The Before & After of our very own kitchen remodeled...by us.

• By Larry Parrish, CR, CGR, CAPS, GACP

•  This article was originally published in 2003. The kitchen was recently featured in the Kitchens are Cooking Home Tour May 1-2 to benefit the I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder. See the News page for more.

• You’ve heard it said that a Physician who treats himself has a fool for a patient. I’d adapt this as follows: “A contractor who remodels his own home has a fool for a client.” Having just completed a significant remodel of my own home, and having used my own company to accomplish the work, I believe I can attest to the sad truth of this statement.

• I knew better, of course, but was the victim of another saying, often related by my wife, that “a shoe cobbler’s children have no shoes”. In her case, she was referring to the fact that I’d been promising for over ten years (ok, 25) to remodel our kitchen. Finally out of cunning desperation, she threatened to call a competitor to do the work. I’d have been smart to call her bluff, but I couldn’t bear the embarrassing thought. So I listed our kitchen remodel on the company’s schedule board just like a “real job”, the kind she’d been waiting in line behind all those years.

• I know that some of you are thinking of another saying—something about it being good for a doctor to get sick and have to taste his own medicine. Well—ok, I can understand that sentiment, and I must admit, I’m a better contractor for having lived through my own remodel experience.

• As a “building professional” with many years of practice advising clients on the construction process, I was confident I could avoid the potential pitfalls of construction, and enjoy the experience. Thanks to my wife, who encourages me to follow my own advice most of the time, I survived. I’d like to tell you about what worked, and what I should have done differently. I only hope that by sharing the experience with you, I can save you from some trouble of your own. At this point, I’d like to inject a saying of my own: “Do what I say, not what I do.”

1. On moving out: We remodeled for a friend recently (yes, we’re still friends), who decided to live in the house through the process. Afterwards, he said “if you ever have a client who chooses to live through a major remodel, have them call me.” It’s not for the faint of heart. You need a pioneer spirit and a strong sense of humor. It’s the little things that will get to you – the dust, lack of privacy, cramped quarters, parking in the street instead of the garage, noise, and disruption. I lived through it and survived. My advice? Move out!
2. More about dust: Don’t believe the contractor who claims he can control the dust. Not even with zipper doors, plastic walls, sticky mats, HEPA vacuum cleaners, and negative-pressure exhaust systems. These measures will keep the dust layer under a quarter-inch thick. If it can’t get dusty, seal it in a plastic bag or move it out. I’ve also learned that this level of dust can never be removed. It can only be rearranged.
3. On maintaining sanity: At best, remodeling is stressful. To increase your odds of survival, schedule some treats for yourself. Leave the country for as long as you can afford. Eat out often. Follow my wife’s example—tell everyone you know that you will accept all dinner invitations. Buy a voodoo doll of the contractor, and use it.
4. The Remodeling Creep: No matter how carefully you plan your project, it will grow. It’s one of the inviolate laws of physics. You will discover opportunities as the walls open up. In my case, it was an unplanned skylight. The opportunity was just too great to pass up. And it was worth it. In fact, it’s the best feature of the job. But it cost more and lengthened the project. Prepare for the contingency. Allow for extra cost and time in your plan. Don’t blame the contractor, you’ll do it to yourself.
5. Sticker Shock: It will cost more than a moon landing. Get over it. Just keep telling yourself it will be worth it. It will. If it wasn’t possible to forget the pain of childbirth, we’d all be “only children.” The color is just now coming back into my cheeks.
6. Product choices: Choose EVERYTHING before the project starts. You won’t have time or energy after the work begins. I didn’t do this. Near the end of the project, I didn’t care what product we used. I just didn’t want to have to decide any more. Hint for husbands—don’t pick a light fixture (or anything) without your wife in order to “expedite” things. Trust me on this one!
7. Schedule: Finally, I made a good decision. I didn’t run the project myself, but assigned it to a competent staff person. Thanks to him, the job ran exactly on schedule. One reason is because he was smart enough to include “float days” in the schedule to provide a cushion for the inevitable hiccups. This allowed for some minor perturbations without derailing the whole train. It also meant there were a few days when nothing significant happened. It was “way” worth it.
8. Celebrate milestones: To make the process more enjoyable, celebrate the significant achievements as you go along. Events such as commencement of framing, completion of rough-in, end of drywall, another week without divorce. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Perhaps a pizza party. Or milk and cookies. Or a quart of Vodka.
9.  Communications: Tell you contractor what’s bothering you as the issues come up, even if you think it’s too small to mention. Otherwise, you’ll save the list until it’s about a hundred items long, and you want to kill him. Then you’ll tell him about it anyway. You may as well get the issue out of the way right now. Then you can sleep better, and your contractor can stop wearing his Kevlar vest.
10. House Rules: Remember—it’s your home, and you have a right to enforce your rules. This includes rules on parking, radios, work hours/days, storage areas, access to the house, etc. Decide on what’s important to you, and stick to your guns (not literally, of course!) Just realize that some rules have a price, and be willing to pay it.
11. Designate one contact: Another good decision on my part. I deferred to my wife as the contact person for our job. Just as “too many cooks spoil the broth”, too many people communicating with the crew will spoil the project. Keep the communication chain simple and decide together who will be the main contact.

