Reducing the Stress Associated With Kitchen Remodeling
Undertaking a remodeling project is a huge investment of time and money. It's no wonder couples fight, families disintegrate, and people fall into a depression, when they rip out their old kitchen and try to put a new one in. It's not the actual job that causes all the stress, it's the extracurricular items attached to the project, like the budget and meeting contractors that take a toll on your day. Instead of allowing your kitchen remodeling in Ann Arbor to rule your life, follow a few simple steps to keep your wits about you.
Your Contractor
Do not pick a contractor on a whim. Every company is different and every general contractor has a different level of customer satisfaction that they are comfortable with. You'll want to do more research about the general contractor than any other part of the project. A contractor can make or break your experience. Ask your friends and neighbors for references, ask the contractor for references, and be fair, not every customer is easy to please.
Get Creative
You'll need to plan on things not going according to plan. Your cabinets may be delayed because of a snow storm or your counter top may need to be sent back for a fitting. Whatever the adventure, take it on with a smile and know that this is just part of the remodeling process.
Also, when it comes to meals, you'll need to get creative. If you're used to packing your lunch, set up a small kitchenette somewhere else in the house so you can make a sandwich and store a bag of chips; whatever it takes to get you through. Your family will most likely miss having a pantry to raid, so make plans for that as well. As you know, a well-fed family is a happy family.
Know Your Budget
Of course you know what you have to spend on the project, but there will be unplanned expenses so add 10-15% to the bid. You don't have to broadcast that you have a little extra set aside just in case something comes up, but knowing it is there will give you the peace of mind you need when you're faced with an unexpected bill. With a little preplanning for the unexpected, kitchen remodeling in Ann Arbor doesn't have to stress you out. You may not be able to cook dinner or bake a cake for a couple weeks, but in a short time, you'll have the kitchen you've always wanted.
Your Contractor
Do not pick a contractor on a whim. Every company is different and every general contractor has a different level of customer satisfaction that they are comfortable with. You'll want to do more research about the general contractor than any other part of the project. A contractor can make or break your experience. Ask your friends and neighbors for references, ask the contractor for references, and be fair, not every customer is easy to please.
Get Creative
You'll need to plan on things not going according to plan. Your cabinets may be delayed because of a snow storm or your counter top may need to be sent back for a fitting. Whatever the adventure, take it on with a smile and know that this is just part of the remodeling process.
Also, when it comes to meals, you'll need to get creative. If you're used to packing your lunch, set up a small kitchenette somewhere else in the house so you can make a sandwich and store a bag of chips; whatever it takes to get you through. Your family will most likely miss having a pantry to raid, so make plans for that as well. As you know, a well-fed family is a happy family.
Know Your Budget
Of course you know what you have to spend on the project, but there will be unplanned expenses so add 10-15% to the bid. You don't have to broadcast that you have a little extra set aside just in case something comes up, but knowing it is there will give you the peace of mind you need when you're faced with an unexpected bill. With a little preplanning for the unexpected, kitchen remodeling in Ann Arbor doesn't have to stress you out. You may not be able to cook dinner or bake a cake for a couple weeks, but in a short time, you'll have the kitchen you've always wanted.
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