by Peggy Shea ~ Leogrande Team
We have taken the first step of our kitchen renovation project; Demolition. I had no idea what demo meant until I felt the entire house shaking as the walls came down. It really makes you appreciate the construction of a house when you see the bare bones. Our house was extremely well built and it still had problems such as rotted pipes and sinking floors.
Of course, there are different degrees of kitchen renovations - from simply re-facing cabinets to tearing everything down to the studs. The sheer number of choices I have to make is overwhelming and I find that each trades person, from architect to carpenter, has his or her own view of how things should look and how they should be done. Thank goodness I hired Faith McGillicuddy of McGillicuddy Designs to help me with the process. I also love my general contractor Angela DiMella of Hire Her Home Improvement Inc., who was recommended to me by a friend that found her on Angie's List. She is right on top of any issue that pops up, and her workers actually arrive early and clean-up before they leave.
Angela keeps all the different trades on track, and keeps me, the client, happy! My experience highlights the power of referrals. As realtors, we are the "general contractors" of real estate deals and we commonly refer our clients to the "real estate spheres of influence" - mortgage brokers, home inspectors, bankers, lawyers, contractors and more. After working together in local real estate for 30 years, Gary Leogrande and I know the best people, the experienced professionals, who will get the job done.
My kitchen project also reminds me of the importance of following a plan and making sure the client understands the process. There are many misconceptions out there, some based on the home fix-it TV shows, where they unrealistically appear to complete major projects in three days. Every business should have a business model illustrating their process from start to finish. When you come to the Leogrande Team for real estate advice, you will understand the process after our first meeting and you will know what to expect. No surprises, no worries.
If you are thinking about undertaking a major home renovation we can refer designers, architects, cabinet makers, flooring and contractors who we have personally used and recommend to clients. And if we can help you with any other real estate questions, don't hesitate to call the Leogrande Team at (914) 761-7878.
Contact information for the kitchen renovation professionals mentioned in this article:
Kitchen Designer, Faith McGillicuddy, McGillicuddy Designs, (914) 720-8747
General Contractor, Angela G. DiMella, HIre Her Home Improvement Inc. (914) 402-5088
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