• I was about to say I wish I’d had this list before we began our project. But then again, it wouldn’t have mattered. To one degree or another, I broke every rule above, and still survived. I love the new kitchen, and am beginning to forget about the cost. Lest you be discouraged, remember—there is life after remodeling.

• A lady recently overheard my wife telling a friend that she had just finished a remodeling job. Not knowing the situation, but looking for a referral, the lady asked my wife if she was happy with her contractor. “Not really”, my wife answered, “But I’m still sleeping with him.”

• We always welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please feel free to post in the “Comments Box” below.

Bathroom remodel by Parrish (Accessories by HW Home).

• If you’re thinking of remodeling your home, you’re in good company. According to the National Association of Home Builders, American homeowners will spend in excess of $100 Billion on professional remodeling this year. Empty nesters are converting unused bedrooms into master bathrooms, new owners of older homes are improving their new home before moving in, and many people are adding new apartments for an elderly parent.

• Homeowners who are remodeling for the first time are faced with the challenge of finding a reputable contractor who can get the job done with minimal disruption and at a reasonable cost. The following recommendations will help simplify the search and minimize any anxiety and confusion.

• All building permits in Boulder or Boulder County require detailed construction drawings and structural design by a licensed engineer. Consider hiring an architect or contractor who offers design/build, which means that the same company both designs and builds the project.

• Design/build is a growing trend in the industry because it can save money, offers one-stop shopping, and single-point responsibility. Look for contractors that have licensed architects on staff, or partner with licensed architects.

• You’ll also need to decide whether to solicit fixed bids, or work on a cost-plus basis. The old rule was to get three bids and select the low bidder. Unfortunately, an accurate comparison between bids is almost impossible, and a bid situation puts the homeowner and contractor at odds from the beginning. Ask for a cost-plus contract. The contractor charges the cost of materials and subcontracts plus a markup for overhead and profit.

• Begin your search by asking friends and neighbors for recommendations. The best (and worst) ones will be known in the community, and referrals from happy customers are your best source. Also check the contractor’s reputation among the building trades. Ask lumber yards, electricians, realtors, and bankers. Make sure the contractor pays his bills on time.

• Ask the contractor for client references from similar projects—about twenty recent ones, and call half a dozen or so in random order. (The contractor’s happiest clients will probably be listed first.) Look especially for repeat customers.

• A commitment to professionalism and ethics is usually indicated by membership in professional trade organizations. Look for organizations such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and their certifications– Certified Remodeler (CR) or Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), respectively. Also look for professional awards and a local contractor’s license.

• Longevity counts. A long track record is a sign that your contractor will still be in business to address warranty problems. Look for someone invested in the community and his or her reputation. Good contractors should be involved in the community, service clubs, schools or church.

• Ask for samples of the contractor’s office paperwork as an indication of professionalism. Use of computers and computerized scheduling are good indicators. Bids, bills, and contracts should be clear and detailed. Changes in the work must be carefully documented.
• You’ll also want to know how efficiently a contractor’s office handles communication. Calls should be returned promptly. You’re looking for a contractor who will be available quickly, when needed. Good signs of accessibility are radios, pagers, cell phones, and a listed home phone.

• Your contractor should maintain at least $1,000,000.00 in Contractor’s General Liability Insurance and have all employees covered under Workers’ Compensation Insurance. This is necessary to protect homeowners from liability in case of injuries or accident. Ask for certificates of insurance coverage.

