Home Improvement Corner

If I can pick the most important term that best describes a successful project, it’s “planning”. Remember the old adage concerning planning: the five “Ps”, proper planning prevents poor performance. Well, they are right, planning is the key to staying at or near budgets, and maintaining timelines. Unforeseen events happen and are a fact that must be dealt with as they occur but planning helps minimize these unanticipated occurrences. Ultimately planning saves time and money.

So you decided you want to make your project a realization, how do you begin?

With pencil and paper list what you want to do. Take rough measurements and layouts. Include colors and materials. Attach additional blank sheets of paper to make notes as you proceed. Make sure you review this information with your “significant other” and make sure there is agreement. Remember spontaneity is not recommended in home improvement. Spontaneity has a tendency to blow up budgets and delay projects.

Will you require permits? Visit your building departments information office. Explain what you want to do and you will be surprised at the wealth of information the desk clerk has. They have seen everything come across their desk and can provide insights on most jobs. Ask about zoning regulations for your area. Ask about permit fees and duration, as well as renewal policy. Make notes on your original hand drawn planning document.

For buildings, gated communities, or historical district dwellers contact your governing boards and determine if there are any restrictive covenants. Ask questions about hours and days of work allowed by contractors. Inquire about construction debris and trash placement. Determine what entrance can be used by the workers and any special provisions required to protect common areas. Speak to the building’s superintendent and determine if utilities to your unit will affect other units if shut off.

Visit your location home improvement store. Write down prices for materials (not rudimentary supplies – 2x4s, drywall, or cement), tiles, fixtures, appliances, and doors. Determine if the materials you like are stock items. Sometimes clerks are hard to pin down but be persistent. Usually there is a special order desk that can provide crucial lead times information. Makes notes, for example: “Cabinets require 6-8 weeks, 8’x10’ layout, $5,000 cost payment in full upon order”. Total the cost of materials.

Call a few contractors and get ballpark estimates on your project. Do not make them any promises. Have them break down the cost into materials, labor, and documentation. This step does not negate the entire contractor selection process I previously discussed. This step is solely for planning purposes. In fact, a good contractor will be generous with information and insight.

Finally and the most important, financing the project. What’s the source: savings, home equity loan, or credit cards. Once you developed a ballpark project cost add 15% for cost overruns. Industry standards for a well-planned project are 10%-15%. Now is a good time to mention, “over renovating”. Never lose sight of your project’s cost versus property value. Research accordingly and determine if the numbers work, then go for it.

Nick Sosa, Contractor

nicksosa@aol.com 914-837-9913