Home Improvements – Lakeview Home Improvements

How Much Does It Cost To Finish A Basement?

Nate Burket — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 08:32:00 +0000

Basements don’t have to be the dark place we keep seeing in movies. A good looking basement can boost your property’s value, but it also increases the living square footage of your home.

Basements can become a cozy guestroom, your man cave where you can watch the game and drink a beer in peace, a playroom for the little ones, or even your own gym!

If you’re planning to finish your basement but your main concern is the total cost, here we’ll talk about how much does it cost to finish a basement so you can make the right choice for your home!

The ROI Of A Remodeled Basement

Remodeling ROI is calculated by estimating the increase in price range you can expect to qualify for when selling your home based on the remodeling project undertaken. Since we’re talking about a basement remodel, let’s see an example.

According to a study from Cost vs. Value Report, a basement remodel is quite the remodeling project. It has a potential ROI of 70%. As a side note, a bathroom remodel has a potential ROI of 68%. So, if remodeling your basement yields an ROI of 70%, you can expect to get $700 back for every $1,000 spent.

What Does It Mean For You?

The higher the return of any remodeling project, the lower the effective cost of the project.

If you recoup 70% of the costs incurred in finishing your basement, that means your project will actually cost you only 30% of the total cost. Although you’ll still spend the money, you are guaranteed that upon selling your home, you’ll get to sell it for more because of the remodel.

To make your basement remodeling even more attractive, consider financing options or even the possible tax benefit of making your basement a home office!

The Cost To Remodel A Basement

There are two main factors that impact how expensive your basement remodel will be.

Since you have so much flexibility when remodeling and finishing basements, the total cost will vary from really pocket change to an immense investment. Transforming a basement to a laundry room might not be as expensive as transforming it into a gym or a fully equipped living space.

A partial remodel of a basement with less than 700 square feet could run anywhere from $10k to $50k, depending on what are you planning with it. However, a complete remodel of a 4,000 square feet basement could even reach $300k. Of course, this would be a fully equipped basement with upscale finishes, upgrades, and appliances.

Point is, depending on the scope of work and your preferences, you can make sure your basement finishing project will be well within your budget. And if you’re worried about not breaking the bank but not sacrificing quality either, our experts from Lakeview Remodels will bring the most cost-effective solutions to your particular space, and get you the best basement possible!

What Goes Into A Basement Renovation?

Let’s see what are the main factors that will impact the total cost of your unfinished basement.

Subcontractors and Labor

No home is the same, and definitely no basement either. Some basements are plain spaces that only need a new flooring and paint job, while others are dungeons where dust, insects, and water are running the place.

Naturally, for every type of remodel you’ll need different experts. A designer could add between $2k and $10k to your remodel cost. Licensed electricians will be anywhere from $500 to $2.5k, while plumbers will charge between $400 and $2k.

Carpenters will charge per square foot. Therefore, you’ll have to budget for cabinets per square foot, flooring per square foot, and furniture per square foot.

We’re making it super easy to remodel your basement, which is why we work with experts in all trades required to fully transform your space. We have our own designers, plumbers, electricians, and builders, ready to take on your project right now!

Permits

If the basement project involves putting up basement walls and installing plumbing or wiring, the local authorities may need a permit before starting.

Permits and inspections charges vary across jurisdictions, and they might be based on a percentage of the project’s anticipated cost, on how many square foot the space has, or it might be flat fee. Permit costs range from $100 to $2,000 or more. At Lakeview Remodels, we’re taking care of all paperwork and permits, so you won’t have to waste time going back and forth with the city building department.

Cleanup and Repair

For basements with mold, water damage, or other damage, add between $1k to $5k for cleanup.

Sometimes, professional mold treatment is required and wallboard and flooring have to be replaced. They charge per square foot, so the larger the extent of the damage, the higher the price. On average, the price starts at $10k and goes up.

If, however, you’ll just need a LVP basement flooring and a coat of paint on the walls, that could cost as low as $3k.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a serious factor you’ll need to account for in a basement remodel. If your basement extents underneath your bathroom and kitchen, this is a must. It’s also a must if you have all the water pipes running through your basement (many houses do).

