Upload
others
View
0
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
But thanks to the design savvy of architects in the family,
online resources and a great contractor, we began knocking
out walls and picking out counter-top samples — all the
while eating frozen waffles from the toaster stationed on our
fireplace mantle.
Remodeling projects are exciting and inspiring — and often
overwhelming. Somewhere along the way, every project
needs the help of an expert. Contractor Mike Ball of Element
Construction shares these insider tips for first-time home
renovators:
Don’t underestimate your cost. When pricing your project, it
is important to consider big-ticket items, but also remember
the numerous little things that add up — both materials and
labor. Renovations present more challenges (and surprises)
than building new. An experienced renovator will be more
adept at planning for unknowns, but some things are just
hidden in the walls, as they say.
Work with someone you trust. Whether you’re working
with a contractor or hiring your own sub-contractors, don’t
choose your project team solely on the lowest bid. The lowest
price has the lowest assumptions and, in the end, you may
find that either the quality of the work will be jeopardized
or the price will go up. If you’re doing the work on your own,
do your homework. Learn proper techniques for framing,
trim, roofing, insulation, mechanicals and so on so that
you don’t have to redo work, but don’t be afraid to call the
professionals if you’re in over your head.
Think creatively about how to reuse old items. “Upcycling”
is smart and hip. Shop at the local Habitat store. Convert an
old desk into a bathroom vanity or kitchen island, or use an
old window as an accent piece. In Charlottesville, it’s as easy
to source local soapstone or slate as it is to dismantle an old
barn or fence for beautiful lumber.
Be Flexible Being unwilling to budge on certain materials or products is an easy way to blow your budget. Instead, keep your options open and capitalize
on closeouts, surplus and overstock.
A few years ago, my family decided to overhaul our kitchen and bring it out of the 1950s (and trust me, we’re not talking about the en vogue Mad Men 1950s). When we finally decided to take the plunge, we quickly realized we were in over our heads. “Oh, is that wall load-bearing?”
by Lauren ThompsonYour Renovation Project first
50 September 2014
“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”
— Lin Yutang
GET INSPIRED BY SOME RICHMOND NEIGHBORS
Just down the road, John and Sherry Petersik
have flipped and transformed many houses. They
share about their DIY adventures on their website,
YoungHouseLove.com.
HOME Garden
{living well home & garden}
VIRGINIA TEA TOWELS
You don’t have to drop a ton of money to
update your space. Start small by simply
adding updated accessories. These hand
towels by Catstudio are perfect for sprucing
up a powder room or for use as luxury dinner
napkins! Get a fun new pop of color while
showing your state pride.
From $18.50 at The Happy Cook
&The Nesting Place
After living in 13 homes and raising a slew of boys and pets,
Myquillyn Smith brings a no-fuss, realistic perspective to
decorating and restyling. “In The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have
to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful,” she teaches you how to think
creatively about your space and tailor it to your own life.
$12.76 at Barnes & Noble
2424 Richmond RoadCharlottesville, VA 22902
434-979-8873CharlottesvilleOffice - Call:
September Is TheIdeal Time For SeedingAnd Fertilization...for a healthy lawn, year round!
I-64 to Richmond
Richmond Rd. (Rt. 250)
To Charlottesville
OUR NEWLOCATION
Floor Fashionsof Virginia
PANTOPS MOUNTAIN
w w w . l a n d s c a p e s u p p l y v a . c o m
TAKE I-64EXIT 124
A Subsidiary of W.S.Connelly & Co., Inc.Visit our New 10,000sq. ft. Fully StockedCharlottesvilleWarehouse:
• SEED• FERTILIZER• ORGANIC FERTILIZER• LIME• PESTICIDES• EROSION CONTROL
PRODUCTSMention this ad and receive aFREESOIL ANALYSIS!
Cheaper than big box storesPLUSFREE ADVICE!
Ad_LSI Cville_7 x 4.625 8/11/14 2:01 PM Page 1
CharlottesvilleFamily.com 51