| So you've made the big decision to remodel your | | | | project in your condo or home. There is probably |
| kitchen or bath and have crunched all the | | | | no better advertising than a happy customer who |
| numbers you want to spend and know what new | | | | tells friends or family and gives a glowing |
| appliances, cabinets, counters, vanities, fixtures or | | | | recommendation about work they've had done. |
| flooring you want to replace. You know what | | | | So if you know anyone who has had a good |
| colors work for you and goes with the rest of | | | | experience with a remodeling job, ask their opinion |
| your condo or house. Now after deciding all that, | | | | and to see the finished room. Most people will be |
| you think the hard work on your part is done. | | | | more than happy to show off their new kitchen |
| Wrong. You need to put just as much, if not | | | | or bath and you can get a really good first hand |
| more, effort into finding a professional to do the | | | | look at the designer or carpenter's work. |
| actual remodeling or construction work. That is | | | | If you don't have any personal recommendations, |
| assuming you aren't handy enough to do it | | | | then the next place to start looking is for locally |
| yourself. | | | | advertised contractors or designers. Keeping it |
| You don't want to spend a significant amount of | | | | local is better because you won't have to drive a |
| money on new finishes and materials only to have | | | | long distance to meet with them or see their |
| them installed wrong or possibly ruined. Skimping | | | | showroom if they have one, and you'll be able to |
| on who you get to actually do the work could | | | | check out references much easier. Even your |
| jeopardize the entire project. A reliable | | | | local hardware store, furniture store or lumber |
| professional will quote you a fair price and time | | | | supplier may be able to provide you with the |
| estimate as well as be willing to provide | | | | names of some professionals. |
| references, both in the form of previous happy | | | | Once you've settled on two or three different |
| customers as well as finished projects that ideally | | | | professionals, take the time to meet with each |
| you could visit and see for yourself. | | | | and see what they have to offer. A design |
| Many owners of Chicago condos and single family | | | | specialist should be able to come up with several |
| homes are opting to renovate as opposed to buy | | | | different suggestions and not box you into one |
| a new property. It not only improves the living | | | | look for your kitchen or bath. He or she should |
| experience of the home owner, but makes the | | | | also be willing to work with you and not force |
| real estate more valuable should it ever be sold. | | | | ideas, but provide suggestions on how to achieve |
| There are also some new developments and | | | | the look you want for the price you are willing or |
| rehab projects where you can buy an "as is" or | | | | able to pay. A design specialist should ask enough |
| unfinished unit for a reduced price and do the | | | | questions to get a feel for what you are trying to |
| finishing yourself. You can shop around or check | | | | accomplish with your project and be able to show |
| with some of the developers listed here for any | | | | you samples of paint, fabrics, fixtures or furniture |
| available units waiting to be sold as is. | | | | and know how to take measurements. |
| The National Kitchen and Bath Association | | | | On the construction side, if any is involved, a good |
| projects that an estimated 6.9 million kitchens will | | | | contractor will be able to also take measurements |
| be remodeled in 2008. That amount of jobs is | | | | and give you a written estimate of the cost of |
| certain to attract both qualified professionals as | | | | materials and labor plus have written proof of |
| well as amateur carpenters looking to make a | | | | licensing and insurance. A written agreement |
| quick buck. Trying to save on your contractor | | | | should also be in place that sets some sort of |
| fees so you can spend more on fixtures is never | | | | standard about pricing should the project run over |
| a good idea. And if you also need someone to | | | | the estimated time frame or something |
| guide you though the process of actual design, | | | | unexpected come up and more materials and |
| then it's even more important to find someone | | | | supplies need to me purchased. |
| who has experience and is trustworthy. There are | | | | Finally, as simple as it may sound, finding a |
| a few basic steps you can take and questions | | | | professional you can get along with is almost as |
| you can ask to be as assured as you can that | | | | important as finding one who is qualified. Needless |
| the designer or contractor you hire is a | | | | to say, it is difficult to work with someone you |
| professional and will do a good job for a fair price. | | | | don't like. Remodeling your kitchen or bath should |
| Word of mouth may be the best way to find a | | | | be a fun and exciting experience, not a do it |
| professional to help you with your remodeling | | | | yourself nightmare or design disaster. |