Waterproofing a basement is also determined per square foot. It usually costs between $2k and $7k, again, depending on the size of your basement and the scope of work.

Finishing

The finished basement is the actual transformation of your basement. If you’re only adding a TV, a couch, and some cabinets, the cost won’t be so high. However, if you’re planning to build your own gym, along with a basement bathroom with a shower, a place to make your milkshakes, storage cabinets, and a couch to relax, the price will quickly go up.

For example, the basement finishing costs for adding a bathroom ranges from $6,6k to $16,5k, while adding a master suite can run as much as $25k if you’re also getting an egress window. A home gym will be around $500 to $15k.

Your basement remodel costs will most likely be calculated per square foot, so the key takeaway is that the larger your project is, the higher the final cost it’ll be.

Conclusion

It’s true that basement remodels can cost a fortune, especially if it’s a space that’s been long forgotten. Waterproofing, cleanups, demolition, and finishes can all add up and when you’re seeing the final quote, you could get demoralized.

Which is why we’re making sure you’re getting the best remodel at the best price possible. The value it’ll bring to your home will be unmeasurable, and you’ll enjoy a brand new living space in your home.

Besides, an old dungeon can’t remain like that if you’re planning to live a fulfilled life in your home. Things need to change and accommodate your growing family and changing needs.

With Lakeview Remodels, you’ll get a professional newly finished basement remodel in Knoxville, TN with a simple and straightforward process that puts you at the front and center of our work. We aim to minimize the stress and anxieties of starting your remodel, and we’ll go over and beyond to ensure that happens.

Call us today or request your free quote to take the first step toward a well-deserved upgrade!

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Luxury Vinyl Planks As The Best Type Of Home Flooring

Nate Burket — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:12:00 +0000

If you’re a homeowner, you want to be consistent with the materials you use for your home flooring. Maybe the bathroom is an exception, as its environment is more challenging, but the rest of your home needs the same type of flooring.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the Luxury Vinyl Planks as being one of the best home flooring options you can choose.

You’ll discover what LVP are, where they’re used, how much they cost, and why they’re some of the best flooring options you can make.

Let’s begin!

What Are Luxury Vinyl Planks

Luxury vinyl planks are a type of flooring that is made to look like solid wood flooring. They are often used in place of hardwood floors, as they are more affordable and easier to maintain.

LVP are engineered wood flooring, but made of vinyl, which makes them waterproof and durable. They’re similar to laminate flooring, except they look more like solid wood flooring and have a higher quality.

They’re a great flooring option for your home, as they can be installed anywhere, from laundry rooms to bathrooms, and from kitchens to bedrooms. Besides, they come in a variety of colors and styles, and can mimic any other material on the market.

Key things to remember:

Luxury vinyl plank flooring can be designed to resemble any other material.
They are made of sheet vinyl, which makes them waterproof and durable.
LVP can be installed in any room in your home.
They come in a variety of colors and styles.
They're among the most durable flooring options.

How Much Do Luxury Vinyl Planks Home Flooring Cost

The cost of luxury vinyl plank flooring varies depending on the brand, quality, and style.

However, you can expect to pay between $2.5 and $12 per square foot of LVP. For a typical home, this would come out to between $4,000 and $10,000.

While thicker planks are easier to install, thinner planks are more difficult to click together, meaning an increase in labor costs.

Why Choose Luxury Vinyl Planks As Your Home Flooring Option

There are many reasons why luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great option for your home flooring.

They are a durable and resilient flooring option that can last for many years.
They are easy to maintain and clean, with a great stain resistant level.
They are waterproof, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect match for your home.

But what does this mean compared to another home flooring option like hardwood?

Are LVP Better Than Hardwood Floors or other Home Flooring Options?

First of all, hardwood floors will require repairs and refinishes as time goes by. This is natural wood, so its colors will fade, it’ll start creaking, and it’ll need repairs from time to time.

Besides, natural wood in a damp environment like a bathroom or a kitchen is susceptible to mold and rot, the nemesis of wood. And the worst part: you can’t repair rot or stop mold, especially in these rooms.

