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In These Troubled Economic Times Many are Turning to Home Improvement
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In These Troubled Economic Times Many are Turning to Home Improvement
SOUTHERN MARYLAND - 3/31/2009
By Stu Garlington - Special to TheBAYNET.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: Stu Garlington is the president of Towne Craft Builders and Remodelers in California. His company has managed to weather the current economic storm by adapting the company’s focus from new construction to that of home improvement and remodeling until the housing market turns around. Garlington offers homeowners some valuable tips and examples of the kinds of improvements that can be done in a down economy that increase the value of the home. Home improvement projects are on the increase in St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties. While there is always the do-it-yourselfer, many are turning to licensed home improvement contractors like Towne Craft Builders and Remodelers, headquartered in California.
Many homeowners — amidst the dismal housing market — are thinking its time to further enjoy their current residence and at the same time, increase the long-term resale potential of one’s home/property.
Here are a few examples of the range in recent residential makeover projects, TCB has handled:
v {Lusby} Major renovation of lakeside home, sitting 30' below street level, where two-story screened porches on each side of residence were removed, making way for a kitchen makeover; meditation room and a exercise room; all materials and debris were hand carried to and from the job via a series of wooden walkways and stairs
v {Wildewood} Knocking out walls; clearing surrounding wooded yard for a luxury in-law suite addition with custom cabinetry in the library and master bath, Anderson Windows and doors throughout, high efficiency gas furnace and air conditioner and custom paint colors
v {Sotterly} A 1980’s built Cape Cod front exterior makeover; from first meeting with resident, it took 60 days for conceptual drawings, permit acquisition and makeover construction; owner judges he already has recouped his financial investment
v {Hollywood} Three-car 22’ x 32’ garage with second floor in-law apartment above. Included a 14’ x 6’ veranda/entrance on first floor with a 14’ x 6’ covered deck on above on the second floor.
Regardless of the scope of the proposed kitchen makeover with an enlarged dining area or going from one to two floors or building that three-car garage, homeowners will want to heed the following:
v Check references, make sure the contractor is licensed and insured
v When in doubt about a contractor’s credentials, visit http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/occprof/homeim.html
v Remember: if your contractor does not have insurance an injured worker has a direct path to you. If the contractor is not licensed, you are really the contractor’s employer instead of customer. You don’t want the liabilities associated with being an employer, that’s one of the reasons you hired a contractor.
v Work with the contractor who helps you establish a detailed scope of work. You want to fully understand what is and what is not included in the price.
v A new room addition or a major whole house makeover will necessitate anywhere from 30 to hundreds of hours of design time before a contractor can even begin to bid the job. You should expect to pay for design services when they are provided by your contractor or an architect.
To become more informed on home renovation issues, browse TCB’s website at: http://www.townecraftbuilders.com/home_remodeling.html. Or call Stu Garlington at (301) 737-5400 to arrange an initial free consultation. |
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