Starting a home construction project is like choosing a spouse — you will know when it is the right time.
Today’s home improvement programs artfully portray the purchase of an older, out-of-date home as an opportunity for the homeowner to create a unique property with minimal effort and money for maximum creativity. The ease in which these 30-minute programs convert an older home into a stunning property defies reality, which is why so many homeowners who buy an older home get crushed with huge budget overruns and disappointing results. Buying an older home and remodeling it to modern excellence is risky, expensive, and not for an amateur do-it-yourself homeowner. The real issue is that most homeowners who are unfamiliar with building and construction have misguided notions regarding cost, time, and effort. Before you buy that older home and try to create your own Waco Miracle, it is imperative you understand what you are getting into.
The first step in hiring the right cabinet installer for your job is understanding the installer’s skillsets and matching them to the scope of work for your project and your expectations regarding quality, price, and design. Too many times, homeowners get hung up on an installer based on work previously done without understanding whether that installer has the skillsets to undertake their project.
Most folks complain about companies cutting corners but have no problem when it’s a corner being cut to save them money. Although there are many corners that can be cut during the process of purchasing real estate, the buyer does so at their own peril. Sure, an uncle, aunt or third cousin might be able to save you money, but is what they are doing right, and can you hold them accountable? Let’s face it, it is easier to tell a stranger what you want than a family member. Too often, when a buyer cuts a corner in a real estate purchase to save money, it winds up costing them more down the road. Nothing beats hiring a professional and quality does cost more.
The construction trade programs in our local high schools and technical schools are exploding with student growth and interest as young people are realizing that college is not for everyone and great career opportunities exist with construction-related skillsets. The writing is on the wall as technology will eliminate millions of jobs in manufacturing, retail and service-related industries over the next decade. Good college degree jobs in offices that exist today will be gone tomorrow — just ask people in the banking industry. Young people are seeing the future clearly and understand career paths are changing.