The Rewards of Remodeling

If you do hire a remodeling team, make sure that they work well together. Even if you have a recommendation, ask to see samples of their work and look for attention to detail, and ensure all your estimates are made with the same scenario for an accurate comparison.

As Carol Geller was planning her renovation, she had gone to various showrooms and discussed her project without anyone coming to see how she lived and what she needed. But a friend recommended Serra, so Carol looked at her web site and scheduled an at-home kitchen consultation. She says Serra immediately asked to look at the rest of her house to get a sense of the entire Geller family. It lifted any barriers in the designer-homeowner relationship there might have been.

Stewart says the fear of working with an interior designer is a “major barrier to approaching a remodel” because homeowners are afraid designers won’t listen to them. Know yourself and how you communicate. Then find someone with whom you can develop a rapport and who you feel understands your needs and tastes.

Coping With a Kitchen Remodel

Once construction has begun, your life will be deconstructed, shoved in boxes and covered in dust. Use creative strategies to gracefully handle the upheaval.