And although hardwood floors can look amazing and natural, a good LVP brand can make the boards look similar, and also be more efficient.

Solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood are both more expensive than LVP.

Here’s our honest opinion:

If you live in a home that has a lot of hardwood material in it, like cabinets, vanities, shelves, etc., choosing hardwood flooring will be a great choice to match the rest of the home and create a smooth flow. If, on the other hand, you live in a more modern home without any hardwood, LVP is a much better option.

How to Install Luxury Vinyl Planks

Installing luxury vinyl plank flooring is a relatively easy process. You will need to purchase the planks, as well as any adhesive or underlayment that may be required. Once you have these materials, you can begin installation.

To install luxury vinyl plank flooring, you will need:

Let’s see the process of installing LVP.

1. Measure

Measure the area where you will be installing the flooring. This will help you determine how many planks you need to purchase.

2. Cut

Cut the planks to size, if necessary. You can use a saw to do this.

3. Glue

Apply adhesive or underlayment to the floor, if required.

4. Install

Lay the planks down in the desired pattern.

5. Secure

Secure the planks in place by nailing or stapling them down.

Is There Another Home Flooring Alternative?

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is also a great alternative for your home flooring. While luxury vinyl planks will mimic the look of wood, luxury vinyl tiles will mimic the look of porcelain tile, glazed ceramic tile, granite, marble, or other tile flooring materials.

These work especially well in damp spaces where you’d normally install tiling, like bathrooms of kitchens.

Although luxury vinyl flooring is not as efficient as real porcelain, they are fairly resistant to water, easy to maintain, and affordable to buy, making them a great home flooring alternative (at least in your bath and kitchen).

Other home flooring options:

Bamboo flooring
Cork flooring
Vinyl flooring
Linoleum flooring
Natural stone flooring
Concrete flooring
Ceramic tiles flooring

If you’re curious about all your home flooring options, visit the National Wood Floors Association and discover what type of flooring will match your needs best.

Conclusion

Luxury vinyl planks are some of the best home flooring options on the market these days. They’re affordable, easy to maintain, easy to install, and look great at the same time.

If you prefer a hardwood floor, remember that this material requires more attention and won’t be a one-time investment. It’ll need regular treatment like staining and sealing, but also frequent repairs when it starts getting old.

Other popular home flooring options include tiles and luxury vinyl tiles, but they’re not made for every room. You can’t install something that looks like tiles in a bedroom.

If you want to learn more about your home flooring options, request a free quote today, or call us directly at (865) 801-4545 and let’s discuss your flooring project!

Your Latest Bathroom Renovation Cost For 2022

Nate Burket — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 13:15:00 +0000

Planning a bathroom remodel but you’re concerned about budgeting for it? If so, this article will give you the only guidelines you’ll need for your bathroom renovation cost.

We’ll cover the average prices of:

*Your bathroom remodel costs will vary depending on your state and your contractor. While prices for materials and upgrades will remain mostly similar, labor costs depend on how your contractor values his work.

With that out of the way, let’s see a bathroom remodel cost breakdown.

A Basic Bathroom Remodel Cost

At Lakeview Home Improvements, our basic bathroom renovation cost is around $36k.

In this price, we include updating any existing plumbing and lighting fixtures without reconfiguring their location. We add new stock vanities and countertops, and ceramic tile flooring or surround.

This would be ideal for a smaller guest bathroom or a powder room if you want to impress your visitors.

Let’s see some average prices for this bathroom remodel.

Vanities

You can find vanities in home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Stock vanities can be anywhere from $100 to $500 per linear foot.

The vanity hardware can be anywhere from under $100 to $10k. Obviously, you wouldn’t want such expensive hardware for stock cabinets.

Our bathroom designers can help you choose the perfect vanity hardware that will match your new space.

If your vanity will come unfinished, you’ll also add the cost of painting supplies and the labor. After your cabinets are finished, add the installation cost that you agreed upon with your contractor.

Vanities often carry a hefty price tag in your bathroom renovation cost.

Countertops

Countertops are easier to install and don’t require hardware. Their price it’s mostly a matter of material.

