Renew & Redo - Your Home & You

Natalie Weinstein, Allied ASID
 
              As we look back at 2015 – on our accomplishments and our intentions, we now get another chance to move ahead.  Perhaps in the past few weeks you were able to reflect on friends, family and other special people who have loved and inspired you throughout the year.  In your gratitude, perhaps you’ve also been thinking about ways to be a better person to yourself and others in 2016.  On a Sunday past this January, we had a gathering at Uniquely Natalie for a seminar in which Roy Franks, my fitness guru, Jennifer Pabon, our knowledgeable nutritionist, master chef and caterer Filomena Lombardi, and I talked about ways to begin anew.

                We started with our homes and how it makes us feel and shared thoughts on what we’d change if money was no object.  We had a wish list and needs list and discovered that some easy fixes would make us feel a lot better.  Then we’d actually be willing to wait for the bigger projects if we put in some “sweat equity” to get our homes in shape.

                We also talked about what happens when there are improvements in our home and discovered the real connection between our home and ourselves.  When the kitchen is improved, we want to improve our cooking and eat healthier, which is the best way to lose weight, feel fit, and start an exercise program that works for you.  The circle of discovery went ‘round and ‘round as folks were really getting the connection – and learning from the experts.  (If you missed the seminar and want to access the “take-aways”, please go to www.uniquelynatalie.com.)     
       
                While renewing and redoing begins in the New Year with resolutions, remember it is just beginning!  And to continue with new beginnings, here are a few tips if 2016 is the year for a home renovating project:

1. Discuss needs and wishes and determine whether you want to undergo a major or minor project and inquire about funding.
2. If major renovation is required, are you willing to move out or get storage pods, if needed?
3. Make a list of priorities before you call in a professional team (designer, architect, and contractor) and look at magazines, homes in the neighborhood, etc. for ideas.
4. Bring in the professionals for a consultation before you hire anyone, get references and make your final decision.
5. Start with the interior designer and get space plan alternatives.
6. Next bring in the architect for a feasibility study of interior plans and to make exterior drawings.
7. Check town or municipality requirements and decide who will file plans.
8. When the plans are finalized, give the same plan to all general contractors bidding your job and be sure to get references.
9. Compare contracts and prices to make sure of what’s included and what’s not and how long it will take to complete.
10. Schedule payments based on accomplished work and make sure your team is working together.