The Echo
Volume 4, Issue 10
THE WEST LAKE HILLS ECHO
ANewsletter for the Residents of West Lake Hills The West Lake Hills Echo is a monthly newsletter mailed to all West Lake Hills residents. Each newsletter is filled with valuable information about the community, local area activities, school information, and more. If you are involved with a school group, play group, scouts, sports team, social group, etc., and would like to submit an article for the newsletter, you can do so online at www. PEELinc.com. Personal news (announcements, accolades/ honors/ celebrations, etc.) are also welcome as long as they are from area residents. GO GREEN! Subscribe via Peelinc.com to have an email sent to you with a link to a PDF of the newsletter, or have an email sent to you instead of having a newsletter mailed to you!
October 2015
TIPS FOR REMODELING YOUR HOME and Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
Submitted by Sean Kubicek and Claudia Scott Home remodel or home improvement projects are a fun but also cost-and time intensive undertaking. Whether you’re planning a big remodel project, or just want to make a few updates to your home, below are a few tips for hiring a remodeling contractor as well as some thoughts on which home improvement projects add the most value to your home should you decide to sell your home. Before committing to any one contractor, get at least three estimates. This will educate you about the scope of work to be done and ask the right questions. Check references if possible and possibly even look at completed projects. Contact the Austin Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints. Angie’s List and neighborhood groups can also be a valuable reference. When you select a contractor, ensure that your scope and the contractor’s understanding of your scope of work is clearly stated in writing. Also, discuss how change orders will be handled. Disburse payments in increments as work is completed. Ensure the contractor files necessary permits, licenses and is insured. (Make sure all permits are closed out after completion). Ask what sub-contractors might be involved in the project and also check their references. Make sure that the contract specifies that the contractor will clean up after the job is completed. Educate yourself about the materials used, the different specifications and grades. Ask the contractor to indemnify you if the work does not meet local building codes or regulations. According to MSN, homeowners can generally recoup 80-90% of the money they spend on home improvements. If done correctly, a homeowner can enjoy the benefits of a remodel and make it a financially sensible undertaking as well. Below is an overview of which projects provide the biggest return on your investment: Paint: Keep it neutral and avoid taste-specific colors. For example, some popular paint colors right now are Sherwin Williams Agreeable Grey and Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. There’s also a trend towards white - we recommend Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace or China White. Flooring: Engineered wood flooring or wood-look tile is very popular. Hardwood Bargains is a local Austin distributor that carries several affordable types from contemporary to traditional tones. If you update the carpet, stick to a neutral palette. Carpet pad can add up in cost, but can be money well-spent. For most applications, a mid-grade carpet and upgraded pad represent a good value. Bathroom: updates don’t always return 100% of every dollar spent. A professional paint job or stain on your existing bathroom and kitchen cabinets can add to the overall aesthetic. Adding new counters can bring a bathroom up to date. Once again, stick to neutrals and timeless colors and materials. While the entry-level (Continued on Page 3)
Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.
West Lake Hills Echo - October 2015
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