5 HOME REMODELING TIPS FROM THE PROS

With the extra time many Americans have spent at home over the past few months, there have been plenty of opportunities to think about how that living space could be improved.

While this may not be the ideal time to tackle a full gut and renovate project, it may still be possible to do some smaller scale remodeling projects that update and improve your home. For example, simple cosmetic repairs like painting and replacing vanities can make a noticeable difference with minimal work or investment. Or if you’re hesitant about bringing contractors into the house, outdoor projects like replacing fencing, adding paver stones or constructing outdoor living spaces may be a benefit for your family.

Before you take on a project, consider these tips from Robi Kirsic, MCKBR, UDCP, chairman of the board of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and co-CEO of TimeLine Renovation & Design.

1Define the Purpose

The first consideration whether you’re making changes for yourself or for future resale is the purpose of your project. This determines everything from the budget to the materials you select. Remember projects in the kitchen and bathroom typically bring the greatest return on investment.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you’ll use the renovated area. When possible, incorporate elements of universal design that don’t change how the space looks but will change how it works. For example, in the bathroom, install a curbless shower, taller toilet and block in walls to allow future installation of grab bars.

2Stick to a Budget

Another early decision is your budget. It’s fruitless to spend time looking at materials and making design decisions based on products that exceed your budget or, conversely, fall below the quality level you prefer. Having a professional involved can help keep you from overspending and identify areas you may want to splurge or pull back.

3Select a Remodeler

Friends and family can be great resources when it comes to choosing a remodeling contractor since they’re likely to give detailed and candid opinions about their experiences. When you begin interviewing companies yourself, verify they’re licensed and insured, and ask what they offer above those minimum requirements. Are they certified or accredited? Do they specialize in the type of work you’re considering? Also be sure to request and check references and search online for reviews.

4Conduct Virtual Meetings

While some projects may require an in-person assessment, many planning sessions can be conducted virtually. You can even shop products to be used in your project virtually since online catalogs typically show a variety of colors and finishes along with prices. For items you need to see or feel to choose, like flooring, request samples to test in your home. To make your virtual meetings most productive, prepare by providing a detailed scope of work and be ready to provide measurements and show the space cleared of clutter.

5Keep it Safe

For some families, sticking to outdoor projects may be more comfortable in the short term. For those who are ready to bring contractors inside, there are numerous steps you can take to create a safer working environment. Examples include asking everyone involved to wear face masks and gloves and using plastic at doorways to keep the work area separate from the living area. Regular disinfecting and a thorough cleaning at the end of the project are also important preventive steps.

Find more remodeling resources, including certified contractors in your community, at RemodelingDoneRight. com.

Source: Family Features.

Debbie Marcell

Armed with 15 years of vast experience, a relentless work ethic and dogged perseverance, Debbie Marcell has consistently ranked in top 2 to 5% of the agents in the Better Homes and Gardens Gary Greene Real Estate network. Marcell has built a solid and trusted reputation for her stellar ability to navigate through the listing and purchasing process to achieve sought after results for her clients.

As a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Marcell has achieved her remarkable success in selling high-end homes in Fort Bend County. One of her many Riverstone luxury listings that Marcell sold herself ranked in Houston Business Journal’s Top Ten Most Expensive Homes sold in June 2018.

With an ardent commitment to her clients, her honed negotiating and marketing skills, extensive and innate knowledge of the market, along with the network of contacts she has developed and nurtured over her 34 years in Sugar Land, Marcell is poised to put her experience and indisputable track record to work for you.

A Texas Monthly Award Winner for Client Service, see testimonials at www.debbiemarcell.com.

Call Marcell at 281-782-2102 or email Debbiemarcell@garygreene. com.

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Updating Your Kitchen: Budget Friendly

Kitchens are the most used rooms in our homes. Are you ready to update the look, but not spend a lot of money? Here are four ways to update your kitchen on a budget.

Cabinet Hardware: Updating your cabinet hardware makes a big impact. There are many options out there in several different finishes that can give you a sleek, bold, modern or transitional feel.

New Fixture: A stylish new faucet is a major upgrade for your kitchen and is easy for homeowners to install. They do not require any cutting of pipes.

Painted Cabinets: Consider painting your cabinets if they are in good condition but are in an outdated color. You can paint them. Whether they are laminate or hard wood, there is a paint product for them. If you feel daunted by the idea of painting them yourself, check out the cost to have them professionally painted.

New Lighting: Replace all your old light fixtures with something more exciting and modern. Updating the lighting is such a simple step but makes a dramatic difference in the space. Lighting is such a special accessory; we always refer to light fixtures as the jewelry for the room.

The Design Source can help you with all your Interior Design needs. In business for over 30 years, let The Design Source help you create a beautiful home that reflects your family’s lifestyle.

Visit The Design Source showroom, located 3644 Highway 6 in Sugar Land, TX 77478, or call for more information 281-242-3336.

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What an Unforgettable Year This Has Been!

For over 43 years, Arlene Rolsen has been helping buyers and sellers realize their dreams of home ownership in and around Fort Bend County. Over the years, Arlene has enjoyed introducing families from all over the world to Fort Bend where they could find a wonderful place to call home: great schools, places to worship, diversity, shopping, parks and medical care.

She will always remember that one of her sellers said, “I have given thought to the sale of my home. I have decided that the house is secondary in the process. The buyer is buying the house with the hope of a bright, happy, joy-filled future. As for the seller, we are selling a place where memories have been made and will always be remembered and treasured.”

“This year, 2020, has been the most challenging, unpredictable, prayerful and sad in my entire career,” Rolsen shared. “Hope is alive in all of us, and as people begin to adjust to this temporary way of life, we will all look toward the future and all of the positive changes we will see. As someone once said, ‘CHANGE is the only constant in our lives.’”

Contact Arlene Rolsen for all of your home buying and selling needs at arolsen@cbunited.com or call 281-414-8400.

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OUT& ABOUT IN THE HEART O F T H E B E N D

Retired Fort Bend County Clerk Dianne Wilson and husband Bob Wilson attended the retirement ceremony in Altus, OK on August 4th for their nephew E9 Chief Master Sergeant Jason Hall who served in the United States Air Force for

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Dianne Wilson, Jason Hall and Bob Wilson.

Symphony and JoLee Wierzbicki enjoyed summer in Sugar Land Town Square.