Resources

Tips for Building & Remodeling | Interior Building Resources | Exterior Building Resources

Tips for Building & Remodeling (back to top)

There's no question that building a new home or remodeling an existing one can be an exercise in patience. However, with proper planning and the right partner, your project can move forward smoothly, stay within budget and achieve your vision. Here are a few tips
to help you through the process.

Start by doing your homework. Read magazines and books. Visit websites. Watch decorating and remodeling shows on channels like HGTV and TLC. Tour showrooms and model homes. Talk with friends, family and neighbors who have recently remodeled. Then collect your favorite ideas in a binder that you can share with Coastal NRM Builder during your initial consultation. 


Prioritize. More than likely, you won't be able to do everything you'd like because of budget or space, or because two ideas are mutually exclusive. Put your wish list into categories of things you must do, you want to do, or you'd like to do if possible. We'll work with you to help make the best choices for your life style and the new space you're creating. 


Establish your budget. There are online calculators that can help you with this process. However, because building material and labor costs vary widely by geography, it's best to work with your builder to create a project plan and comprehensive budget. It's also a good idea to have 20% over your budget available to cover the unexpected or changes you want to make along the way. 


Select the right partner. We always encourage our clients to get more than one estimate. “Choosing the company with the lowest price is not always the best idea,” says Sara Ann Busby, vice president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. “It could be the quality of the materials that the builder selected is different. Or, it could be that he or she missed something.” When getting multiple estimates, be sure that the specifications are the same for each company and be very specific about the products and materials you want used in your project. At Coastal NRM Builder, we always use quality materials and provide complete estimates to avoid surprises. 


Check references. A good contractor should be able to provide you not only with solid references, but proof of their license and insurance coverage. At Coastal NRM Builder, we're proud of our past work and can provide a number of clients you can speak with 
directly. We're a member of the Home Builders Association of Maryland, and we're licensed, bonded, and insured in both Maryland and Delaware. 


Look for a good fit. Having a good rapport and open lines of communication with your contractor will have a tremendous affect on your overall satisfaction with the project. That’s why we believe our clients should be a partner in the project. We'll maintain open communication with you throughout the process, and we'll work with you to resolve any challenges that arise. 


Think green. When making your plans, consider energy efficiency. Some states and utilities offer incentives for incorporating Energy Star and other energy efficient products into your home. Plus, you'll save on your future energy bills while doing something good for the environment. We can make recommendations along the way as to how to incorporate these materials into your project. 


Make sure you're covered. When we're finished with your project, be sure to contact your home insurance company to ensure you have adequate replacement coverage for your new space or home improvements. 


Interior Building Resources (back to top)

Exterior Building Resources (back to top)