Remodeling? Tips for Choosing Products
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If you're considering remodeling or are in the throes of
plans for new materials, fixtures, and appliances, then you know that
choosing your products and staying within budget can be a huge challenge. But
it can be done. On the back of the strong housing market, thousands of
Americans are improving their homes. "Given a resilient housing market and low interest
rates, homeowners continue to reinvest in their homes in the midst of a
sputtering economy," said Nicolas P. Retsinas, director of the And the National Association of Homebuilders reported
earlier this month that professional remodelers were busier in this year's
second quarter than any other period in the past two years. If you're remodeling, you know the confusion that festers
when it comes to deciding which flooring and countertop materials, which
appliances, and which fixtures will function best in your house, look good,
and stay within your budget. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry says
it can be difficult to tell at face value if a product is reliable and if it
will last. Contractors affiliated with NARI say there are many
considerations to keep in mind, including: · Price isn't necessarily indicative of quality. Try to judge
each product on its own merits and do not use price as a factor in
determining quality. · If you have a question about the life of the product or its
effectiveness, talk to your remodeler. If he or she cannot help you, seek
advice from professional showrooms or from the manufacturer of the product. · Don't make uninformed decisions about a product -- find out
its strengths and weaknesses over other choices available. · Divide the cost of an item by its anticipated longevity to
figure the annual cost. An expensive product that will last for 20 years may
be a better choice than an inexpensive product that will only last five
years. Product life should be a factor in your selection process. · Ask about manufacturer guarantees and service options
available on each product choice. Some offers will be better than others.
Written copies of manufacturer warranties should be available from your
contractor. · Talk to your contractor about which product will best suit
your needs. Some materials wear better than others in given circumstances.
For example, painted surfaces might chip and peel more in a humid environment
like the bathroom. Your contractor will be able to guide you toward the best
choice for your lifestyle and environment. · Some products have internal parts that will need to be
replaced at some point. Ask your contractor about the maintenance and repair
costs for each of your product choices. You don't want to spend a lot of
money on a fixture that can't be repaired down the road. · Some products are better investments than others in adding to
the resale value of your home. Your contractor should be able to offer an
opinion on whether a specific product is a good option for particular
situation. If energy efficiency and saving money on your utility
bills are a priority, then you'll want to look for an Energy Star label -- a
federal designation that means the product uses less energy than its
counterpart. Energy Star product categories include dishwashers,
refrigerators, central air conditioning, ceiling fans, programmable
thermostats, light fixtures and bulbs, home electronics and office equipment.
Finally, don't make hasty decisions. Do plenty of
research and think about the future of the house. For example, if you know
you'll be selling five years down the road, choose products that have universal
appeal -- don't choose the red appliances or the blue carpet. Go with
materials that are durable, have a good reputation and are timeless. |
Written by Michele Dawson
Copyright © 2003 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.