Guest article provided by: matrixgc.com
- Make Decisions Early
Start prowling the aisles at the hardware store or home center way before the wrecking crew shows up. Get a good feeling for what you want in fixtures and appliances and what they cost.
If you aren’t absolutely specific up front about what you want, you’ll have to rely on your contractor’s estimate, called an allowance, and his notion of what is acceptable may be quite different from yours. “Ninety-eight percent of the time, allowances are too low,” says Tom Silva. For instance, you may have had a glass-tile backsplash in mind, but your contractor’s bid was for ceramic.
- Increase Efficiency, Not Size
If you can reorganize and equip your kitchen for maximum utility, you may not need to blow out the walls to gain square footage. Start by replacing space-hogging shelves with cabinet-height pullout drawers 8 inches wide, containing racks for canned goods and other items.
- Use natural light
Before cutting a big hole in the side of your house and rearranging the framing, consider less invasive—and less expensive—ways of capturing light.
To brighten up a windowless bath or hallway, for instance, you can install a “light tube,” which slips between roof rafters and funnels sunshine down into the living space.
- Own transportation
If you’re doing your own project, slash your materials-delivery fees by picking up goods yourself. No pickup trucks? For about $400, you can purchase a nearly new single-axle utility trailer online, which you can tow behind your SUV. Get one just big enough to carry 4-by-8 sheet goods flat. Use it for a half-dozen trips, and it’s paid for itself. Find trailers for sale near you via eBay Motors, or try your local classifieds.
- Stock Sizes in Mind
Ask yourself, ‘Why am I building something 10 feet wide if plywood comes in 4-foot-wide sheets?’ The same applies to stock windows and doors: Use manufacturers’ off-the-shelf dimensions from the outset and you will save the premiums of custom fabrication.
- Partner With a Contractor
Though the practice is controversial among the trades, some contractors will offer consulting and mentoring services. Matrix Company Solutions Corp. is a local Philadelphia Contractor specializing in 203(k) construction. They take you by the hand and guide you through the process from beginning to end whether you are an existing homeowner or a new homebuyer. Call them and one of their experienced project managers will give you a FREE consultation.