Inspiration

Talavera Custom knows that renovating a home can be a lot of work and money. Especially money!

Before remodeling your home it is recommended that you review the ideas you have for remodeling and your budget. It is very important to have clear ideas! if something is not comfortable it will be changed, and this costs money. So it is better to plan well the idea of remodeling you want; it is a smart way to save time and money.

Here are some ideas to plan and put together the budget to remodel the home.

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. For instance, you may have had a glass–tile backsplash in mind, but your contractor’s bid was for ceramic.

BALLPARK THE COSTS

Get a handle on how much your remodeling dreams will cost. In general, major upgrades, such as a bathroom remodel or a family-room addition, run $100 to $200 and more per square foot. If you’ll be using a design pro or remodeling contractor, discuss your project with them to get a rough idea of costs. Remember, have a clear idea of what you want it will save you a lot of money and time.

FIGURE OUT HOW MUCH YOU HAVE TO SPEND

Once you’ve zeroed in on a project, the next question is whether you have the money. If you’re paying cash, that’s easy to answer. But if you’re borrowing, you need to assess how much a bank will lend you and what that loan will add to your monthly expenses.

SET PRIORITIES AND TRIM THE PROJECT TO FIT YOUR BUDGET

Dreams and budget not in alignment? Carefully scale down your dream — chances are you’ll end up satisfied and solvent. Enlist your contractor for suggestions on cutting costs — that way, he’ll be an ally in helping you stick to your budget.

Possibilities include:

• Low-cost alternatives. For example, specify laminate countertops instead of granite.
• Keeping older items that are still in working condition. Appliances, furnaces, and lighting fixtures can be upgraded later.
• Making the project smaller.
• Buy it yourself. You’ll save up to 20% on your project costs if you buy materials and appliances yourself. Be sure to coordinate with your contractor.

GET QUOTES FROM CONTRACTORS

Before seeking bids, determine exactly what you want, right down to the kitchen countertop material and the type of faucet. By specifying these details up front, you ensure that prospective contractors are all pricing the same items.

Get recommendations for at least three contractors from friends, neighbors, and other tradesmen who you trust. Give each one your project description and specific product lists and request an itemized bid. To find the right contractor:

• Ask to see their recent work
• Check references
• Look at online sites that provide peer reviews of contractors

At Talavera Custom we will happy to help you and guide you to remodel your home with a tight budget. Give us a call!

Summer is here and it’s time to renovate your home! What about doing a little upgrade to your kitchen? Sounds great, right?

At Talavera Custom many of our clients share with us their concern about remodeling or upgrading some items of the kitchen. Let’s be honest: the kitchen is the center of the home and the hub of activity. So you MUST be concerned about remodeling the kitchen because it  can be a major undertaking.

Make your dream come true!

Find inspiration in our gallery, or any other website as Pinterest; you will find tons of designs but consider a BIG tip from Mary Jo Peterson, principal, Mary Jo Peterson Inc says “Choose cabinets you love, and a layout that works for your family’s lifestyle”. When remodeling a kitchen, think function, efficiency, style and longevity. A kitchen should last for 20 years or more.

Once you know what you want, think about the budget. Make a plan that will fit with your dream and the money you want to spend, also you can make a plan about selling your old kitchen’s stuff and use that money for the new appliances.

Where to storage or hide your mess?

We think in all and we work with all type of clients. Once you upgrade your kitchen we can redesign your spaces making more optimal and handful as your wish. These are some examples of an Atrium converted into a pantry.

Keep dreaming! We’ll Help You! with this ‘major’ task, we will listen to your ideas and discuss your budget, then we will create the perfect design for your room. We are a team and we are together in this and we will guide you step by step through the selection process.

Keep in mind these tips when remodeling:

• Be inspired with designs that suit your taste
• Set goals for your kitchen remodel
• Personalize the space to suit your lifestyle
• Budget and space plan
• Contact us to help you go through it!

Don’t forget to leave us a tip or idea. We will appreciate it!