Marble is the most expensive countertop material, but it lacks the functionality of quartz or granite. And if you were looking to save money with a laminate counter, forget it. Laminate counters give a cheap look to your bathroom, they require careful attention, and are far from durable.

In East Tennessee, quartz prices range from $50 to more than $100 per square foot.

Ceramic Floor And Surround

For your bathroom floor we’ll include the tile cost and the installation cost.

According to a case study from homeyou, for a 1,200 square feet space, you’ll need approximately 1,282 square feet of tile. The cost of material will be around $3,265.

It took them 96 hours to complete the project, which adds another $5,588 for tile flooring labor. For other supplies and materials add another $1,168, and for tile flooring equipment allowance another $68.

Item	Quantity	Price
Tile Flooring Cost	1282 Square Feet	$3,265.79
Tile Flooring Labor	96.4 Hours	$5,588.05
Tile Flooring Job Materials and Supplies	1200 Square Feet	$1,168.91
Tile Flooring Equipment Allowance	-	$68.03
Totals - Cost to Install Tile Flooring - 1282 Square Feet	-	$10,090.78
Average Cost Per Square Foot	-	$8.41

The final cost: $10,090 for a 1282 square feet space, from which we can determine that the average cost per square foot to install ceramic tile flooring is around $8.40.

Lighting Fixtures

The cost of your new lighting fixtures depend on their material and style, and the installation cost depends on your contractor.

According to Angi, it typically costs between $151 and $894 to install a light fixture, but the cost can reach as high as $2,500 or go as low as $75, depending on your choice of materials and the labor cost.

We’ll help you through the material selection process so make an informed decision about your bathroom lighting.

An Average Bathroom Renovation Cost

We quote many of our bathroom remodels at around $64k.

They include:

An average bathroom remodel is ideal for a large guest bathroom, but also for a master bathroom, depending on their size.

Let’s look at some upgrades.

A Tub To Shower Conversion

Shower conversions are popular upgrades that many of our customers get for their new bathrooms. They’re more functional, affordable, and require less maintenance.

The average cost of glass shower doors is between $1,200 and $1,800. The low-end is $500 and the high-end door will be as expensive as $4,000 or more.

But you don’t need a $4k shower door unless you’re looking to recreate a Carlton Ritz hotel. Check out this example from drivenbydecor.

Here’s what they say:

The total estimate for our shower enclosure with installation ranged from $2420 to $5516 depending upon how many extras we chose. Starting with the base price of $2420 and adding the ultra-clear glass ($648), upgraded handle ($200), and additional height ($100), our total cost was $3368.

DrivenByDecor

Porcelain Tiling

Porcelain tiles are better than ceramic, but also a bit more expensive. There are also many sizes, patterns, and styles available, which make a wide range of installation costs.

Let’s look at some averages according to Fixr.

National average cost	$3,000
Average range	$2,000 - $4,400
Minimum cost	$500
Maximum cost	$7,000

For a 200 square foot bathroom with metallic-glazed 24″ porcelain tiles laid in an offset pattern, the total cost was $7k.

Vanity And Countertops

A semi-custom double vanity and a quartz countertop are the best options you can make for your bathroom.

The reasoning is simple.

Semi-custom cabinets have the highest ROI. They offer a great deal of flexibility when it comes to style, finishes, and dimensions. And they're also more affordable than custom cabinets. The semi-custom cabinets themselves and the installation costs range from $200 to $500 per linear foot.
Quartz countertops provide great functionality and aesthetics. They're durable, resistant, and are fairly easy to maintain. In East Tennessee, quartz prices range from $50 to more than $100 per square foot.

A High-End Bathroom Remodel Cost

Our high-end bathroom renovation cost is about $82k.

They include:

Replacing a tub with a new tile base shower.
Porcelain or natural stone for the shower surround and floor.
New plumbing and lighting fixtures.
New premium vanities and countertops.
A custom shower.

This is a complete bathroom remodel, perfect for a main bathroom if you’re looking to uplift its comfort and functionality.

Let’s see how your bath could turn out with a high-end remodel.

Our "Old World England" Themed Bathroom Renovation

This master bathroom remodel was one of our favorite projects to work on. We invested a lot of time to ensure our customer was thrilled with the end-product.

