Since we at Palmer Custom Builders are pet lovers, we want to ensure that your pets remain safe. We’ve even gone to the extent of putting a pet clause in our contracts. When you are selecting a contractor, we encourage you to make sure that you're on the same page when it comes to your pets. While our crews have been known to walk homeowners' dogs, their – and any workers' - primary focus is on completing your project well and on time. Because your pets' safety is ultimately your responsibility, here are some things to look out for:

Building materials/tools are everywhere. During the day, workers are using sharp saws and dangerous power equipment. The loud noises from power saws and nail guns can be unsettling to a pet's sensitive hearing. Nightly cleanups may miss metal shavings, nails or screws, or chemical agents that can be dangerous or deadly if consumed.

Escape routes are open. While you may be mindful of where your pet is when opening doors, that’s not necessarily the case with workers - even those who make an effort to be cognizant of your pets. Materials are frequently brought in through garages, where invisible fences typically aren’t run. Gates may be left open to facilitate loading. Once, when we were remodeling a main level master bathroom, our crew was handing construction debris out the window when the family cat took the opportunity to jump through. We were able to retrieve the cat, even though the man who did so got bit, but fortunately, this scenario ended happily.

Legal issues. Even though the case of the cat ended well, if your pet bites a worker in your home, you might be opening yourself up to legal issues, so preventing contact should be a priority.

Site dangers. A construction site can be a dangerous place. If flooring materials have been removed, it's possible for an animal to fall into a crawl space, or if they are outside, fall into holes dug for footings.

Fear of the Unknown. We typically seal off work areas with plastic. During one kitchen renovation, an overly enthusiastic cat managed to penetrate the plastic. Since the kitchen was completely stripped, he panicked in the now unfamiliar space. Fortunately, he did not injure himself and we remedied the situation by erecting a semi-permanent wall.  But this points out that animals will do things they wouldn’t normally do under stress. Changes and strangers in their environment, loud noises and more can wreak havoc on pets.

Designate a space! For these reasons and many others, we advise homeowners to keep pets in a designated area. A closed room is good, but a crate is best, as it eliminates the chance of your pet running through a door accidentally left open. If you have the option, we highly recommend having your pet stay with a friend or family member for the duration of your project.

So where does it make sense to save or splurge when your renovation budget is coming out of pocket? Here are a few ideas when it comes to kitchen remodels, which are among the most popular renovation projects.

Splurge: On solid surface kitchen countertops over tile surfaces. Whether you are considering a classic tile look or the newer granite tiles that are designed to bring costs down, tile is not the best option for food prep areas. Grout was never designed to be a sanitary choice – bacteria from raw meats and other types of foods can stubbornly attach itself to the nooks and crannies inherent in grout and create a dangerous situation for your family’s health.

Save: If you’re happy with how your kitchen flows and lives, it may make sense to opt for a facelift rather than a complete renovation. This is a great option if you have a functional layout and mainly desire to update the appearance of your space. You can get new appliances - or even keep your existing ones - update the cabinet doors and hardware, add decorative extras like a striking backsplash, and create a whole new look in a fraction of the time and at a smaller cost than that of a complete renovation.

Splurge: On what’s really important to you. It all comes down to how you intend to function in your kitchen. Some people would opt for takeout over a homemade meal any day, and those people don’t need to invest in professional-style appliances that they don’t ever plan on using. Other people love to cook, and if that describes you, we recommend that you invest in appliances that fit your needs, your cooking style and how you want to use your space. Some people really enjoy the benefits of cooking with a gas range but don’t have an existing gas line or proper ventilation. For those homeowners, getting those items in place is a necessary splurge. It really comes down to understanding how the homeowners ultimately envision using their space and building in the splurges that are most important to them.

Save: This is perhaps the most difficult save to swallow for many homeowners, but if you simply don’t have the funds to complete your dream project right, we often advise that it may be best to wait. Depending on the type of project, we may be able to break it down into stages so that you can easily complete certain parts over time without incurring any additional expenses. Yet other times, it really is much better to do it right than to do the job halfway. You have to have the best vision for the space and meld that with the realities of your budget, and see where you ultimately come out. If that means waiting, it’s sometimes best if you wait. After all, you want to do a project correctly, the first time, and enjoy it for years to come.

That small project could easily mushroom into a costly endeavor.

