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home renovation Boston

A.W. Puma Remodeling & Restoration as Featured on Architectural Digest

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The professionals of A.W. Puma Remodeling & Restoration have had the pleasure of working on a variety of projects since they first started their business back in 2014. However, it’s not every day that the contractors get to work on a project for a leading interior design and architecture publication. When they were first approached by Architectural Digest about a home remodeling Boston project, they were very excited to jump on board. 

The transformation was documented from start to finish as part of a video for the Architectural Digest. Keep reading to learn more about this project and the role that A.W. Puma Remodeling & Restoration played in the room refresh.

About the Client

The main focus of this project was to provide a family with a room refresh. The client selected was a mother named Kelley. She and her husband had lived in their home for nearly six years. Since then, they’ve made many memories with their two boys and their dog.

Kelley chose to do a room refresh in her family room. It is their primary living space, so they spend a lot of time in it. She mentioned that it was the room where they gathered after dinner, played, and did pretty much everything else together.

Her goal with the refresh was to transform that room into a place where she would feel comfortable having guests over. She also wanted to have more storage, update the flow, and simply be proud of the space.

While Kelley had dreamed of making these updates for quite some time, things were delayed when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. After putting a year and a half of treatment behind the family, they were finally ready to tackle the family room remodel. 

About the Designer

In the Architectural Digest video, Kelley gets to meet a talented designer who will help her create the family room of her dreams. Julie Sousa is the founder of the Avant Garde, which is a home decor & design brand. She currently works as an interior stylist, DIYer, and content creator.  

One of the first things that Julie discussed with Kelley was the layout of the room. Julie brought up the idea of focusing the flow on the neglected fireplace. She also mentioned adding storage space to the wall behind the sofa as well as some beams for character and warmth.

However, the budget was one of the most important discussions. Kelley and her husband had decided to spend about $30,000 on the job. With that in mind, Julie recommended that they do some DIY work, but they also had plenty of wiggle room to hire professionals for the bigger jobs. 

That’s where A.W. Puma Remodeling & Restoration came in to help.

Services Provided by A.W. Puma Remodeling & Restoration

Albert of A.W. Puma Remodeling & Restoration was contacted by Julie and Architectural Digest about completing some of the living room remodel. Their professional home remodeling contractors were hired to take on the projects that required more technical knowledge.

For example, they helped with the installation of the wood beams. While Kelley was open to Julie’s idea to add beams to the ceiling, she was concerned that they would take away some clearance since the ceilings were relatively low. The contractors were able to come up with a solution.

Rather than installing traditional wood beams, the professionals made their own. They were able to put multiple pieces of wood together in a way that made them look like one uniform piece. They achieved this by using a 45-beveled saw. By taking these steps, they were able to help achieve the cozy look of wood beams, but they were able to keep the depth to just three inches so that it wouldn’t take away any height from the ceiling.

The contractors also helped to complete a few other tasks to achieve the final result. By the time they had finished up, the family was thrilled with the results of both the DIY projects and the professional work.

Find out More About How to Work with the Contractors Featured on Architectural Digest

Homeowners who want to take their family room, bathroom, or kitchen to the next level don’t have to look any further for a team of talented professionals. They can contract A.W. Puma Remodeling & Restoration to make their own home worthy of an Architectural Digest feature. 

 

To get in touch with the home remodelers, simply submit your project details through the online form and request a free quote. The company can also be reached by phone if homeowners have any questions or want to learn more about their services.

Family room trends for 2022 - Happy family father mother and two children sitting on floor and playing at home together during weekend. Family spending happy time at home and having fun with children concept

Interior Design Trends 2023

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A common theme runs through the interior design trends 2023. This theme incorporates comfort, awareness, and a conscious effort to make one of our most important living spaces complement our changing lifestyles. Updating your family room or living room can be simply a matter of changing décor… or it can mean some serious structural renovations. 

Family Room Trends: Colors and Prints

One of the first trends designers are seeing in 2023 is the use of bright colors and prints. Even if you tend to select more neutral colors and textures, you’ll find that it is easy to integrate an exciting bright color or two into the family room.  In the recent past fabrics and paint colors have been subdued, but now people are embracing fun colors and prints into the furniture, pillows, and window treatments. 

Accent walls, millwork, and doors can get a facelift with a splash of greens, blues, mauves, and other bright colors that pick up the colors in the fabric prints.