• Also ask if the prospective contractor has the capacity to handle the work committed. You don’t want them to be overbooked. Be patient if the contractor you want is busy–it’s a good sign. A contractor who will tear out a wall just to satisfy a start date, and then disappear until the other jobs are complete is no bargain.

• The quality of the contractor’s crew and subcontractors is important. Do they keep the joist clean? Would you be afraid to leave them alone in your home? Will they be bringing their dogs, friends, and boom boxes to your home?

• Trust your instincts. You will be entrusting a great deal of money to your contractor and working very closely with him or her. If you get “bad vibes” from the initial meetings, it will only get worse during the stress of construction.

• Once you finally choose your contractor, be clear about what you expect, and honest about your budget. Good communication is critical. Establish a schedule for frequent meetings during the job. A contractor needs your decisions in a timely manner to keep the project moving.

• There are many contractors with the experience and integrity you want. With a little care, you may soon be one of the happy clients on their reference list. We’re hoping you’ll be ours!

• We always welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please feel free to post in the “Comments Box” below.

• Pro•cras•ti•nate: to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done (definition by Merriam-Webster Dictionary).
  

  Parrish's 2008 Contractor of the Year winner for remodel

• This definition speaks to me on a personal basis. I’m a procrastinator from way back. In fact, I’m planning to join Procrastinators Anonymous one of these days. Really—I’m sure I’ll get around to it. (Their twelve step program takes 450 years to complete.)

• Have you been thinking of remodeling your home since the Eisenhower administration, but can’t seem to get the deed done? I’m sure you have a long list of great excuses—after all, you’ve had decades of practice. I’ve heard a lot of excuses, and I’ll bet I’ve heard yours. I’ve listed some common ones below. Let’s see if you recognize any of these:

• Excuse: “I’m not sure how long we’re going to stay in this house.”
  Reply: I’m not sure either, but I’ll bet it will be longer than you think. I used this excuse with my last three houses. I wound up living in each one more than seven years before remodeling, and always regretted not doing the work right away. I inevitably remodeled my home just before we sold, in time for the new owners to enjoy it. You might as well commence your remodel now, and enjoy it yourself. The most common comment I hear from clients after they remodel is “I wish we’d done this a long time ago.”

• Excuse: “I can’t decide whether to remodel or move.”
  Reply: What will it take to help you decide? Would it help to arm yourself with a few facts? First, collect some information on what it would cost to remodel your existing home to meet your needs. Then investigate it would cost to buy an existing house of the same specifications. This will give you an idea of the relative cost of remodeling versus moving. Next, make two separate pro and con lists. First, for the “remodel option” ledger, list the advantages of remodeling your present home on one side of the page, and the disadvantages on the other. Do the same for the “moving option”. Remember to factor in hard costs such as realtor fees, closing costs, packing and moving, etc. Also weigh the intangibles such as convenience, neighbors, sentiment, and landscaping, as well as dust, disruption, and time. Sometimes, the appropriate answer will almost jump off the page. I’ve noticed that all the Realtors I know have opted to remodel their own homes.

• Excuse: “I’ve heard too many horror stories about remodeling.”
  Reply: I’ve heard a few myself. But I’ve also heard them about buying homes and moving. Most things worth doing involve risk. The key is to manage the risk, and increase your odds. When the stakes are high, it makes sense to take time to do a thorough process of due diligence. Ask for referrals from your associates, check references, and do whatever it takes to get comfortable with your selection.

• Excuse: “If I wait just a little longer, avocado colored appliances and bright orange Formica will be back in style, and I won’t have to remodel.”
  Reply: OK, maybe. You’ve got me (and if you want them to come back, you should keep them.)

• Excuse: “We’ll add a room when we start a family.”
  Reply: Families have a way of starting themselves, whether you’re ready or not. Growing a family is difficult enough without the added stress of remodeling a house thrown into the mix. It would make a lot more sense to add the room first, then the baby, instead of the other way around.

