Sunroom Remodeling Blogs

Six Reasons Why You Should Consider a Spring Remodeling Project

6 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Spring Remodeling Project

If you are thinking of a spring remodeling for a room because you want to sell your home this summer, or you have waited through the long winter to start your dream project … spring is here and now may be the ideal time to begin. 

Here are six very good reasons why you should consider a spring remodeling project:

You’ll be among the first to remodel. 

The earlier you can get your project scheduled, the sooner your remodeler can get started. Home renovators get very busy during the summer months, so to avoid getting back-logged, be one of the first to be on the schedule for a spring start.

You’ll have better weather.

Spring temperatures and weather conditions mean fewer weather-related delays. Your contractor won’t have to deal with freezing winter or the scorching heat of the summer. Your project will be completed faster in spring than in any other season.

You’ll avoid disruption.

The winter and early spring holidays are over so a renovation project won’t get in the way of your family activities. Start in the spring and the work may be done in time for summer vacation and travel plans. You will want to entertain on your new deck or patio and proudly show off your newly remodeled kitchen to out-of-town guests.

You’ll have more time.

If your renovation project is complex, it may take months to be completed. If you start in the spring, you’ll have more time for the project to be finalized … into the summer and fall, if needed. 

You’ll benefit from spring remodeling sales.

Many showrooms have end-of-winter sales, offering discounts on items from the previous season. You can take advantage of lower prices on materials that may include plumbing fixtures, tile flooring, and lighting.

You’ll sell for more with your spring remodeling project.

If your objective is to sell your home at a higher price, consider that a newly renovated home will attract more potential buyers. Your home will stand out and you may sell quickly and at the price you want. 

Spring is a time for new beginnings. Nature is alive with new birth. A spring remodeling project may be the revitalization your home needs so you will love it even more than when you first moved in.  

If you are thinking about renovating your home this spring, call us at 508-918-0422 at A.W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration. We begin with a consultation to hear your vision. We will explain our process and answer all your questions. Together we will design and create a new living space that you and your family will love and enjoy for many years!

remodeling contractor Boston MA photo

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Remodeling Contractor

The most essential first step when beginning a home remodeling project is to select your contractor. Your goal is to choose a professional who is reliable, honest, and has a good reputation for quality work. You’ll want to get multiple estimates and check each contractor’s reviews, but there is more you can do to select the best contractor for you. Think of this step as the “interview” process.

Your job at this point is to ask a lot of questions.  Here are 13 of the most important:

1. How long have you been a remodeling contractor?

First and foremost, you want an experienced remodeling contractor. Those with years of experience have created processes and controls to ensure that their projects are completed on time and on budget. Experience helps to produce quality results that will meet your expectations.

2. Will I have a dedicated team working on my project?

Contractors often work several projects at a time. You want to know that the individuals on your job will be consistent from day to day. Ask: Will the same team be working on my project each day? Will you be the project manager? If not, who and what will he or she oversee each day? What is your process for qualifying the sub-contractors you work with? How often can I expect a progress report?

3. What remodeling contractor insurance do you carry?

Contractors should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance for the types of jobs they perform. Ask to see their Certificate of Insurance for peace of mind that the company and their employees are insured for the type of work you are hiring them for. In addition, ask if the sub-contractors they hire are insured under the contractor’s insurance.

4. What licenses and certification does your company and its employees have?

Cities, states, and sometimes counties have different contractors’ licensing requirements. You want to know that your contractor has obtained any required certifications for their field of expertise. (You don’t want to hire a carpenter whose license is in plumbing.) A business license is not sufficient. A license to operate a business doesn’t mean that the individual is a licensed or credentialed contractor.

5. Will the remodeling contractor obtain the necessary permits and arrange for the required inspections?

Some projects require permits and/or inspections, especially if your project changes the structure of the home. Your contractor should know what permits are needed and how to get them … and should be willing to obtain them for you. 

6. What is your timeline for starting and completing this project?

Ask, too, if there are any circumstances that might affect the schedule, such as other projects the company is working on now or prospective projects that may go to contract. Learn how changes to the timeline will be addressed.

7. How do you want to be paid? What is the payment schedule?

You should never be expected to pay for the entire project upfront and a reputable contractor will not ask you to. It is important to know exactly how much is due and when.

8. How will additional remodeling contractor charges be handled?

With today’s technology, contractors can provide very accurate pricing, but remodeling projects can be unpredictable at times. Once a project is underway, circumstances may arise that can change the initial estimate. Homeowners may decide to make changes that require a “change order.” It is important that your contractor agree not to exceed the agreed upon budget without getting approval.

9. What will a typical day on this project be like?

You need to know what to expect on construction days so you can prepare appropriately. At what time does the workday begin and end? What does the homeowner need to remove prior to the start of the project? Does the homeowner need to be home during the project? Should pets be removed from the home? What will the noise level be like? In addition, ask how tools and materials will be stored if the job spans several days? Ask if tools will be put away or if equipment needs to stay in place until the following day. At the end of the day, will trash be removed and disposed of? Will there be routine end-of-day clean up to ensure an uncluttered workspace?