Multifunctionality

Rooms that can do double duty are desired more than ever. Those who decide to downsize or to stay in their current space look for creative solutions to making their space multifunctional.  One example is building an office within the family room or adding space for an exercise room.

Family Room Trends: Bring the Outdoors Back In

Bringing nature into indoor spaces means including a large tree in the living room or using oversized planters that are made of natural materials and colors.  The object is to create a calm environment indoors with natural lighting and ventilation and a touch of nature with living plants.

Furniture Is Rounding Out

The shape of furniture is changing with the sharp, sleek, modern lines being replaced with couches and chairs with rounded shapes.  However, you’ll see retro styles inspired by the 1970s with terra-cotta, sage, and mustard colors and mid-century furniture trademarks, including peg legs on sofas, cabinets and tables, teak wood tones, and textured fabrics.

Family Room Trends: Vintage Revival

Looking back even further than the 1970s, designers are seeing a resurgence in everything vintage. Older furniture and décor pieces are being repurposed to add charm and warmth to the family and/or living room.  An added bonus is that using vintage is a nod to sustainability and a boon to the budget.

Sustainability is Staying (for good)

Less a trend and more a way of life today, sustainability is important to many people who look to incorporate it into their homes. Repurposing and upcycling is common and people are researching furniture and décor to learn where it comes from and what it is made of. Reusing furniture and looking for materials that support the environment is on the rise.  Natural materials like wood, rattan, clay, and stone pair with any style color, or material. Textures add warmth and lightness to home décor and support the sustainability movement.

If you are thinking about a family room renovation or expansion, call us at 508-918-0422 at A.W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration, or visit our contact page. 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!

Things to Consider when Expanding your Home – Home Additions Ideas

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Do you love your neighborhood, schools, and nearby stores? Do you hate the thought of leaving friends or changing schools? If your current home no longer meets the needs of a growing family, you may be considering expanding your home with an addition.  If your family is increasing because of an aging parent moving in or more children, you may desperately need more rooms or space for an expanding family’s activities.

Before you begin to plan an addition, you need to ask yourself some questions:

  1. Do you have enough space on your property to build out?
  2. Is your home structurally sound to build up?
  3. Will expanding your home be out of place in your neighborhood?
  4. Do you have a generous renovation budget or can you secure a home equity loan to cover the costs of an expansion?

Expanding your Home: to Build Up or Out?

Typical ground level additions include a “Florida” room or sunroom, a family room or living room, an additional or enlarged garage, or a “mother-in-law” suite with a private entrance. A popular renovation for a growing family is a kitchen expansion or a laundry room and/or mud room.

Second Floor Build Up

A craft room or hobby room, exercise room or a master suite are often requested additions for a second floor. A laundry room next to the bedrooms is a popular addition for the convenience of not needing to lug laundry up and down stairs. Other possibilities are an office expansion, sometimes with a private entrance, an over-garage addition, or an additional bedroom.

Going Up… to a Third Story

These additions can include a master suite, family room, storage and holiday rooms, as well as a study or exercise room.

Expanding your Home: Which is the Best Way to Go?

Whether you build up or out may depend on the size, shape, existing footprint of your home, and the available yard space. Think about future uses for your backyard. If you want to leave space for a pool, patio, entertainment area, or playground, you may not have the space available to build out. Are there options for building out at the side of your home or in the front?

Vertical Additions

If you build up, all or part of your home’s existing roof will be removed. You’ll need to plan to move into a hotel or stay with family for the rest of the renovation. Building up includes the addition of a staircase, which will take up space on the first floor, reducing the amount of available square footage there.

Horizontal Additions

Not as disruptive as a second or third floor addition, building out means sacrificing yard area in the back, side, or front of your home. A foundation must be poured and the walls will be framed. Plumbing and air ducts are added and a roof is installed over the new addition. The exterior siding or brick face, as well as the roof, will need to match the existing exterior.

The Cost Differences

Building out is significantly less expensive than building up. Depending on where you live in the US, building up can cost as much as 30% more than building out. 

The cost of building out can include additional plumbing work, landscaping, pouring a new foundation, and upgrading the HVAC system.

In addition to removing the existing roof and replacing it, the first floor may need to have additional support structures installed.  Costs can include the addition of a staircase, structural supports and footings, a structural engineer, adding an HVAC system on the new floor, the cost of staying at a hotel, storing personal items and possible repairs to the first floor.