• Excuse: “I’m concerned we’d never get our money back.”
  Reply: Chances are you won’t get all your money back if you sell your home soon after remodeling. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual “Cost versus Value” report, typical remodeling projects recoup from 67% to 94% of their cost at resale, nationally, depending on the type of project and the region you live in. If you plan to sell the home soon, remodeling may not make sense for you. On the other hand, if you plan to live in your home for five or more years, and you amortize the difference over the that time, and factor in the increased comfort and enjoyment, the remodel may be a bargain. The report in Remodeling Magazine clearly pointed out that “high end” remodels consistently recouped a higher percentage of the cost at resale. In some cases more than the cost. This was due to the buyer’s perception that the higher quality house justified a higher price. In one case cited, a Realtor said ten thousand dollars spent on granite countertops may yield an extra twenty thousand dollars in sales price due to this phenomenon. You can find the “Cost Versus Value” report online at: www.remodeling.hw.net

• Excuse: “We’ll have more money when the kids leave home.”
  Reply: Haven’t you been paying attention? You can’t count on kids ever leaving home these days! Even if they leave, they may be back. Consider building them their own wing now, so at least they’ll be on the other side of the house. The second most common comment I hear from clients is “I wish we’d done this while the kids were still home.” Not surprisingly, the kids say the same thing.

• Excuse: “I’m waiting for the interest rates to come down.”
  Reply: Don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss out on the lowest rates in generations. It’s not likely to get much better than this. If you’d like to test the numbers, there is a handy amortization calculator online at http://ray.met.fsu.edu/~bret/amortize.html  Carpe dinero. Seize the cash.

• Excuse: “Remodeling is expensive, and the economy is too uncertain.”
  Reply: Construction can be expensive, but it’s not getting any cheaper. In these uncertain economic times, many people are choosing to invest in their homes instead of the market. The government subsidizes this choice with favorable treatment at tax time. Not only has real estate been a good investment historically, but you get to enjoy your investment on a daily basis. People are retreating to their homes as a sanctuary, and want them to be as comfortable as possible. I wish that my money which evaporated on Wall Street over last two years had been invested in my home instead.

• Excuse: “I’d love to remodel, but my dog ate the plans.”
  Reply: That excuse makes perfect sense to me. Sounds like one I’ve used myself !”

• So what are you waiting for? Give us a call: 303-444-0033

• We always welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please feel free to post in the “Comments Box” below.

• “Very dependable, high quality work, responsive to our needs.”

– Mary Mast

• “Simply the best. Caring attention to every detail.  And pretty nice people, all-around.”

– Victoria Johns and Arnie Jacobson

• “Excellent organization.  Top quality work and professional staff.  Everything is as they say it will be!”

– Pam Friedman

• “They are probably the best.  You get what you pay for with Parrish.”

– Bill and Kit Horton, Mapleton Hill, Boulder

• “The company is professional and highly concerned that quality work is done.  The attention given by Larry Parrish is exceptional.”

– Pam Williams

• “Working with Parrish Construction has been enjoyable. The staff are professional and friendly and we are delighted with our new kitchen.”

– Alan & Elizabeth Boeve

• “We selected Parrish Construction Co. because we were confident of their ability to understand our aesthetic sensibilities, and execute the project in a timely manner while maintaining the highest quality standards”

– Ron Werner

• “Parrish Construction has completed three major remodel projects for me in the last 15 years, all on time and all within or below the projected budget.  The craftsmen and project managers were always courteous, efficient, and skilled.  There were no unexpected surprise and what few glitches happened were always corrected promptly and satisfactorily.”

– Art Tarr, March 2008

• “Personally, Edie and I want to thank Parrish for crafting a home that we continue to appreciate and love. Not a day goes by without thinking of how well it came together. This was a tired, old home on a great site. Now it’s rejuvenated- reflecting how we live. It’s great to come home!”

–Jerry and Edie Gloss

• “I love my beautiful house and everyone else says the same.  I really didn’t have any concerns [about remodeling]. I saw the good results the neighbors had on completion of their redo.”

 – Virginia Smith, Chautauqua, Boulder

• “The house is much more beautiful and feels like new.  [Our concern] …was the cost.  Parrish clearly outlined the cost of every aspect of the project.”

 – Brenda and Yoshi Ishikawa, Boulder

• “ [Our concerns were] timeliness and cost.  They did address those concerns effectively.”

 – Lynda Johnson

• Please see our additional referrals on LinkedIn and Superpages as well as our Awards page. Are you a current or past client or vendor? Feel free to post/re-post your own in the comments section below, or Contact Us directly if you’d be willing to let us post your testimonial on our Reviews page and social media.

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