Oftentimes, homeowners don’t devote much care or attention to selecting a contractor to work on a minor repair or simple project. After all, they assume, it’s so small. They reason that it doesn’t matter if they hire a friend, someone just starting out, who doesn’t hold a proper license or who lacks vast experience and financial stability. At least, that’s what they think. Unfortunately, if you hire someone who doesn’t know what he’s doing, that small project could easily mushroom into a costly endeavor.

We recently talked with one couple who hired a man for a relatively small complete kitchen up fit who was just launching his own business. They got a "great deal." He gained needed experience. What could be wrong with that? Unfortunately, this person ordered cabinet-grade finished crown molding for their ceiling crown (and then painted it), when regular crown molding with the same profile was readily available. So instead of paying 60 cents a linear foot for materials, this couple paid nearly eight times as much. He never pulled a building permit, and we noticed potential electrical and plumbing code violations and other sub-standard work. That small up fit, which should have taken 6 to 8 weeks at the most, ended up taking 4 months. Then, they had issues with cabinet doors not closing properly and sheetrock damage that they hired us to repair. While none of these issues was earth-shattering in and of itself, you can see how the expense, aggravation and inconvenience mounted quickly. Not to mention the fact that tense situations like this which involve friends or family members can strain or even end relationships.

Particularly for small projects, the apparent savings of dealing with a cut-rate handyman can be tempting. Homeowners assume that surely any kind of handyperson can effectively tackle small projects, and they turn a blind eye toward the risks. While we were doing some interior remodeling work for one family, we saw the work being done by the contractor they hired (before finding us) to build a front porch extension. Unfortunately, he used white wood – essentially OSB sheathing - to frame a portion of the steps that was later to be covered in stone veneer. That wood was in direct contact with masonry. We told him that over time that exposed wood would absorb moisture and eventually rot, inviting termites. When we came back several weeks later, as we had predicted, the wood was already starting to swell. The contractors working on the project had just stopped – the homeowners hadn’t heard from them in 6 weeks. That was actually fortunate, since if the project had been completed as started, the homeowners wouldn’t have realized there was a problem until the stone started to fall off or they discovered an insect infestation.

Also, it’s essential to hire a contractor who can look beyond exactly what you ask for to grasp what really needs to be done. After all, he or she is supposed to be the expert – so they should use their knowledge to your advantage. For example, we were doing an interior repair for one family, and as I was waiting for them to answer their door, I noticed that their wood trim and front door molding was drying out and cracking. I simply pointed it out, explained that they could take care of it now, when it was truly a minor repair, or let it slowly rot out and replace the entire frame later. Likewise, if someone completes a small repair incorrectly – we’ve seen interior grade wood used to repair the exterior of a palladium window – that minor fix can mushroom into a huge project ($6,000 to $8,000 to replace the water-damaged window).

In the end, it all boils down to experience. While they may excel at work they typically handle, some contractors are simply not adept at handling repairs or small projects, because they don’t know what to look for and it’s simply not their forte. So before you hire that sweet little old man from down the street to handle your “small” project, think twice, and then have someone address it properly the first time.

Color your world.
Never underestimate the impact of a fresh coat of paint. It can refresh a tired room, bring a cohesive look to adjoining areas, or lighten and brighten the feel of a space.

Change your outlook.
Repair any wood rot and replace damaged wood trim as needed around your doors, windows, soffits and fascia.  Finish off with a coat of fresh paint to further protect them from the elements.

Light up the night.
Updating the appearance of lighting fixtures can transform the ambiance of a room, while adding practical and well-planned fixtures can make critical areas of your home, like kitchens and baths, function far better. Switching out older fixtures with new, more energy efficient models can also reduce your utility bills.

Take a hard look at your hardware.
Nothing says dated quite like shiny brass, whether it’s on lighting fixtures, hinges, door knobs or cabinets. Switching out that old brass hardware can make a major difference in how your home feels.

Improve your security.
For better peace of mind in uncertain times, consider upgrading the quality of your exterior door lock systems. Many of the basic models used by some builders don’t offer the level of protection you’d like for your family.

Weatherproof.
Replacing worn or non-existent weather stripping around exterior doors can make a huge difference in your comfort. We recently were in one home where you could literally look at the door frame around the French doors and see daylight straight through it. Think of the huge amount of energy – and dollars - lost through those gaps.

Seal the deal.
A tremendous amount of heated and conditioned air – and money – is lost through poorly insulated attics. To make your home more comfortable and efficient, blow extra insulation into the attic. Take it one step farther by checking attic vent boots, because the rubber parts eventually will dry rot, and they need to be sealed or replaced.