Making the Decision

Your final decision will depend on the size of your property, your town’s zoning laws (or HOA requirements), the condition of your home, and your requirements and budget. Your first step is a consultation with a professional renovation construction company.  You can expect to answer a lot of questions and will be given information and advice on your options. A comprehensive estimate will follow when you decide on your specific plan for your home.

If you are thinking about an addition, call us at 508-918-0422 at A.W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration, or visit our contact page. 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!

Six Reasons Why You Should Consider a Spring Remodeling Project

6 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Spring Remodeling Project

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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!

A Breakfast Nook May Be the Answer

A Breakfast Nook May Be the Answer

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Sectioned off from the rest of the kitchen on three sides, a breakfast nook is a little alcove that can accommodate everyday dining, serve as a casual sitting area, and provide extra seating for larger gatherings.

Breakfast nooks are regaining popularity and are an excellent addition to a retro-style kitchen. The décor and color palette can reflect a more contemporary aesthetic.

What can I do to fill an empty corner in my kitchen?

If you have a bit of extra space in the kitchen, you can create a breakfast nook by adding a bench and a table. If you have windows on the wall by the bench, so much the better. Add pillows and make sure your nook is comfortable for lounging.

If you don’t have a wall with windows, it can brighten up a dark alcove with lighting over the table and cheerful décor.

How can I define my open floor plan to better advantage?

If your contemporary home has an open floor plan with no nooks and crannies, you can add definition by building a breakfast nook on one side.  Some kitchens have a space that is meant for a dining area, but it may be too tight for a large gathering to fit comfortably. A breakfast nook is idea to make that space more functional.

Make use of the old butler pantry.

A butler’s pantry is a great feature in many large homes. However, it sometimes ends up being under-utilized. It can be re-envisioned as a breakfast nook to seem like an original part of your home.

My all white contemporary kitchen can use a pop of color. What can I do?

If your kitchen is more traditional, floral cushions or pillows can invoke an English cottage feeling. A breakfast nook allows you to add flourishes to your kitchen design that do not overwhelm the neutral design.

I need more storage space in my home and I can’t figure out where that storage space can be added.

Breakfast nooks provide an easy answer to the need for more storage space. If you have walls surrounding the area for your breakfast nook, simple shelves can be installed to hold cookbooks or other books. A bench seat can be made with drawers or a pull-down door that hides shelves within the bench.

Breakfast Nooks and Bay Windows work together.

Breakfast nooks help create a beautiful focal point by drawing attention to the view and the natural lighting it offers. A bay window adds to the design and provides seating to enjoy the view while eating, sipping a cup of tea, or reading.

Does a Breakfast Nook add value?

Having a breakfast nook as part of the kitchen layout adds value because it:

Provides additional seating space

Offers additional counter space

Defines an open floor plan

Can provide more storage space

Takes advantage of natural lighting

 

Dimension Suggestions:

A breakfast nook for two people requires an area with a minimum of 5’ x 5’ space; a six-person nook needs at least 7’ x 10’ to fit a table large enough for all.

A nook table (used on one side only) should be 21” deep. If the table will be used from both sides, it needs to be at least 42” deep.

These are perfect for all design styles. It gives you extra seating in the kitchen, while providing a cozy, comfortable feeling. In formal homes, a breakfast nook softens modern lines and materials. In more casual home designs, a breakfast nook fits in effortlessly.  Installing a breakfast nook is a win-win!

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

Adding a Powder Room to your home

Powder Room Ideas For Your Home

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Families grow. Basements are converted into rec rooms. A guest powder room is needed on the first floor. You want to increase the resale value of your home.

According to Renovate with Character, “When buyers tour homes for sale, they’re taking a close look at the bathrooms. For some, the sheer number of bathrooms in a home is critical – they must have a master, a family bathroom (full bath) and a half bathroom (powder room) for guests.”

Adding another bathroom can increase the home’s sale price by 8.7% which is more than twice the increase homeowners see if they add a bedroom.

Converting a Closet to a Powder Room

If space is limited in your home, a closet may be the answer to where to install a powder room.

The International Residential Building Code requires 11 square feet of space for a bathroom but a 3’ x 5’ is preferable and a coat closet can provide that space very nicely.  A toilet, sink, and mirror are all that are needed in a powder room.  Look for a wall-hung sink or small pedestal sink and a small cabinet to store necessities like toilet paper and soap. You’ll need a functional window or an exhaust fan for ventilation.

