Florida homeowners are no strangers to home renovation projects. Whether it’s from receiving a building code violation or it’s just time to remodel your home, there are always important tips and notes to keep in mind. Fix my code violation is comprised of general contractors and architects with a combined 30+ years of experience. These are some basic ideas we like to keep in mind and discuss with new or existing homeowners when considering remodeling. Remodeling, Cabinets and Measurements: Oh My! Most Florida homeowners don’t know that this is one of the easiest and costliest mistakes to make. More often than not, homeowners, will purchase cabinets and parts, install them, only to find that now their fridge no longer fits. The be-all-end-all contractor will, measure one hundred times and cut once.

Choosing the Cheapest Contractor Homeowners often want to remodel while sticking to their ideal budget. However, choosing a contractor in Miami has become another process in itself. The best thing a homeowner could do is:

• Research: Find exactly what contractor has a specific scope of work. Not everyone specializes in one particular field as a contractor and it’s important to find the right person.
• Get quotes: You’ve done your research, now it’s time to talk money. Don’t be afraid to provide a proposed scope of work and be patient to hear what they have to offer. Ask for a written estimate so that you know exactly what you’re getting into beforehand so that you feel comfortable throughout the process.

Lowballing and Budgets… Don’t Mix Unfortunately, no matter how much research you’ve done, surprises are bound to pop up. For example, you’re installing cabinets: You might damage the wall in some way shape or form and have to replace drywall. Then, in this process, you see something inside the drywall, be it electrical or structural issues, and this leads to a slippery slope of renovations. It’s a good idea to set aside %15 to %20 of the total projected cost, for incidentals and unpredicted necessities. Granite Countertops- “Be-All-End-All?” Granite, by far, is the most popular choice among homeowners. This isn’t the only option though. In fact, it could save you time and money to selects amongst other materials for your countertop. Fearing Layout Changes Some bathrooms, for example, are designed very awkwardly. You don’t have to force yourself to live with an old-fashioned design because it seems difficult or too pricey. It is fairly simple to re-configure, so if you want it, speak up. Hardwood Floors As beautiful as they are, hardwood floors are not always practical for everyone: pet- owners, large families, busy households, etc. All options should be on the table so that you can find the right fit in the long run. Trends Die Out Homeowners should renovate with resale value in mind. Therefore, the bigger and bolder your kitchen is, the faster it will go out of style. Some basics that may stir feelings of regret include overdoing it on appliances, sacrificing counter and storage space.