Life with Lauren

Taking on a remodeling project can be exciting—a chance to transform a space and make it your own. But not all remodels start (or finish) on the right foot. As a general contractor, we've seen our fair share of projects that began as a DIY adventure or were handled by a less-than-reliable contractor. While we understand the appeal of saving money or trying to tackle a project independently, these efforts often lead to costly mistakes down the line. Here are some of the most common issues we encounter when stepping in to fix or complete a remodel: 1. Structural Issues and Code Violations One of the most serious problems we encounter is work that doesn't meet local building codes. This can include improperly removed load-bearing walls, incorrect framing, or unsafe electrical and plumbing work. Code violations not only pose safety risks but can also delay your project significantly while permits are reissued, and the work is corrected. Our Fix: We perform a thorough inspection to...

Deciding to remodel your home is exciting but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Should you update the kitchen, transform the bathroom, or finally finish that basement? The answer depends on your needs, budget, and goals. Let’s walk through the key factors to consider so you can confidently choose the best space to remodel first. 1. Start with the Most Used Space One of the best ways to determine where to begin is by considering which room sees the most activity. If you spend most of your time in the kitchen, a remodel can enhance your daily life and boost home value. If your bathrooms are outdated or inconvenient, upgrading them might take priority. Think about where a renovation would make the biggest impact on your routine. 2. Consider Return on Investment (ROI) If you’re thinking long-term, some renovations add more value to your home than others. Here are the top remodels with the best ROI: Kitchens: A modern kitchen can increase your home’s resale value significantly....