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Home Renovations It’s not like HGTV
with Dan vanderlinden
Dan VanderLinden and his crew have been doing home renovations for over 30 years.
Remodeling Services Sioux City, IA . 712-251-7400
Picking your contractor
I
f you’ve been imagining a new space in your home or an updated one, how that all happens may not be what you imagine. Everyone seems to love the programs on HGTV, but some may leave you feeling like renovations will be filled with expensive unknowns or that it will all come together in a few short days. Dan VanderLinden, owner of Remodeling Services, has some insight to paint the proper perspective.
Rooms by Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock.com
The timeline
“Most of our customers have been our customers for years, sometimes even decades, so they know what it takes to get a project done. Perhaps the biggest misconception first-time home remodelers have is how long it will take. Each job is different, but be aware that things take time. Once plans are solidified, supplies need to be purchased, work and subcontractors scheduled. You want it done right, not fast.”
job the contractor will be working on. That is typically not the case. While sheetrock “mud” or paint is drying, the plumber is plumbing, or the electrician is wiring, the contractor will be elsewhere. Yet, this should not delay the schedule.”
The unknowns
“Some of the remodeling shows reveal dramatic or expensive problems that pop up during the remodel. In our experience, that is really rare. We may come across something unexpected but most times we just deal with it and it’s not even worth talking about.”
“In almost every case, the jobs we’ve done come by word of mouth. If you know someone who’s had good work done, ask them who did it and how the experience was. The likability factor is big. You need to know if they are trustworthy and dependable. If you don’t like them or feel uneasy about something, that’s important. Remember, they are going to be like family while this project goes on. Before it’s all over, we know a lot about each other – we’ve seen you at your best, your worst, and what you have. Make sure it’s a good fit.” Having realistic expectations, and a contractor you like, goes a long way to enjoying not only your renovation but the process as well.
Not the only job
“Another misconception is that people think once they’ve hired a contractor that theirs will be the only www.beingbettermagazine.com / Vol 10 . No 2 . 2020
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