Right-size.
Replacing old, standard-height commodes with new right-height fixtures can make a difference on several levels. The newer fixtures tend to better conserve water, thus saving you money, and the higher height makes them more accessible for everyone and especially helpful for those who are concerned with aging in place. While the plumber is there, consider having him update bathroom faucets as well.

Never run out of gas again.
While not all barbeques will accommodate this change, consider changing yours out from propane to natural gas if it can be done. The advantage is that you’ll never again put the steaks on the grill for your dinner guests only to realize that you are out of propane, which means a mad dash to the closest grocery, convenience or hardware store with empty tank in tow.

Spring cleaning.
While it might not sound as glamorous as some other projects, simply pressure washing driveways, walkways and siding to remove dirt and mildew can have a tremendous visual impact. Take the next step of resealing all brick molding and caulking around windows and doors to improve the aesthetics and protect these wood surfaces from water damage.

Simple changes like these can truly have a tremendous impact on how you live in and feel about your home.

Lack of a license.
If a company is not properly licensed to handle residential General Contracting (GC) work in your state, there’s generally a reason. Likewise, if your GC is not using licensed plumbers and electricians, the work they are doing is suspect at best and, in the worst-case scenario, could even be hazardous.

Skirting the law.
If a contractor is willing to work without pulling building permits or completing the proper inspections, he’s not doing so to save your time or money. It’s typically because he is not qualified to pull the permit, or he knows that he is doing sub-par work that won’t pass inspection.

Lack of credentials.
If a contractor is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau, NARI or other trade organization, they are not members in good standing of these critical watchdog groups. Unresolved complaints with the BBB or Angie’s List should be a huge red flag that the company is not responsive to its customers.

No insurance.
If tradesmen hired by your GC do not carry General Liability or Workers Compensation insurance, any mishap could become your very costly responsibility.

Seems too good to be true.
He is the lowest bidder and it seems like a really good deal, or the construction timeline seems too short (or too long). Either of these scenarios is a red flag that signals he may be inexperienced at handling your type of project or he may be cutting corners to win the job.

Bad blood.
Be very wary if tradesmen do not have a good relationship with the contractor or with other trade professionals who will be working on your project. If a contractor is treating those he works with on a regular basis poorly, imagine how he’ll treat a customer like you that he only deals with once!

Just trust me.
It’s very concerning if important details are only vaguely addressed. If your contractor makes statements like, “Don’t worry, you’ll love the cabinets!” but you never get to select or even see them, it’s a signal that you might not be getting what you expect or have paid for.

Inexperience.
If the GC doesn’t seem to have expertise in your type of project – whether it’s construction or renovation, planning or project management – you should be very wary. These are complex, long-term projects that require true experts to manage, not to mention successfully and efficiently navigating any issues that may emerge.

Can’t we talk?
The contractor doesn’t understand the importance of good communication. If he can’t handle the relatively simple task of effectively communicating with clients on the front end, imagine how quickly things can spiral out of control once construction begins.

You simply do not seem to be a good fit.
Whether you are considering renovating or building, a construction project is in many ways like a marriage. You’ll be in close contact and communication with your GC for the duration, and if you don’t feel comfortable with him, or your personalities simply don’t mesh, it won’t be a pleasant process. There are many qualified, professional contractors out there; you just need to find the one who is right for you.

After photo from our "Dated Kitchen Remodel" success story.

Quality. It may be the most clichéd and ill-defined word that gets used when talking about contractors. Everyone says they build high-quality homes or run high quality projects, but what exactly does that mean? It can be easy to spot poor quality – tile that doesn’t line up, corners that aren’t square, poor fit and finish. Sometimes it is far more difficult, because shabby work is hidden beneath the drywall and is only discovered after costly damage has already been done. But how do consumers identify good quality?

Quality is easier to define when we look to the past. For example, my grandfather and father were both skilled contractors, and my uncles were master carpenters. Twenty years ago, a 2,000 square foot house was considered a custom home, and every element of it was painstakingly crafted by experts like them. The subsequent explosion of massive new neighborhoods meant that more and larger homes were mass-produced, and as a result, the level of quality buyers received was vastly different. Much of that occurs when skilled craftsmen are replaced with minimally skilled workers who may be learning their trade or who are not adept at what they are doing that day. On a day-to-day basis, it is these on-site workers who have the largest role in determining quality. That means that behind every great contractor is a team of qualified subcontractors. It can take a contractor years to find the right team of masters of their trades who work well together to make projects run smoothly. Some contractors don’t try to – they simply focus on finding the lowest bid. I think it is vitally important for homeowners to understand that and realize what a difference the attitude and skill of these trade partners will make in their project.

