Where do I begin with a remodeling project?

Stanton Valdivia: Yes, it's legal, but it certainly wasn't the smartest thing your daughter has ever done (sorry, I don't mean to be snotty). She needs to contact the manager of the store where the work was booked, and send certified letters of complaint to Home Depot headquarters and the Better Business Bureau. She may have to sue in court to get her money back, but I thik a letter to the corporate HQ will solve the problem.

Felicitas Phildor: It all depends on how much you can afford at this time and if you have to do it in steps ?The best scenario is to have it all done at once and preferably when you are away on vacation !!the dust and mess is unbearable to reside with if you are going to take it to the completion !call general contractors ones that really know what they are doing yet it is very costly it is easier to build a new home then rip and replace an existing one to a degree .Find a reputable person check last refferences for at least three jobs priormak! e sure you have enough money i can not stress this too much...Show more

Tobie Oshea: Smartypants; you have 5600+ Points, a 22% Best Answer Rating, and I'm wondering why such a question is coming from you. . . that being said, I'll still bite.You can retain and architect to plan your remodel and landscaping, or you can hire a "Professional" Remodeler that's also an effective and proficient in construction management to do your project for you. With this in mind let me walk you through how I orchestrate my projects so you can see just how it's supposed to happen. I'm going to take the time to write this for you, and any other reader/participant that is interested or wanting to do a project with their home.I think the toughest part for any homeowner doing a project, whether it's merely repairs, painting, minor, or a major remodel or build, is finding professional companies and tradesmen to do your work. The cliché you get what you pay for is only relevant if you, or ! someone with your interests in mind, are watching for and ensu! ring that your getting what your paying for. Unfortunately dealing with today’s building and remodeling contractors can be like rolling the dice, but here are some ways to help put the odds in your favor.1. If the person and his work is an unknown to you, not only check references but actually look at their work. I see so many referrals where it’s been stated what good work so & so does, only to find out that it wasn’t even close to trades standards, much more to my expectations. 2. Find out when reviewing customers what the element or class of tradesman provided was to the project; too much is covered up with caulking and paint; and if they were there every day weather and conditions allowed. Nothing can be more detrimental to a jobs performance and its project qualities than a contractor sending what we call rent-a-drunks or herds of illegals to work on a job. You can always tell the quality of tradesman by his appearance, vehicle, and the quality of tools he us! es; or whether or not they speak fluent English. Latin tradesmen working as carpenters or in other trades that aren’t fluent in the English language simply aren’t fluent in the trades. This is relevant to the fact that they simply haven’t had the training or enough on the job experience time to be journeyman. . . it’s nothing to do with prejudices, races or anything else, it’s simply a reality.3. Make sure you have a clearly defined project scope and summary which details the jobs parameters and specifics, right down to the makes, models and UPC Codes for the products you want incorporated into each projects phase and specific scope(s). Don’t allow your builder/contractor to buy fixtures and items like windows, doors, fans and lighting from his suppliers; they’ll be what’s known as contractors or builders grade, and 9 out of 10 are inferior to what you know or have seen. If items are defined in a summary they’ll be no substitutions or disagreements, an! d you won’t get that famous response, “that’s an upgrade and I’! ll have to charge you extra for it”. Find a professional that’ll not only work for you, but work with you. Set a budget and buy out the job using that budget as a baseline or the bottom line, but in either case you have got to have a product and project schedule or your destined for chaos and heartache.4. Finally, this should be a fun and rewarding venture; be sure you the homework; find a construction professional, and it will be. As to your last question regarding landscaping. The construction pro you hire to do this remodel should be able to help you in retaining a good landscaper to design and landscape your yard. He’ll get prices that should save you 15-20% over what you the homeowner be quoted.Best Regards,Mike LonerganTradesProfessional, Inc.http://www.tradesprofessional.com...Show more

Clifford Riggleman: You have probably heard the expression " How do you eat an elephant; one bit at a time" Break down the task into projects. The bathroom will be ex! pensive. Painting is less expensive.(1) room at a time. Start with painting a room that only needs painting, less the carpet. Then do this again to another room.As you proceed the total job becomes smaller. These tasks are complete. As you proceed with the decorating, take your time. This is a work in progress. Go to the paint store and ask them to recommend a paint contractor. Develop a plan and work your plan....Show more

Berry Gilmore: i would begin by looking in your yellow pages under contractors, and look for contractors that specialize in remodeling. that's your one stop shop for remodeling. keep in mind that hiring a contractor to take care of all your remodeling needs is going to cost slightly more than hiring each individual trade out yourself. he's got to make money too. :) but if you go that route, you don't have to worry about the hassle of finding your own drywall guy, floor guy, etc. if you want to save a little money and don't mind the job taking ! longer or the task of finding your own trades, think of what you want a! ccomplished in your remodel. do you want new wood floors? if so, call wood floor installers, get prices, hire if you like. new tile? call tile installers, etc. same for electrical, drywall. more leg work on your part, but a chance to save a little money. as for your backyard, plant some flowers or trees, or hire a landscaper. good luck!...Show more