Finding a Contractor with Character
By Candice ManciniRefacingCabinet.com Columnist
Newer homes are often more functional than older homes. However, many older homes have tremendous character, charm, and warmth (even if they're drafty). The right remodels and the right contractor can make your functional new home as full of character as your great-great-great grandmother's.
Old Home Charm: Top Remodels
Some remodels that can add old-home charm include:
- New energy-efficient windows come not only in vinyl, but also in wood and wood-composite. Wood-composite is strong and beautiful like wood, but low-maintenance like vinyl.
- New exterior doors can be antique-looking and energy efficient. There's a beautiful selection of wooden, old-style doors for inside, too.
- Remodeling with wide, stained-wood molding around interior windows and doorways adds incredible character.
- While it's often hard to tell the difference between real wood and laminated wood floors, both can beautify. A contractor can install laminated wood floors relatively quickly and easily.
Finding the Right Contractor
Your contractor should be experienced in remodeling older homes or have remodeled a newer home to look older. Before hiring anyone for a remodeling project, speak to two or three different contractors. In addition to getting bids, make sure they're licensed, and ask to see photos of previous projects. Visiting homes previously remodeled by the contractor is even better.
But before speaking to contractors, decide what you want remodeled. Make a list, including the things that you're just considering. Each contractor should be able to provide estimates, in writing, for each remodel project you're keeping in mind. While price is important, don't hire a contractor only because he/she is the cheapest. Quality is important when it comes to your home, for yourself and for future resale value. Be weary of very low prices. It might mean the actual costs will be much higher or that the contractor's skills are questionable.
Once you find a contractor, have fun with these character-building remodels. You'll be amazed how they can transform your home.
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About The Author
Candice Mancini is a freelance writer, a teacher, and a homeowner with great appreciation for brilliant home improvement innovations.
