Answers

I wholeheartedly agree with Susan, wood behind a stove is a safety hazard.

We are not a fan of wood behind the range or cooktop unless it is electric maybe even induction.

Always be sure to ask the contractor for current references from recently completed projects. This ensures that his current employees and subs are providing the quality workmanship that you deserve.

Any honest contractor will provide you with copies of their State Licenses and Insurance so you can verify them. If they don't ask - if they hesitate - RUN! 

Decide first if you are going to make choices for YOUR forever home or for something you plan to sell in a few years.  Don't go with 'trendy' choices or your ROI will certainly dwindle. If you plan to stay for a while- make choices based on what YOU like and can live with until you are ready to move on. Chances are the next owner may want something completely different anyways. Please yourself for the time you plan to stay there.

When having anyone working in your home verify that they are insured. Ask for a current copy of thier insurance information. Once you have that call thier insurance agent and verify that the coverage is current. We have general liability, commercial auto and worker's comp. 

Hi Elizabeth,

That's a great question and an important one.  We provide very helpful information about this on our website, which lists a few steps to take and questions to ask when planning a remodel.  http://www.drdcon.com/steps-for-remodeling.html.  

Hope this helps!

As a basement finishing company we're seeing a lot of granite for wet bars, lighter colors. Bathrooms and tile are often favoring gray. Brushed nickel and steel are the most common hardware and fixtures. Clean,simple, easy to mix up with rustic or modern decor.

We're still seeing a lot of demand for granite and/or quartz countertops.  With the quartz, people are doing more subtle patterns and a lot of marble looks (white with light veining or similar).  Cabinets seem to be following a gray/neutral/white color palette, with lots of clean lines.  We're still seeing stainless steel and brushed nickel for appliances and hardware, however we saw quite a bit of matte brass and gold tones at KBIS this year.  That seems to be making a comeback, but I think that might still depend on your area.  I think oil-rubbed bronze is probably on its way out, unless you're doing a rustic look.  Hope that helps!    

If you view the renovations from a Real Estate/Reselling standpoint, the kitchen is the best investment in my opinion. Followed by bathrooms. Kitchens have sold homes. If that is your goal, start there. Good Luck!

I would like to add that it doesn't always take a major renovation in a kitchen to make it more desirable. Sometimes things as simple as adding a backsplash and re-facing the cabinets or painting them can freshen it up just enough to add value and make it more desirable to potential buyers. 

The short answer is the percentage of ROI varies by region but, kitchen and bathroom upgrades including new cabinets and countertops always top the list. From there it depends a lot on the house, it's condition, and what you're wanting to do with it.

Phillip and Clifton have it right on.  That's our reference as well.  Digging one level deeper, the biggest bang for your buck generally comes from direct replacement projects.  Meaning, if you need to move the systems (plumbing, HVAC ect) for a remodel, less money is invested into the fixtures and finishes that people get to see.  We wish you all the best with your project!

I agree with Philip. Visit the link below, select your region and you'll get a ton of ROI data:

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2016/

Hope that helps and good luck!

Clifton Muckenfuss

Carolina Exteriors

Apex, NC

I always refer clients to Remodeling Magazine Price Value Ratio. If you go to Remodeling Magazine it will pop right up.  It is the bible of the industry.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley, Ca