We updated the shower, the tub, the vanity, and everything else to make this space flow and be comfortable.

Check out the video below to form a better idea of what you could get for your own home!

Closing Thoughts

Bathroom renovations are incredible upgrades that make your bath truly yours.

But determining your bathroom renovation cost without having an expert check out your space is a daunting task. There may be underlying issues in your bath, or you may want something different that fits your exact needs.

The best way to find your bathroom renovation cost is to request a free quote.

Fill out this form (it takes 2 minutes) and we’ll contact you within two days to offer you a cost estimate.

This is the best way to fully comprehend the scope of work and what you truly need in your bathroom.

If you want to talk directly with our experts, contact us at (865) 801-4545 and let’s get started on your new bath!

A Quick Guide To A Laundry Room Renovation

Nate Burket — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:32:00 +0000

Laundry rooms become the main victim of dirty clothes, mud, or other things you just don’t know where to put.

This utility room is also one of the most frequented rooms in your home, and when entering it feels like a nightmare and getting out feels like a maze, you need to take action.

Let’s find out what are the best features to have in this space, and how will your laundry room renovation go.

Read on!

Plan Your Laundry Room Renovation Layout

Before you make any permanent changes, you need to visualize how you’d want your laundry room to look.

There are several things to consider here.

Where will the washer and dryer go?
Where do you want the folding station to be?
Where will you iron your clothes?
Will you add another window for more natural light?
Where will you put the sink and the cabinets?

Consider Your Storage Space

It’s a laundry room, so you’ll definitely need more storage than in other rooms around your home.

Most laundry rooms also have a laundry closet, but this requires extra square footage, and so it’s not always a viable option. For a laundry room renovation, many of the homeowners we work with choose a combination of cabinets and open shelves.

New cabinets offer great functionality, keeping sheets and other things hidden from sight when you don’t need them, while open shelves offer great accessibility for things you use every day.

Let’s look at some storage options.

Wall Cabinets

Cabinets can be stock, semi-custom, or fully custom cabinets. Semi-custom brings the most ROI and you have the possibility to change its dimensions and finishes. You can find them in home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot, just like stock cabinets.

It’s worth noting that stock and semi-custom wall cabinets come in smaller depths than base cabinets.

If you need a bigger wall cabinet, you’ll have to go for a custom cabinet.

Wall cabinets are less likely to see spills, are out of your way, and they’ll last for a long time.

Base Cabinets

Base cabinets are sturdier and larger, providing a better storage space in a room where it’s needed.

If you want a dedicated space that will serve as a folding station, you’ll need base cabinets to have a strong support for the countertop. We can’t stress enough how important the counter space in a laundry room is.

However, base cabinets are more prone to water spills, which are common in laundry rooms.

Open Shelving

Open shelves are a great feature to have in many rooms. They provide an increased accessibility and can make your life so much easier.

They’re affordable and you can get them from home improvement stores. If you want something more unique, with decorative elements, you’ll want to look for custom made shelves.

Your Laundry Room Renovation Budget

According to Fixr, the average laundry room renovation cost is around $6,000. The low-end is $800, and the higher-end is $12,000.

Note that this would be a small space of around 35 square foot with mid-range upper and lower cabinets, laminate countertops, and new appliances.

Let’s look at some average prices for different features that’ll go in your laundry room.

Type Of Upgrade	Price Per Square Foot
Vinyl flooring	$2 - $8
Quart of paint	$5 - $10
Stock vs. custom cabinets	$100 - $280 vs. $2,000 - $4,500
Laminate countertops vs. granite or quartz	$50 - $500 vs. $600 - $1,000
Washer and dryer	$1,000 - $4,000
Undermount vs. utility sink	$100 - $1,000

These are just materials and appliances, you’ll also have to pay for the actual work. These are the plumbers, electricians, designers, and so on. Let’s look at some average rates for hiring these experts.

Professional	Price
Plumber	$45 - $150 /hour
Electrician	$65 - $85 /hour
Carpenter	$70 /hour
Painter	$50 /hour
Flooring installer	$5 - $10 /square foot

Other Laundry Room Renovation Upgrades

Your laundry room should be limited to just cabinets, appliances, and a sink.

