| Well, Yes and No. | | | | it.” You need targets both for the scope of work |
| It may not be a good idea to remodel if you were just | | | | and for your budget. |
| laid off or are starting a new job. It’s probably not | | | | Are you remodeling for resale? Is the house a |
| a good idea if your adjustable rate mortgage went up | | | | rental? Is the new kitchen for you and your family? |
| and you are struggling to meet your house payments | | | | Invest some time in learning what need, like and can |
| and it’s definitely not a good idea if you are living | | | | afford. Visit model homes, watch kitchen programs, |
| off of credit cards paying interest for everyday | | | | build a file of pictures, layouts, articles, etc. Educate |
| expenditures. | | | | yourself; it’s your home. |
| But let’s assume you’ve been on your job for | | | | Select your kitchen remodeler with care. |
| awhile and your position is not in imminent danger. | | | | The person/company you are looking for should be: |
| Let’s also assume you have chosen to live within | | | | - Local with an established business location. They |
| your means and haven’t spent 6 cents for every | | | | are easier to find and less likely to take off if problems |
| nickel you’ve earned the last few years. And finally | | | | arise. |
| let’s assume that your credit is good and perhaps | | | | - Personable, knowledgeable and accessible. You will |
| you even have some savings tucked away. | | | | be working with this person for some time so be sure |
| Is now a good time to remodel your kitchen? | | | | you can get along together, that the person can |
| Absolutely! | | | | answer your questions and that they will be available if |
| The unfortunate folks who have lost their jobs along | | | | you need them. |
| with those who simply refused to live within their | | | | - Licensed, bonded and insured. |
| means are no longer candidates for a kitchen | | | | - Happy to provide a least a dozen recent references |
| remodel. The result is better pricing, better service | | | | not just 2 or 3. |
| and better quality for the potential customers that | | | | - Willing to put everything in writing so everyone is |
| remain. | | | | clear regarding costs, scheduling, responsibilities, and |
| Better pricing because potential customers are fewer | | | | what to expect. |
| and more cautious about making major purchases at | | | | Make a plan for how you will live during the remodel. |
| this time. They need to be incentivized to buy now | | | | Move out, cook out, eat out? Don’t underestimate |
| rather than later. Better service and quality because | | | | the time the disruption will last. Plan for the worst and |
| many unprofessional and or unethical remodelers are | | | | hope for the best. |
| already out of business and those contractors that | | | | Finally a word about pricing; cheap doesn’t equal |
| remain have more time and resources to devote to | | | | good and expensive doesn’t necessarily equal |
| each project. Remember, when work is slow, the | | | | better or best. |
| value of a good reputation is increased. | | | | In times like these you need to pay extra attention to |
| So now you’re convinced that this might be a good | | | | the quality of the materials and workmanship not just |
| time to remodel that 70’s kitchen of yours? Do | | | | the cost. When profit margins shrink even ethical |
| the usual guidelines for a successful kitchen remodel | | | | contractors look for ways to lower costs. Just be |
| still apply? | | | | sure you understand the quality of what you are |
| Yes they do. | | | | buying. |
| The first thing to do is to ask your self a couple of | | | | If you take the time to plan your project carefully, and |
| questions. What exactly do I hope to accomplish by | | | | are cautious about the remodeler you select, now is |
| remodeling my kitchen? And what am I willing to invest | | | | an excellent time to remodel your kitchen. |
| to get what I want? | | | | I hope whenever you choose to remodel your project |
| Remember, “He who aims at nothing usually hits | | | | is a success story. |