Close your eyes and picture your home in the middle of a remodel project. How does it look to you? Are you picturing a messy, unorganized disaster zone and you as a bundle of stress and anxiety? That does not have to be the case! Here are a few of our tips to prevent stress during a remodel.

Organize before the remodel
Depending on what type of remodel you’re having done, you might not be able to access certain parts of your home. It’s smart to organize and move items you will need prior to the start of the remodel. If you’re renovating your kitchen, move any items you’ll need daily out of your cabinets and have them easily accessible. When you’re hungry and ready to eat, you don’t want to spend time trying to find your forks! Keep all your items in one central location and you won’t drive yourself crazy searching.

Storage Unit
Depending on the size of your remodel, you might want to consider a small storage unit. Whenever an area of the house is being remodeled, items that previously lived there end up migrating and overflowing into other parts of the home. This can be frustrating and get in the way of your everyday life. Your family will feel more comfortable and less cramped if these items found a temporary new home in a storage unit. This way, the remainder of the house stays the same and the construction area is the only place that is changed.

Length of project
A major home remodeling project can be lengthy. Be realistic with yourself and your family and decide if you can handle the added stress of a remodel. If you feel like it may be too much you might choose to stay with family or a hotel. Even a few days here or there throughout the remodel might be enough to give you a mental break.

Timing of project
Many people prefer to plan their home remodel projects when the weather is nicer outside. This way you can spend more time outdoors with your friends and family rather than being confined in the house during a remodel. It’s also the perfect time for grilling if your kitchen is being renovated. Many people will schedule their family vacations during the project.

Remodeling projects are exciting, don’t let the process frustrate you! Being prepared and knowing what to expect will make the project go smoothly. Reducing your stress by being prepared and organized and keeping a positive attitude will go a long way.

photo credit: smiley face stress ball via photopin (license)

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Here are a few tips that will help you during the selection process:

1. Always Hire Local:: If there are any problems with the project down the road, it is going to be extremely hard to get the contractor out your house. Also, there is no way of knowing the contractors reputation and/or experience.
2. Beware of Aggressive Salesman:: Often times, remodeling contractors will hire commission-based salespeople in hopes of landing a healthy amount of new business. The problem is, these folks really only have one thing on their mind: closing the deal.
   
   These types can be identified if:
   • The salesperson makes you feel uncomfortable.
   • The salesperson is adamant that you sign the proposed contract.
   • The salesperson refuses to take NO for an answer.

3. No Contract:: Never—and we mean never—move forward on a remodeling project without a contract. If a mishap occurs, the contract will give you the recourse needed to ensure the issue is rectified.
4. No Insurance:: Believe it or not, but there are contractors out there that do not have insurance. Ask for proof of insurance before you even begin discussing the contract. This will allow for you to figure out pretty quickly if the contractor is reputable or not.
5. Referrals:: There may be no better way in selecting a contractor. Being able to not only view their past work, but receive a firsthand account of the entire experience is truly invaluable.

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The kitchen is where many of your guests will congregate this holiday season. Here are a few cost-efficient tips that will give your kitchen a whole new look and feel.

1. Cabinets – If your cabinets are in good shape, a fresh coat of paint will give them a brand new life! Remove the doors and begin cleaning and sanding all surfaces. We also recommend using a good primer. Choose a nice crisp color and apply two coats of paint. Let the paint fully dry before reinstalling the doors.
2. Hardware – Often times, new cabinet hardware can make a huge difference. Remove door handles and pulls, and choose new hardware that will update the look of the space. It’s a quick and easy fix that anyone can do, and many styles are available at most local hardware stores.
3. Faucets – A new faucet can give any old sink a fresh new look. To meet your needs, faucets come in a wide array of styles and finishes. Additionally, faucets are easy to install too. Just remember: be sure to turn off your water supply before you start!

As you can see, there are several ways to freshen up your kitchen before the holiday season arrives. If you need assistance with any of your home updates or maintenance projects, RIGGS is here to help!

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