The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition Apr/May 2025

HOME & DESIGN

PAGE 68

truly transform the way you live

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR

908.766.2006 www.trueleafkitchens.com 134 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge

If You Only Knew By Eileen Barna HOME IMPROVEMENT R emodeling your home is an excit

Whether it’s mold, old wiring, or structur al issues, you may need to address prob

affected by the remodel. 10. Focus on Resale Value

lems you didn’t anticipate. 6. Set Realistic Timeframes

While you want to create a home that suits your needs, it’s also important to consid er the resale value of your remodel. If you plan to sell in the future, keep trends and buyer preferences in mind.

Home remodels often take longer than ex pected, especially if you’re doing a large scale project. Build extra time into your schedule to manage delays and ensure the quality of work. Do not plan a party or house guests around your expected com pletion date. It will only cause you and your contractor an inordinate amount of stress. 7. Communication is Critical Constantly communicate with your con tractors to ensure the project stays on track. Clear and ongoing communication prevents misunderstandings and mistakes. 8. Don’t Skimp on Quality Materials While it’s tempting to save money on cheaper materials, skimping can lead to long-term issues. Invest in high-quality materials, especially in high-use areas like Remodeling often means dust, noise, and a disrupted living space. Plan ahead for how you’ll manage living in a home under con struction—whether that means staying with family or living in a room that’s not Constantly communicate with your con 8. 9. kitchens and bathrooms. 9. Prepare for Disruption

emodeling your home is an excit ing yet often challenging process. Here are 10 things you might wish you had known before starting your remodel: 1. Budgeting is Key It’s easy to underestimate how much a re model will cost. Making your final materi al selections up front can really help keep surprises to a minimum. Always add 10 15% to your estimated budget to account for unexpected expenses or upgrades along the way. 2. Indecision Can Lead to Delays Small design changes or indecision can lead to delays in both construction and delivery times for materials. Finalize de signs early on to avoid this and then don’t change your mind. This will help avoid costly change orders later. 3. Hiring the Right Contractors Matters Your project will only be as good as the team you hire. Take time to vet contrac tors and designers, check references, and

look at previous work to avoid costly mis takes. Make sure that you pick a contractor that you can trust and with whom you can communicate. You will be working togeth er for many months so a good rapport is essential.

These lessons can save you time, money and frustration, helping you create a space you love without the headache! If you are ready to find a good designer to get you started call TrueLeaf Kitchens TrueLeaf Kitchens at 908-766-2006, visit their website trueleafkitchens.com or stop by their new showroom at 19 Morristown Rd. in Basking Ridge (Heartworks building).

4. Permits are a Must Some renovations require permits. Failing to get them can lead to fines, delays, or having to undo your work later on. 5. Expect the Unexpected You might uncover issues hidden be hind walls, under floors, or in plumbing.

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