Happy March! I hope you are doing well! This month's newsletter is about bath remodels, our yearly workshop training and certification and March specials.
Bath remodeling
A lot of homeowners are taking the leap into remodeling their bathrooms - one of the greatest home improvement endeavors with a great return on investment no matter what the economy!
Not only will the homeowner enjoy the new bath, but the value of the remodel is estimated to be a two dollar return for every one dollar spent! With so many clients wishing to remodel their baths, I've done a lot of research to help them understand where their money goes. Much of the labor costs remain the same whether installing budget-friendly cabinets and fixtures or high end products. The labor costs vary on items such as tile versus laminate flooring, glass enclosed showers versus fiberglass, as much of the costs associated with bathroom remodels is determined by the products chosen - cabinetry, tub styles, shower enclosures, flooring, sinks and so on. Labor costs and time increase significantly when walls are knocked out, plumbing lines moved and electrical work added.
The first step in bathroom remodels is to do your research. Determine what you need in terms of function and style, take a trip to a design center to touch and see product samples, and create a file of photographs which contain elements of design you like.
The next step is to talk with a design specialist to help you understand the possibilities and limitations of the remodel. Many people want grand master baths, but have a small space with limiting factors. Anything is possible given the budget.
Finding the right contractor is the most important step, in my opinion. There are many to choose from and trust me, you do get what you pay for. Be wary of contractors who ask you to pull the permits, as this can be a sign that they are unlicensed and uninsured. If you want to find out if your contractor is licensed and certified to work in Virginia, you can check them out at the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation at http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/servicesconsumers.cfm
Check the company's references, go to the homes of previous clients to see their work, and be wary of any contractor that asks you for a significant amount of money before starting work. My preferred contractors, Steve Duckworth, Old Dominion Specialty Construction, and John Doyle, J. Doyle Construction, have different payment options and a "pay as you go" in some cases.
Here are some great articles on the web:
Getting Your Remodel Off to a Good Start http://www.hgtv.com/kitchens/getting-your-remodel-off-to-a-good-start/index.html
Bath Remodel Strategies: Medium-level Budgets By John Yates - http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/bath-remodel-strategies-medium-level-budgets/index.html
Get a Better Bath - http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/bathroom/planning/our-favorite-small-baths-that-live-large/?sssdmh=dm17.365483&esrc=nwhi34_09b&email=1657950600
ReDesign Training and Certification!
Mark your calendars for April 21-24! This course is offered only once a year in Virginia and is limited to six slots.
As many of you may know, my career was in government work - active duty military through working for Marine Corps Intel, Marine Corps Lessons Learned and for Battelle. God has ways of bringing change at certain points in our lives. I always had the talent and had been doing design work for homeowners and companies throughout the last 20 years. I was addicted to the DIY channel, HGTV, and TLC, and read every home improvement magazine I could get my hands on.
The turning point came after I read an article about home staging and redesign, told my husband, "I can do this," and meeting two key couples who asked me to do their homes. Thus began the search on how to get certified and start my own company. After five months of research and reading, I chose the AARC (www.allaboutredesign.com) based upon the offerings within the course and other criterion. Additionally, I will be adding a new segment to the marketing portion geared towards eCommerce - marketing your business on the web and providing free business kits.
After being certified by the AARC and joining the IDS, Julie Rieman, founder of the AARC, felt I had what it takes to teach and certify others. Last years' certification went very well and we are offering the opportunity to anyone who wants to turn their talent into a part time or full time business. Sign up now and pass this on to your friends and family member! Class registration closes on April 8th http://www.simplybeautifulspaces.com/SimplyBeautifulSpacesWorkshop.html
Specials
Reveal Parties - When you redesign your home, you'll want to show it off to all your friends and family! Let them in on the surprise! You can receive merchandise valued over $300 for hosting a Reveal Party!
Refer A Friend! Receive gifts, gift certificates or discounts when you refer a paying client! (Referral Program Bonuses vary)
Surprise a friend or loved one with a Surprise Room Makeover! A great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, college dorm rooms or anytime!
Gift Certificates - an absolutely perfect gift for the busy professional, moms, families, friends and neighbors - for any occasion!
Gift certificates can be purchased for:
Organization Services - let us take care of organizing and de-cluttering!
Event or Party prep - we can get your home ready for your guests!
Room Redesign - one, two or whole house - we'll transform rooms into welcoming and relaxing environments!
New neighbor? A wonderful way to welcome them to the neighborhood with a gift certificate to help them organize their furnishings and decor in their new home! We can help work existing furnishings and accessories into new living spaces for that truly welcome home feeling.
Home Staging - have a neighbor or friend who has difficulty getting their home to sell? We can help! From Do It Yourself Kits to whole home staging - we can make it ready for open houses or daily showings! Before reducing the sales price, let us stage and photograph it for MLS listings.
Newlyweds? A perfect gift! We'll get their new home ready - specializing in combining his and hers into "theirs"
Visit our online store to take advantage of our sale items! www.store.simplybeautifulspaces.com Lighting, artwork, unique mirrors, décor accessories and more!
Greenhouse Designs - www.Greenhousedesigns.net
Search for your designer fabrics, trims or notions! For more information on ordering, email kate@simplybeautifulspaces.com
Please pass this on to your friends!
Thank you and have a wonderful day,
Kate
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