There are many other features that improve the efficiency of this space, so it’s worth considering them if you’re looking for a laundry room that works at 100% capacity.

Let’s see some viable upgrades that can make the difference.

Can A Laundry Room Renovation Be A DIY Project?

Yes and no. It all depends on the type of work you need to do.

For example, if you want to undertake a full laundry room remodel, complete with new flooring, cabinets, plumbing, and lighting, doing it yourself can turn into a never-ending nightmare.

Sure, if you happen to have experience in all these types of work, you can try and knock it out of the park.

But if you’d rather not take any chances, letting a professional transform your laundry room is a much better call.

Let Lakeview Home Improvements Help With Your Laundry Room Renovation

Lakeview Home Improvements is the go-to for many homeowners in East Tennessee and Knoxville when it comes to home improvement projects. We started our journey in 2019 and we bring with us years of experience in remodeling and project management.

For your convenience, we developed a quick and simple process to start your project. A process where you and your family are at the front and center of our work.

Our final goal is to make remodeling a pleasant journey where you can enjoy your new laundry room without all the stress and anxieties that contractors used to bring.

You’ll get our full transparency when it comes to pricing and timeline, and we’ll make clear and open communication a priority. These ensure you’ll get the best laundry room renovation in the easiest way possible.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to find more details about your upcoming laundry room renovation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

We’re a leader in remodeling in Knoxville and East Tennessee.

Ready to make the big step? Call us today at (865) 801-4545 or request a quote and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

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How To Choose A Contractor To Ensure The Best Remodel

Nate Burket — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 10:54:00 +0000

Are you looking to choose a contractor to work on your home? There’s a few things you should know before a company before you decide to work with them.

In the video below, I’m telling you exactly what to do to ensure your remodeling experience will go as planned.

Press the play button and watch me talking about the secret to choosing the perfect contractor for you project!

But if you don’t have time for a video, here’s everything black on white.

Get Ready To Do Some Research

You’ve decided that now is the time – you are going to give that bathroom a facelift or improve the traffic in a challenging kitchen. Now you need to choose a contractor, but not any contractor.

There are dozens of general contractors in Knoxville or East Tennessee, so how do you choose the best one out there? Who best to oversee the project and deliver your finished dream?

Let’s start with 7 tips for getting the best contractor for your project.

1. Get Recommendations

One of the most important things you need to do is get recommendations. Start with family and friends.

If they’ve recently remodeled, ask them about their experiences, both good and bad. Aunt Cassie may have the perfect general contractor for you while her neighbor may have several contractors for you to avoid. Your husband’s coworker may have a story about the remodeling contractor he used, and the company he wished he had used instead.

Point is, you need to go out there and test the grounds before deciding upon someone. A reputable contractor should get recommendations and referrals from all his past customers, as long as they were happy with the work they had done.

2. Do Your Research

Before you choose a contractor, go online and investigate your candidates. For many of us, it’s our first instinct. BBB, Google, and social media are just a few places to look in:

Website. Is it professionally done? Has it been updated recently? Does it feature photos of completed kitchens and baths? Does it have written testimonials from satisfied clients?
Google Business Profile. When you Google search the company by name, look for an outlined box on the right-hand side of the results page. If it’s there, you’ll see photos, contact information, and a summary of starred reviews from customers. Professional businesses set up and maintain their Google Business Profile pages.
Reviews and Testimonials. You likely have a good start on reading the reviews. Read them all, the 5-stars and the 1-stars. Note if the comments are sounding too similar, question if they are legitimate. Pay attention to the dates of the posts as well. How valuable is an opinion from 8 years ago?
Social Media. Another good spot to read reviews. Does the company have a presence on Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, and others? Are the pages well maintained? Social media can tell you a lot about how companies operate. Modern companies embrace modern technologies.
The Better Business Bureau in Knoxville, TN. The BBB website is a great place to look for legitimate contracting businesses. You'll be able to see if they have liability insurance, licenses, and what kind of organizations they're part of (if any). I'm talking here about NARI, NKBA, etc.

