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While a financial investment, home improvement is most importantly a lifestyle investment. Money spent on updates and remodeling usually increases a home’s market value. But for those improvements to give true value back to you, your home’s design and features must suit your unique character and lifestyle – no matter how much you spend.

Plan, plan, plan – it’s the best way to attain a remodel that suits your needs, budget and investment potential. If you take the time to consider your needs and goals before you buy materials or hire professionals, you can make the remodel experience an enjoyable and smooth process.

We’ve created the following sections to help guide you as you plan your project, create ideas and establish expectations. If you have any questions, please contact Excede for more information.

1. Pre-plan – Create an “ideal home vision”

2. Choose a Contractor – Carefully select a talented professional you trust

3. Develop and Share: Expand upon pre-plan and communicate with your contractor

Before you pick up a paintbrush or hire a contractor, it’s important to “pre-plan”. That is, establish the ideal finished product in your mind. Decide the look and feel of your home, as well as its function and place in your life.

The following tips are designed to help you paint that picture in your mind.

-Collect pictures and samples of rooms, styles, colors or other ideas that appeal to you or that’d you like incorporated into your home.

-Chat with friends, family members and associates about their remodeling experiences.

-Consider the overall value of homes in your neighborhood. While it is important to keep your home updated and well-maintained, you may not want to over-improve beyond the value of homes in your area.

-Consider how long you are planning on living in your home. The extent of your home improvement may be different if you are planning to move within the next three years, or if this is your “forever” home.

-Collect requirements specific to your community or HOA. -

Consider timing. Do you need your project complete before a special occasion (e.g., graduation, wedding)? Would you like construction to occur during a specific time of year?

-Consider how construction will impact your pets or small children and how to accommodate the temporary disruption to their routines and space.

Before you hire a contractor, consider the importance of your selection. For a period of time, a contractor is a big part of your life. You’ll talk to and see them regularly. They will become a part of your schedule and take over some of your personal space. A contractor also handles the details of construction so you can continue your daily routine. More importantly, your contractor is the one who will ultimately take your vision and make it part of your home and life.

Look for a qualified, professional, experienced contractor who you think you’ll enjoy working with, and especially one you can trust… someone who values your time and your opinions, your family, lifestyle and home.

Asking the following questions of any contractor you are considering can provide you with valuable information on whether s/he is the right one for you and your project:

1. Do you obtain all necessary permits and HOA approvals?

2. Are you a licensed contractor? Are you insured?

3. Do your subcontractors and trade specialists have the necessary licenses and insurance?

4. Do you protect your customers by requiring subcontractors to sign lien waivers upon payment?

5. Will there be daily supervision on my project?

6. Do you have a design center where I can make my selections with the assistance of a professional designer?

7. Will you provide me with a detailed proposal? Will I know exactly what is included in your price?

8. Do you have over 20 years of experience in different aspects of residential construction and remodeling – including basements, kitchens, and new home construction?

When you interview Excede, we’ll answer “yes” to each question. We pay close attention to each and every aspect of home remodeling – from the subcontractors we hire to the permits we obtain. You can trust us to take care of your home with integrity, professionalism, attention and care.

We’ve designed this questionnaire to help you develop your home improvement plan. Of course, there are many other things to consider, but this will give you good start.

If you’d like to pursue your project planning with Excede, please complete and submit the following questionnaire and we’ll contact you soon.