Be Creative with Décor

Bring this small space to life with creative wall décor and paint or wallpaper. Crown molding, a stylish mirror, vanity light … or sconce lighting on the sides of the mirror … are the finishing touches.

The “Elephant in the Powder Room”

You are thinking, “If I use the coat closet for a powder room, where do I put the coats?”

Fashionable coat hooks on a wall near the front door will do nicely. If you have the space, a high-backed bench with coat hooks on the top is ideal … even better if the seat has a lid that hides an extra storage area.

If you typically store out-of-season coats and sports equipment in this closet, consider adding a closet in the basement.  The benefits of having a powder room far outweigh the need to find storage options elsewhere.

Powder Room Options if a Closet Isn’t Available

Talk to a professional remodeling contractor about the options for adding a powder room, wherever you are thinking of adding one.  Plumbing factors have to be taken into consideration.  A professional can offer alternatives and comparative costs to help you make an informed decision.

Adding a bathroom need not be prohibitively expensive.  The right approach can mean the benefits of having an extra bathroom will more than offset the costs and the return on your investment will be worth it.

If you are thinking about renovating or adding a bathroom, 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 your new bathroom that you and your family will love and enjoy for many years!

 

an open floor plan and why you need one

An Open Floor Plan & Why You Need One

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An open floor plan isn’t new, but they are the most popular home interior and for good reason… actually eight more good reasons, at the very least.

An open floor plan has two or more spaces joined together to form a larger, grander space. A more traditional floor plan would have these rooms divided by a wall or door. By combining the living room, dining room and kitchen, the result is a communal living area that creates a smooth flow from room to room.

Here are more reasons why homebuyers love open floor plans:

Better Lighting and Air

Shared light from light fixtures throughout the room enhances the ambiance of the space, carrying light from space to space.  Lack of barriers allow for more windows that will bring in natural light during the day.  

Improved Energy Efficiency

Airflow and the home’s temperature can be controlled more efficiently. With an open floor plan there are no barriers that constrain the air flow, which makes the home easier to heat and cool.

Comfort and Space

Your home’s major living areas will feel more spacious providing comfort and a sense of order.

The Kitchen as a Focal  Point

The kitchen is often more than just the place where meals are prepared. It is also the center of the family’s time together. The key to an efficient kitchen in an open space floor plan is the triangle formed by the range, refrigerator, and sink.  Having these three areas appropriate lengths apart creates an aesthetic, well-functioning kitchen.

Entertain Easier with an Open Floor Plan

Without walls between living room, dining room, and kitchen, you and your guests are brought together and entertaining is simplified and much more enjoyable.

Bring the Outdoors In

Sliding glass doors, often used in the family room or kitchen, offer a connection to an outdoor patio, play area, or backyard.

You can expand your living space during the warmer months by entertaining or having family meals outdoors as you are able to easily see and move through the open floor plan to the outdoors.

A Format for Today’s Families

Today’s young families especially love the open floor plan because it is ideal for busy parents and children. This plan allows you to have “eyes on” the children while they are playing or to supervise homework while you are preparing dinner. The larger space can provide for a study nook or a home-office computer desk.

An Open Floor Plan Provides Real Estate Value

Open floor plans increase the home’s value by adding functional square footage. Considered a part of modern home design, they are attractive to home buyers, who often cite it as their number one requirement.

If you are thinking about renovating your home’s living areas into an open floor plan, 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 your new living space that you and your family will love and enjoy for many years!

Converting your garage into a room

Garage Conversion Ideas

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If you need more living space and you think a garage makeover is the solution, here are 5 Questions you need to think about before you begin converting your garage:

1. When is converting your garage to a room a good option?

A garage remodel is the right option for you if:

  • The new living space allows for patio doors or an additional entrance where the overhead door used to be. If not, then the new wall will need to blend into the current home exterior. (You don’t want to create a room that looks like it used to be a garage.)
  • You have considered the cost of heating and cooling the new room. Your current HVAC system may support an additional room. If so, you can expand the ventilation to cover the renovation. If not, the system may need to be upgraded or an independent system can be purchased to provide temperature control in the new room.
  • Plumbing is accessible if you want to include a bathroom or kitchenette. If an in-law suite or en suite bedroom is your vision, you’ll need plumbing advice regarding adding plumbing lines to the project.
  • Parking and storage are available elsewhere. Eliminating a garage means you need another option for parking (and storage space for lawn mower, tools, and other house and garden equipment usually stored in the garage.)

