Michigan House Envy: 7 tips for successful home remodeling

Michigan House Envy asked builders in this years Ann Arbor Remodelers Home Tour for advice and tips on remodeling.

Some addressed the choices of using an architect followed by a builder vs. working with a design-build firm, which handles both functions. Their answers range from large and general to small and specific and sometimes contradict each other, but here is a sample of their advice.

Dont give short shrift to design. People want to start building right away, and they dont give design enough time. Its much easier to redraw something than to rebuild something. Doug Selby, Meadowlark Building

Before you start, go to a site like http://www.houzz.com. Its free and a great resource for creating idea books you can share with a prospective builder to explain your style and your taste. http://www.pinterest.com also lets you create storyboards with samples from counters to cabinets and exterior views. It helps you create a vocabulary with your architect. Jef Forward, Forward Design and Build

To control cost in kitchens and bathrooms dont move the major pieces around Bill Cowdin, Cowdin Design + Build

If you work with a design-build firm, your builder is better able to adapt your plans to stay within your budget. Dave Latawiec, DJL Builders

In tight spaces like smaller bathrooms, install drawers rather than doors. Not only does it save you the space of the door swing, it also makes the back of the cabinet much easier to reach. Meadowlark Building

Install a retractable cord in a bathroom drawer so the hair dryer is easy to pull out and put away without plugging and unplugging. Meadowlark Building

To make a job proceed smoothly, have all your decisions and selections made before it starts. Mike Rogers, Michael A. Rogers Building and Home Improvement

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Michigan House Envy: 7 tips for successful home remodeling