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| Renovating The Right Way The Case For Quality | ||
| Many homeowners and
contractors mistakenly confuse quality with expensive materials.
Granite, marble, fancy mouldings, custom cabinetry and designer
fixtures do not, by themselves, mean quality. Quality does not have to cost a fortune and can be achieved without overspending. Here are some guidelines to make every cent count. 1. Don't do anything that would jeopardize the equity in your home. For most people, their home is their single largest investment. Therefore beyond esthetic and physical needs, the financial aspect of renovations is paramount. You want to make sure that whatever you spend, it goes toward protecting and improving your investment. 2. Insist on structural quality. This is the quality you don't see... at least, not if it's done right the first time. You want floors that won't sag, doors that won't warp, cabinetry that won't peel and a basement that won't leak. Structural quality is of upmost importance. 3. Insist on quality design. Quality design is that which looks good and feels good. There is no compensating for bad design and good design needn't cost more. Remember, design is not something you can change once it's done. The rule is to get it right first time.
4. Insist on quality finish. After everything's done, it's the finish you'll be looking at constantly... and you'll want it to look good over time. This means materials that wear well, good workmanship and attention to detail. You want countertop seams to be even and tight, the grout between tiles to be regular and the paint to be smooth. It is these three elements – structure, design and finish – that combine to produce seamless quality. It's something you'll not only enjoy every day in your home, but also when it comes time to sell. In the resale market, buyers want homes in move-in condition and they'll always pay more for quality. 5. Insist on quality right from the start. As long as uninformed and unprepared homeowners exist, contractors have little incentive but to provide merely adequate quality. To avoid disappointment, it's your job to spell out things right at the start and to make sure everyone on the job understands exactly what it is you expect. Yes, you will sometimes need to spend a little bit more. But given the choice, it's better to stretch now and get it right first time... because poor quality is something for which you never stop paying. What a great use of space. If you have any questions - please feel free to contact me. Thanks for reading. Bruce Borden |
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Copyright © 2001-2005 - Walden Design Build No part of this document may be reproduced in any form, or by any means, without prior written permission of the copyright owner. |
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