2. Is a permit required for a garage conversion?

 

Check to determine if you will need building permits by contacting your city’s zoning department.  You may need to submit an architect’s plan when applying for a permit. Building codes may dictate the number of windows, exits, ceiling height, number of electrical outlets, and other factors. Your contractor can help you with these issues and whether you’ll need to apply for a variance. Permits range in cost, but often are between $1,000 and $1,500 – more if a variance is needed.

Some city ordinances or home owner associations require minimum covered parking which could prevent you from converting your garage.

3. What type of room can converting your garage become?

As long as you comply with building codes, you can create a living space that is a:

  • Playroom
  • Studio apartment or in-law suite
  • Bedroom
  • Art studio
  • Office
  • Family room
  • Man cave or She shed

Here are a few (43!) more ideas you can consider for converting your garage into an extra living space.

4. Does a garage conversion add value to the home?

A garage conversion can add value, providing that all permits and building codes have been secured and followed properly.  The value depends on the type of room and how seamless the conversion is. If the project eliminated necessary parking and storage, then the value of the home may be diminished.

5. What options do you have if a converting your garage is not in your budget?

The cost of a garage conversion varies on the size of the garage and the type of room being constructed.  A renovation expert can give you some ballpark figures after an initial consultation.  If it turns out, a garage makeover is not in the cards, you might consider a basement remodel or an attic conversion.

Contact A.W. Puma for a consultation to determine whether  converting your garage is the best way to accomplish your goals cost effectively while maintaining the value of your home.

Transform your spare room into a walk-in closet

Spare Room Ideas

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Longing for a Fashionable Walk-In Closet? Transform a spare bedroom and your wish is granted!

With a bit of creativity, you can transform an unused room into a trendy storage area and dressing room. Consider the options and consult a professional contractor to put it all together for you.

It is important that the spare room be in proximity to the master bedroom. If your master bedroom is large, you may be able to partition off a section for a walk-in closet.  You’ll need at least 8’ x 5’ of space and a ceiling of about 7’ 3” or taller, which will allow for double hanging rails.

DIY or Contractor?

Premade, ready-to-assemble units come with a number of drawer arrangements, hooks, and hangar poles. But these may not fit your room precisely. If you use a contractor, he will survey the room and talk with you about your needs and wants and will plot out a room that is fitted exactly to your room’s dimensions. Every inch of space will be put to good use, including storage needs, and taking into consideration sloping ceilings or alcoves.

Create a Checklist

Write up a list of all the things you will need to provide for in your walk-in. Here are some suggestions:

hanging space for full-length dresses, pants, and coats

hanging space for shirts, blouses, jackets

out-of-season clothing

shoe storage

jewelry storage

sports equipment/gear

suitcases

So Many Choices!


Consult magazines and Pinterest to home in on the design and layout you are thinking about. Here are just some choices to think about:

Walk-in Closet Idea: Valet Rods

Standard closets typically have a shelf with a hanging pole for your clothes. You might want a second tier to accommodate blouses and jackets. What other drawers are needed and for what?

Walk-in Closet Idea: A Wall Mirror

Do you want a single wall-mounted, full-length mirror or a trifold? Or perhaps you want your full-sized mirror to be on a floor stand. Many designs are available to match your desired décor.

Walk-in Closet Idea: Shoe Storage

Do you want your shoes on a stand-alone shoe rack? How many shoes will it need to accommodate? Do you want a shoe bench so your shoes are stored within and you have a spot to sit when putting your shoes on? Do you need a separate area for storing boots?

Walk-in Closet Idea: Dressing Table

Do you want a vanity table with makeup light? Will you require your vanity to have drawers to accommodate supplies and equipment of varying sizes, such as hair dryers, manicure paraphernalia, or other specialty items?

Walk-in Closet Idea: Jewelry Cabinet/Drawer

How much jewelry do you need to store? Do you prefer a multi-drawer cabinet or built-in drawers? Will you need hooks to hang chains or long necklaces? Do you need this storage space to lock?

