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October 2018 • Conley Media • NARI Milwaukee Home Connection 3 261799001 As one of southeastern Wisconsin's preferred custom home builders and remodelers, Burback Builders resonates high quality, from its customer care initiatives to its marriage of technology and time tested craftsmanship. IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, WE CAN BUILD IT! Sell your existing home • Purchase your land burbackbuilders.com 262.679.5154 W185 S8095 Racine Ave. Muskego WI 53150 1979 2018 39 YEARS DESIGN & BUILD YOUR NEW CUSTOM HOME DESIGN & REMODEL YOUR EXISTING HOME NEW HOMES ADDITIONS REMODELS NARI Milwaukee advises homeowners of the 10 most important steps to take before the remodeling project starts. "The planning and researching phases are the most critical steps in the remodel- ing process," said Chris Egner MCR, CR, CKBR, UDCP, CRPM, CCP, NARI Milwau- kee President and owner of Four Seasons Sunrooms & Chris Egner Design-Build- Remodel "The more knowledgeable and prepared a homeowner is, the more they protect themselves." 1. Research your project. Taking time to research projects on the internet and NARIMilwaukee.org will provide a good sense of what is involved such as price, scope of work, return on investment, and new product/material options. Also, research property values in your neigh- borhood to make sure your project is in line with other homes in the area. 2. Plan project around the long- term. How long do you plan to stay in your home? How might your family structure change over time? Life can change quickly- these questions should be answered early on to ensure your project will fit your lifestyle long after it's complete. 3. Set your budget. Deciding on a real- istic budget and arranging finances to support your project are essential. This number needs to include everything-the project, products, contingencies, etc. It's important to share this with your remodel- er; professionals are respectful of a client's budget and will create a plan around it, not over it. 4. Use advanced search for profes- sionals. The online world makes it easy to gather information. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals and then spend time researching that person online. Professional remodelers take their reputa- tion seriously and hold credentials beyond licensing, such as certifications, member- ships in trade associations, and additional training. Look for examples of press coverage or involvement in industry presentations or events. Check online reviews and social media to see how they interact with past clients and peers. 5. Ask the right questions. Time and cost are important, but getting the right information requires the right questions. Ask professional remodelers about their educational background, training, special- ties, or past issues with clients. Also, ask about how the remodeling process will work. 6. Verify your remodeler. Don't take their word for it. Check the information given to you such as references, license numbers, insurance information, and certifications by calling providers to veri- fy. Request a visit to an active client's jobsite. Make it known that you are check- ing on the remodeler-a true professional considers that as a positive sign to working with a homeowner. 7. Review contracts word-by-word. A remodeling contract protects you and your remodeler. Homeowners should review this carefully. Professional remodelers have done this before and know what should go in a contract. Homeowners are not as familiar with remodeling and should ask about terms if they don't understand. Pay attention to details about change orders, payment, additional fees, timeline and responsibilities. 8. Keep design in mind. Your design guides the entire project. Think about what you dislike about your current space and the intended use of the new space. Use the Internet and media to gather design ideas. Make sure you can articulate specifically what you like about that design when talking to your designer. Professionals don't recreate a photo - they incorporate accessibility, functionality, ease of modification, style, and value into your design. 9. Make your selections. Deciding on products and materials is a larger process than most imagine. With so many options to choose from, product selections are one of the primary reasons for project time- lines to get extended. Base decisions on quality, function, price, style, and avail- ability. Include selections in the contract to lock down pricing and keep your budget intact. 10. Create a communication plan. A common downfall in remodeling is lack of communication between homeowners and remodelers. Your remodeler should lay out a communication plan at the beginning of the project. If not, ask them to do so. This plan should clarify roles of everyone involved, communication methods, avail- ability, and frequency of communication that is expected. "The first step to hiring a professional is through NARI, whose members are vetted and approved by industry peers to ensure they live up to the professional standards that NARIsets," Egner said. "As a NARI member, I am proud of my affiliation and commitment to profession- alism and I know my peers within NARI Milwaukee have that same allegiance." 10 STEPS TO PREPARE FOR A REMODEL Landscape Irrigation Systems for Residential and Commercial Since 1974 www.milwaukeelawnsprinkler.com Design, Sales and Service N60 W16180 Kohler Ln. Menomonee Falls, WI 262.252.3880 • Residential Irrigation Systems • Commercial & Industrial Systems • Green Roof Systems • Sports Turf Systems • Condominium/Apartment Complexes • Park & Recreational Areas • Rooftop Gardens • Water Saving Drip Systems Expert Installers of: 261799004 Choosing the layout and appliance location is an essential step in every kitchen remodel. Traditionally, kit- chens were designed with the work triangle, which connects the three main work areas in a kitchen: the refrigerator, stove, and sink. While this is good to keep in mind while planning, this style has evolved into a more practical "work zone" concept, which fits into a variety of layouts. GALLEY: A galley kitchen has two parallel countertops with a walkway in between them. Typically, the sink is on one side and the range is on the other. Galley kitchens are great because they make the best use of every inch of space and you don't have to worry about troublesome corner cabinets to configure. These types of kitchens are especially ideal for smaller spaces and one-cook kitchens. L-SHAPE: An L-shape kitchen con- sists of two perpendicular counter- tops that come together and form an L. This layout, which adds a dining space and multiple work zones, is great for entertaining purposes because the cook is able to be near the guests and guests can eat without feel- ing like they're in the way. These kitchens provide a lot of space and you never have to worry about traffic, making it perfect for kitchens that are often busy with family and guests. HORSESHOE: The horseshoe (or U-shape) kitchen layout has three walls of cabinets and appliances. This layout works well for multiple cooks to be able to easily work and move throughout the kitchen. Not only does this design maximize space, it also creates separation between the kitchen and dining areas. ISLAND: Island kitchens add extra storage, can provide a place to eat, a place to prepare food, and can house appliances. Islands are incredibly functional and can add a lot to a kitchen, but make sure the kitchen has enough clearance space before adding one. The most important thing about kitchen design is workflow. Make sure whatever layout you choose works for your lifestyle and fits the amount of space you have. TIPS FOR THE PERFECT KITCHEN LAYOUT

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