3. Interview the candidates

Time to make some calls. From your list of possibilities, get answers to the following questions:

Are you taking on projects of this size? (briefly describe your entire project)
Can you provide a list of previous clients?
How many other projects would you have in progress at the same time?
How long have you worked with your subcontractors?
How do you communicate progress to your homeowner clients?
Will you take care of all the necessary permits? (many remodeling projects require applicable building permits)

The responses to these questions will show: readiness to work with you, how much attention they would give your project, experience with kitchens, baths, or others, and what their values are.

Before you choose a contractor to sign up with, get multiple bids from other contractors and look for the best deal. However, remember that the best deal is not always the best contractor. Ensure the price reflects the quality of their work, but don’t cut corners on materials or installation.

4. Meet face to face

At this point, you are narrowing your list. Pick 3 or 4 contractors to meet. You are looking for a smooth rapport: someone willing to answer your questions in a manner that puts you at ease.

Be sure to understand their process: that is, how the company works and communicates with its clients.

At Lakeview Home Improvements, we ask our clients to complete an online project brief. Homeowners sketch out the parameters of the project. The process helps the homeowner to focus their thinking. In turn, Lakeview staff can answer your questions better. Bonus: a more accurate cost estimate.

5. Check References

Call up former clients and ask how their project went. You can even request to visit and see the finished product.

You may also wish to visit a current job site, to check the contractor’s work. Is the job site neat and well maintained? Are workers observing safety protocols? Remember, these same workers would be in your home.

A good think to do is look at where are the building materials? Are they keeping everything safe in a trailer, or outside? You’ll have to store the materials if you want to keep them away from any danger.

6. Firm Up Your Plans

Conscientious contractors insist on a complete set of blueprints before starting any work. Spending time and money on the front end will yield more efficiencies as the project rolls out.

Also, understand and set up a payment plan. For large projects, the contractor may require 10-25 percent of the total upfront. Subsequent payments will be spread over the course of the project. Generally, a final 15 percent will be due at completion.

Modern contractors use technology to communicate schedule progress. Look for use of tools such as Buildertrend or JobTread. Your password provides entry to the project schedule, updated daily. You also see photos of material delivery, installations, and more. Over the weeks, your project blossoms onscreen, sparing you from regular visits to the job site.

We recommend establishing some ground rules as well. This might be an awkward discussion, but it’ll save you from a lot of stress and frustrations down the road.

7. Get It in Writing

Your contractor should provide a final contract. It will list each step of the project, such as:

Having the details clear to all parties ensures a smooth project and successful renovation.

Our staff at Lakeview Home Improvements will help you achieve your dream space. We specialize in kitchen and bath renovations and our ultimate goal is to deliver the best end product you’ve ever seen. We understand the do’s and don’ts, the best practices, the building codes, and we know how to execute a remarkable classic kitchen design.

For more information on your unique kitchen or bath project, contact us.

Conclusion

The general contractor hiring process can be a daunting task. It could be your biggest mistake, but it could also be your greatest success. One contractor will always be better than the other, but there’s no way knowing without proper research.

The right contractor will make your home improvement project go smooth. He’ll get you quality materials at the best price, accurate price estimates and timelines, and he’ll get your project done in a timely manner.

If you want to learn more about how we executed the best remodeling projects in Knoxville and East Tennessee, give us a ring at (865) 801-4545 or request your free quote!

The 5 Common Remodeling Delays And The Best Way To Deal With Them

Nate Burket — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 11:50:00 +0000

By using a top experienced contractor you mitigate many potential scheduling setbacks for your home remodeling project.

But unforeseen factors will torpedo even the best laid out plans and the entire schedule: weather, material backorders, even human error.

Arm yourself with the knowledge that delays can and do happen… and be ready to roll with them when they occur.

This article is about the common remodeling delays, and what you can do about them.

The Common Remodeling Delays

We know it as Murphy’s Law – “If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong.”

We do all we can to combat this. With heads-up project management techniques, we can lessen the common remodeling delays of most remodeling projects. But clients must understand that some obstacles present themselves time and again.