Walk-in Closet Idea: Hats, Scarves, Gloves

Depending on the types of hats you wear, you may need a special space in which to display or store them.  Slouchy knit hats can go into drawers along with scarves and gloves, but fancy hats may need head stands and be positioned where they can be enclosed with transparent acrylic or glass doors.

Walk-in Closet Idea: Flooring

Do you want to match the flooring in your bedroom? Perhaps you want the room carpeted or would prefer wood or tile flooring with an area rug? Do you plan to do anything else in your walk-in closet besides dressing … like yoga or lounging or reading?

Walk-in Closet Idea: Lighting

Your contractor will give you recommendations for the type of lighting that is best for your walk-in – overhead track lighting, built-in lighting, wall lamps, depending on budget and design.

Repurposing an unused room into a fabulous walk-in closet, you will gain much more than an organized storage space. You will have created a room where you can utilize your wardrobe more efficiently, dress resourcefully, and spend leisure time exercising or simply relaxing.

If you are thinking about a remodeling project, 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 your new living space that you and your family will love and enjoy for many years!

10 Home Remodel Red Flags

10 Home Remodel Red Flags

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A remodeling project is an investment in both time and money.  You want to protect that investment by hiring a professional contractor with a track record of excellence.  (See our blog on Questions to Ask When Hiring a Contractor.) Even the most experienced homeowner can be swayed by a less-than-reputable contractor and fall victim to one of these Home Remodel red flags when making a decision on who to hire.  Not all contractors are true professionals or are not as trustworthy as they may seem.

Even though the following RED FLAGS may be basic and just common sense, more than a few homeowners have been swayed by a low price or a charming personality or a desire to get the job done immediately.

 

Here are some warning signs to watch for when speaking with a contractor. Be cautious … very cautious … if a contractor:

Red Flag #1: Solicits work door-to-door.


Reputable contractors get their work from referrals. When a satisfied customer recommends a friend, neighbor, or relative to their contractor, they are saying they know the contractor will do all he or she can to provide satisfactory results.

Red Flag #2: Does not provide a detailed, written quote.

A verbal quote is not a firm quote. It is, at best, only an estimate. Walk away if the contractor doesn’t submit a professionally written quote with all details spelled out.

Red Flag #3: Does not provide you with a contract.

The same is true for contracts. Verbal contracts don’t count, and they surely do not stand up in court should a disagreement occur.

Red Flag #4: Only accepts cash.


If contractors will not accept a check or credit card, you can rest assured that something is “fishy,” and they may run off with your money before the work is completed (or begun). The same is true if they ask for full payment upfront.  If the project is a lengthy one and the contractor must purchase materials on your behalf, then a partial payment is certainly in line. Be sure to have that detailed quote mentioned above so you will know what payment is appropriate.

Red Flag #5: Will not provide a copy of their license or insurance certificate.


This is a no-brainer. No license or insurance? Say goodbye.

Red Flag #6: Ask you to get the permits you need.

Depending on the remodel, one or more permits may be necessary. A respectable contractor will do this routinely. Any costs to do so should be included in the detailed quote.

Red Flag #7: Will avoid your request to see current references.


It is important to not only read testimonials or reviews from recent customers, but it is key to contact them to be certain they are real and accurate. This also gives you an opportunity to ask questions of past customers to delve deeper into their experience.

Red Flag #8: Submits a quote that is significantly lower than other bids you have received.


A significantly lower bid can mean that the contractor cuts corners or supplies lower quality materials. Be sure when comparing bids that you are evaluating “apples to apples.”  If the price is too good to be true, it probably isn’t. 

Red Flag #9: Evades or doesn’t respond to your questions.


If you need to ask the same question twice without an answer, either the contractor is evading the question or just doesn’t have the experience to know the answer. Homeowners have the right to ask and get detailed answers from their contractors. Don’t accept less.

Red Flag #10: Does not have a web presence.


No website? No social media?  This can be a tell-tale sign that they are moonlighting as contractors or are a new, start-up business. Research a potential contractor online to check review sites and the Better Business Bureau.

Reliable, professional home remodelers have the expertise to save you time, money, and aggravation. Your relationship should be a partnership and getting off to the right start includes making the best decision about which contractor to work with to avoid Home Remodel Red Flags.

If you are thinking about a remodeling project, call us at 508-918-0422 at A. W. Puma Remodeling and Restoration or visit our contact us page. 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 your new living space that you and your family will love and enjoy for many years!