Creating Your Dream Home

Spring welcomes beautiful blooms, nicer weather, an occasional sneeze or two, and sometimes, that all-consuming urge to transform your living space. If you’re ready to embark on a remodeling project, big or small, local professionals offer crucial advice before the first swing of the hammer or stroke of the paint brush.

Embarking on long-anticipated renovation projects means first hiring vetted remodelers, contractors, designers and other professionals. Oklahoma’s local pros share some advice before you start – including ensuring these professionals are insured, licensed and local; confirming specific payment methods and their timing; and researching heavily, including seeking out word-of-mouth recommendations. 

General contractor Kent Hoffman, owner of OKC’s Hoffman Group, says that before landing on a professional, try to get at least three references, taking the time to speak with each of those clients about their entire experience.

“Hopefully you know someone who has used them recently,” he says. “Check the Better Business Bureau, get a bank reference letter and ask to see two or three recent jobs.”

Mike Means, Oklahoma State Home Builders Association’s executive vice president, recommends “going to association websites and seeing their members who do renovations or construction. I also suggest doing searches and then visiting the websites and/or social media pages of those who intrigue you. As an association, we push our members to have a functioning website and/or social media page. In today’s world, 80% plus begin their projects – buying a home, building a home, remodeling – by starting online.”

Means agrees that references should always be utilized if given. 

“Call them! I would not spend thousands of dollars without finding out from their references what kind of contractor they were,” he says. “Make sure they provide a written contract.  Make sure they will build to code. And be wary if they ask for too much up front – there should be a clear schedule of when certain payments are made; for example, after obtaining necessary permits, after a foundation is poured, after framing or after drywall.” 

It’s no wonder that the highlight of every home renovation TV episode is witnessing the return on investment after all the hard work put in. Getting that ‘bang for your buck’ is, after all, crucial to a successful renovation.

Local pros answer those burning questions: What should you renovate to increase home value? Where should you be investing the most time? Which rooms and specific projects are going to reap the biggest benefits? 

Hoffman says most homes sell based on price-per-square-foot, so adding well-utilized square footage may amplify your ROI. 

Bill Powers, owner of Tulsa based Powers Design and Build, agrees that the “number one investment for home ROI increase is to add on any living space, or even a larger garage. Kitchen renovation and master bath – anything [with a] bath – are all good returns on money.” Other value boosters, Powers shares, include closets and energy saving improvements like windows, insulation and lighting.

“Almost everyone agrees that the best way to increase your value, and get a return on your investment, is to renovate the kitchen and the bathrooms,” says Means. “Bringing those up to a more modern design really helps. Paint is one that helps more than many realize – getting up to date on colors is an inexpensive way to upgrade.  And don’t shortcut yourself; be sure it is quality paint and is done professionally. Another one I will add is outdoor living space. This is a big trend in today’s environment.”

For some, a swimming pool is a luxury add-on; for others, it’s an expensive hole in the backyard.

 “A swimming pool is one that won’t get you much increase in value or return on your investment, as it is truly a preference item,” says Means. “Some people want them, many do not.” 

To DIY or not to DIY is certainly the question – especially when it comes to (seemingly) simpler projects such as upgrading fixtures, adding a backsplash or installing crown molding. Some projects can be done without the help of professionals – but which ones are they? 

Hoffman says this depends totally on the talents of the homeowner. Painting is the obvious activity that many can pull off (just don’t skimp on primer and paint quality) while tile setting and carpentry will depend on skill level and tools available. Plumbing and electrical projects generally need inspections, and bad work can become a liability. 

“Unless you are really good at doing something, if you are doing it to add value or for resale, then I recommend a professional,” says Means. “If you are just upgrading and plan to remain in the project for the near foreseeable future, then painting or updating fixtures or appliances is not too bad. Crown molding is harder than most people realize – as is adding a backsplash.”

Every dollar of a renovation project, including a built-in contingency fund allocation, is ideally spent in a smart, thrifty manner. Creating a realistic budget, attending building supply auctions, repurposing materials and sourcing recycled material when possible – including using your contractors’ left-over materials if they’re amenable – are all money-saving hacks. Additionally, find out when a contractor tends to have lulls and ‘quiet seasons’ to optimize your budget.

Most of all, the pros emphasize having an ironclad plan in place.  

“Have a plan, a good plan,” says Hoffman. “Without a plan, money gets wasted and the job moves slowly, which adds to cost. Take advantage of big box stores for good, lesser priced materials.” 

Means continues: “Develop a complete plan with your contractor. Don’t start a project and then change and add as you go. Changing orders costs time and money and can sometimes interfere with ongoing work.”

Before you demolish walls or even patch the first wall, make sure all your permits are in place, your home is prepared for your projects, and that possible weather complications are factored into timelines and budgets.

“Know your budget and include a contingency,” says Means. “I would also ask for a fixed price contract.  Some contractors will ask for a cost-plus, which is O.K., but again, you need to have a plan and stick to it.”

Hoffman agrees and says “a future homebuyer generally pays more for quality work and records. Use experienced professionals if possible, and check with the local authority/ building department to confirm if a permit is needed. Definitely develop a budget prior to beginning the project. Get estimates from the general contractor or from the subcontractors you are having price the project. Make sure all subcontractors get permits and have their work inspected.”

For a variety of reasons, some home renovation projects are more popular than others. Contractors hope that homeowners get their wants and wishes satisfied at every turn, but suggest adjusting expectations and keeping things realistic, too. 

“Homeowners today have access to every type of home and remodeling project,” says Hoffman. “We are asked to do every type of project. In general, kitchens, baths, updating of living areas, and outdoor living and pool additions are the most common. Good craftsmanship takes time, so if high quality is the goal, then customers need to understand the process and the pace of work.”

Powers adds that heated floors in master bathrooms are currently a sought-after feature he’s seeing a lot.

Means continues: “In today’s aging population, the biggest request is to make a home livable as we age – what we call aging in place,” he says. “We have a list of contractors who have the Certified Aging in Place designation and understand what is needed. For these common projects, what do they wish clients would know before getting started? There will be delays – period.” 

Homeowners ask themselves the age-old question – “Should I stay, or should I go?” – during renovations, trying to balance saving money by staying in place versus the often more comfortable option of finding shelter in a rental or bunking with friends or family. 

Whether to stay or leave “depends so much on the scope of the project,” says Hoffman. “Generally, it will be quite clear if the owners can stay in the home. There are times during demolition, painting and flooring where staying in the home is not safe. Perhaps the work can be done in phases, which will extend the total time, but the owners might be able to adapt and stay at home. If schedules are totally upside down and the temporary living conditions are rough, sanity could be elusive.” 

Means says that if the project is an add-on, you have to consider access to the addition coming from within the home and says that no matter the project, “be prepared for noise, dust and commotion!”