We are upfront with our East Tennessee and Knoxville clients about these pitfalls. We work together to avoid them, and whey they happen, we’re taking ownership over them and fix them as best as we can.

Here are a few factors that may affect the delivery schedule for your unique remodel.

Weather Delays

One of the most frequent causes of delay is the weather. Unfortunately, these type delays are often unavoidable. When possible, we try to align the schedule with the East Tennessee weather we can expect.

For example, we cannot pour a concrete foundation in the dead of winter if it is too cold for the concrete to set up. We can’t put a roof on during a blustery March gale.

Weather affects any home renovation project, but especially outdoor improvements, like a deck building project.

Material delays

Different materials get ordered throughout the remodeling process. It’s rare for all materials to be ordered at once.

Why? Upfront ordering requires a huge cash outlay by both client and builder. And we have to plan storage for materials that may not be needed for months. We work to keep on top of ordering materials so that they arrive just in time. Sometimes, this doesn’t work out.

Don’t forget the “human error” factor. A manufacturer can ship the wrong product. A driver can deliver supplies to the wrong address. There are simply too many variables.

However, we do all we can to roll with the inevitable.

People

Skilled tradesmen are in high demand, especially in Tennessee.

Consider that we may not need a plumber to be on-site every day of the project, for instance. But if something happens in a day and we need a plumber, we might not always find one available.

Heads-up project management ensures we schedule the right people to be on hand when they are needed. This requires attentive scheduling.

Permits and Inspections

Inspections performed by a city or county inspector take place throughout your reno.

Sometimes work comes to a halt if the inspector is running behind, or the office is backed up. We work closely with these professionals where possible and build flextime into our schedules.

Obtaining remodeling permits can also delay your project timeline. The permitting process involved drawing the plans ahead, applying, verifications, and then inspections before the construction begins, during, and after your renovation project is complete.

Applying for permits and inspections shouldn’t concern you, though. Here at Lakeview Home Improvements, we’re taking care of the application process and we’ll get the permits for you. All you need to do is enjoy the ride.

Change orders

Frequently, delays are caused by clients not making decisions or selecting materials in a timely manner.

As the renovation rolls out, a homeowner decides he/she doesn’t like a feature and directs that a change be made. We know changes are inevitable, and most turn out for the benefit of the assignment. But they can add an element of delay.

Even when we think we’re on top of everything, you never know what you’ll find when you open up a wall. Plumbing fixtures might be leaking, an electrical outlet might be problematic, or the pre existing conditions of a space are simply too bad to continue without fixing them first.

Coping With Common Remodeling Delays

Best tools for combatting delays? For one, we add a few days to the calendar to account for the inevitable slippage. Most of the times, this makes all the difference.

Experience

Experience has shown us where issues are most likely to crop up, and how we can best deal with them. We tell all of our clients that it’s important to be realistic. If the first draft of the schedule says it’s a 6- to 8-month project, we’ll plan on the longer time frame.

We like the adage: ”under-promise, then over-deliver.”

Professionalism

The other tools are less tangible: professionalism and a sense of humor.

If we know something might slip, we aren’t taken by surprise when that event comes to pass. We roll with the complication and deploy our resources in other areas of job site. Most of all, we don’t want to overreact. The goal is to learn from any errors and not repeat them going forward.

Our staff at Lakeview Home Improvements can help you in getting your well-deserved remodel. We specialize in kitchen, bath, and deck remodels. We are a leader in Knoxville and East Tennessee.

Conclusion

No one said remodeling jobs are easy. And there can definitely be project delays, errors, and mistakes.

What’s more important than avoiding these, is how you deal with them. An inexperienced contractor can panic and get impatient, leading to a disastrous project. Something nobody wants.

When working with a professional bathroom remodeler, though, you can rest assured they know what they’re doing.

Here at Lakeview Home Improvements, we know how to avoid the most common remodeling delays. We plan ahead and work as a team to anticipate any possible pitfall and go around it.

If you’re looking for the best bathroom remodel in Knoxville and East Tennessee, request a quote and we’ll call you within two days.

If you want to get started sooner, call us right now at (865) 801-4545.

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