10. What steps are taken to protect my property?

Although the question may seem disrespectful, it is important to know that your contractor is willing to take appropriate steps to protect your home. Ask about the use of tarps to cover large furniture and surfaces in the work area. Will the crew wear shoe coverings in the house? Will doors need to be kept open and will they be closed and locked when leaving the home?

11. Do you offer a warranty for your service or for the materials you will use?

Most remodeling contractors offer a guarantee on their work, and you’ll want to know what their warranty covers and for how long. The materials used may have a manufacturer’s warranty, so you should request a copy of this information before construction begins.

12. How will we communicate with each other during the project?

Who is the remodeling contractor person you should be contacting if you have a question or a change? When is the best time to contact this person and how – by phone, text, email? Ask in what general timeframe you can expect a response.

It is critical to establish good communication between contractor and homeowner. Prospective contractors will welcome your questions and should have a list of questions of their own to determine what you desire in your remodel and what your expectations are. You don’t want a contractor who agrees with everything you say.

You want an open dialogue which ensures a positive working relationship for this project and beyond.

How will we resolve any disagreements?

Mistakes and disagreements with remodeling contractors do sometimes occur, therefore, a remodeling contractor must have a process to handle this. As a result, you will hire a remodeler who guarantees their work and has a process in place to make sure you are 100% satisfied. 

Want to know what it is like to work with a reliable remodeling contractor? Check out our latest reviews on BuildZoom.

Bring in the outdoors with a custom sunroom

Custom Sunroom Build: Bringing the Outdoors In

Let in the Light and Keep Out the Bugs

A custom sunroom can be a special place in your home. Surrounded by glass with screened openings that can be open or closed, sunrooms are sometimes referred to as patio rooms, solariums, outdoor enclosures, and Florida rooms.

A sunroom is a room where you can bring the outdoors in while controlling the area from natural elements. Heat, cold, rain, wind, snow, and bugs are kept out and the family can enjoy a view of nature while experiencing the comfort of being inside.

Styles and Structures of a Custom Sunroom

There are many styles and layouts to consider, but the most efficient designs blend in with the existing structure. The result should look like it was part of the original design of the home, not a room added as an afterthought. Often, builders will use existing bases, like concrete patios or wooden decks. The roof may be opaque rather than a solid, shingled covering.  With the advance of construction technology, sunrooms are now built of lightweight and high-tech products like, aluminum, structural vinyl, engineered roof panels, and tinted glass. Sunrooms may also include radiant heating and air conditioning.

Three- or Four-Season Sunroom?

Consider whether you want your custom sunroom to be available and occupied during the spring, summer, and fall … or if you would like to use it during the winter as well.  Three-season sunrooms are designed to provide shade from direct sun and offer some cooling during the hot summer. They may be made of lighter weight materials which are economical, but they are not normally insulated or include a heating system. In the Northeast, you may want a sunroom that you can enjoy year-round.

A four-season sunroom is built to provide comfort no matter the weather. A year-round sunroom is a stronger, heavy-duty addition that uses double-pane glass that may have specialized treatments like inert, argon filling or low-emissivity coatings. The roof, walls, and doors in four-season sunrooms have sufficient insulation and protection against a severe climate. They may also incorporate the main home’s siding and the same roof with overhangs.

The knee or low-height panels beneath the glass are usually two feet tall and allow space for electrical plugs and baseboard heaters. Multiple sky lights in a solid roof may be used to capture optimum natural light.

Buiding a Sunroom versus Greenhouse

A sunroom is designed to control sunlight, shading direct light from the interior. It is not designed to be trapped for solar gain, as you want in a greenhouse. A greenhouse is different than a sunroom with a different purpose.

Why You Should Have a Custom Sunroom Built

The main consideration people have when deciding whether to add a sunroom is the cost. Your personal enjoyment and the lifestyle advantage you gain with a sunroom is the first factor. You will need to consult a local realtor to see what the return on your investment (ROI) may be in your area. According to Home Remodeling Cost Guide, adding a sunroom will increase your home’s general value … you should see a 50% return on the money you spend.

Some other considerations include a possible increase in property taxes and an adjustment to your insurance costs. If you are adding a four-season sunroom, there will be added utility expense.  Think about the privacy issue as well, especially if you have close neighbors. You may need to add drapes, blinds or other window coverings.

Determining Costs of a Custom Sunroom Build

The cost of building a sunroom for your home is dependent on several factors:

  • What is the intended use? Three or Four seasons?
  • Size of the sunroom build
  • Quality of materials
  • Heating or cooling devices

If you are thinking about adding a custom sunroom, the first step is to talk to an experienced builder who can advise you of the process and the decisions you will need to make before you get a firm estimate of the cost.

Do your research. Look at magazines to get an idea of the styles and designs you like. Then, think about a budget and call us at 508-918-0422 at A.W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration.

We’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you along to create a new living space you will enjoy for many years.