scope of work

5. Have your home prepared for the project to start

6. Allow access to the home

7. Avoid micromanaging your project

8. Be available

9. Record questions

10. Be decisive

Yes, you can do the demo yourself. If you wish to do the demo work yourself, please let your contractor know so they may adjust pricing and plan accordingly. If you are to do the demo yourself make sure you discuss or walk through the project with the contractor, as you do not want to damage anything more than is not necessary causing more work and costing more money in the long run.

If you only have one bathroom during the remodeling process we make it real easy for you. The remodeling will still be going on throughout the time, but we will focus on things one at a time, for example we will demo the entire bathroom leaving the toilet, sink, and shower. We will focus on getting the shower done first, typically can have that removed and install for use in 1 day if it is an insert. If it is a tile shower we could see that up to 5 days of not being available. Next we would focus on installing the new floor so we may install the new toilet overtop of it. Typically you can see no change in availability as we can have that toilet removed and installed in a few hours. Once the flooring is laid we can now go and insert the vanity with its new sink. Typically that will all get done in one day as well.

We try to keep everything up and running in the bathroom as much as possible as we know everyone has personal hygiene that they wish to take care of.