After photo from our "Craftsman Style Home" success story.

As Domenic Lepore, owner of HVAC firm Dac Services, Inc. and one of our trade partners for more than a decade, puts it. “The key to all of our work is that we remember that as contractors, we are customers, too. Do unto others as you would have done to yourself is more than a phrase to us; it’s how we approach every project. Some subcontractors don’t think like that, and as a result, the quality simply isn’t there. We’re always looking for ways to save customers money without sacrificing quality. We set our standards high, and Gary Palmer does the same.”

Indeed, at Palmer Custom Builders, we are a very tight family. We carefully hand select the subcontractors we entrust with our clients, because they represent us. As a result, we have built a legacy of happy clients and successful projects and are proud to share our stories.  As Lepore puts it: “You can read all you want about a company - in publications, their advertisements, coupons -  but it all comes down to word of mouth - what customers think of them and us,”

After photo from our "Craftsman Style Home" success story.

So when it comes to choosing a contractor, (after your due diligence has been done and you are considering only qualified firms) I believe the difference ultimately comes down to the person: the professionalism of the individual and how they define and maintain quality. Those are things you simply cannot put in a quote. That’s why I want to educate homeowners about how to make their investment count by choosing the right professional. While I certainly don’t expect everyone to choose us, I do want them to choose a reputable builder who will build their dream as if it were their own.

As a consumer and a veteran of many jobsites, I feel that the key to finding a good contractor is not gauging their price, but gauging their professionalism. You can begin to judge this on subjective factors right away. How they treat you initially – how quickly they return phone calls, whether they take a genuine interest in your project, if they listen to your goals and offer creative suggestions – should give you a feel for who is a true professional. Here are a few other areas to ask about from my perspective in the field:

How many projects like yours has he or she done? Good contractors will have a wide variety of successful projects they have completed on time. Visit their website for Project Stories and a Photo Gallery which will give you an indication of the types and complexity of projects they have completed.

What do past clients think of them? Good contractors will have favorable client testimonials and will not hesitate to share them or provide contact information. (Also, be sure to check their website to see if there are personal referrals from satisfied clients.)

Do you see patterns in their client care? Ask contractors for several client names from each of the past 3 to 4 years, then call them and see what their patterns are. Diligently doing this will help you spot any recent changes that you otherwise might not have known about.

Do they have a job in progress right now? If so, check it out. Talk to the current client. What do they think about their experience? A bid process can take several weeks, so if you find one or two contactors you like, go back and follow up to see if their client’s comfort level has changed as they have gotten farther along in the project. If they don’t have current clients, go back to their most recent ones.

Check consistency of work. If the contractor has had a long break between jobs or within a recent job, there is most likely a reason. This will sometimes explain price variances in a bid and is a major warning sign. If a contractor is going through a tough time, they may be tempted to pull your investment into their problems; meaning they need cash flow now to make up for their last mistake. This is definitely a red flag - if something doesn’t check out, then check that contractor off your list.

If after reviewing all these areas, you are still uncertain, then your decision comes down to which contractor you feel comfortable having around your most substantial investment. That is where the employees, subcontractors and trade partners a contractor selects and the quality they maintain come into play, which are some areas we’ll discuss in my next article.

Labor costs typically are not included.

All the designers and engineers who create the plans, the workmen who spend hours of their time bringing them to life, the expertise of the consultants who appear, the fees of the general contractor who coordinates and oversees the project and many more are never mentioned or factored in.

Details of obtaining proper permits often ignored.

The costs of pulling any necessary permits and the time it takes to obtain them are not mentioned.  Normally, the permitting process also entails some schedule delays as you wait to have the necessary inspections conducted by the City/County in order to proceed to the next step of the construction process.

Timeframes are shortened.

Remember that no matter how realistic everything seems, you ultimately are watching a TV show that has been condensed to fit into a particular time slot.  Because it is made to be entertaining, it simply cannot include every necessary – but sometimes mundane or repetitive - detail.

Material costs are not fully explained.

Oftentimes, companies will donate products to a show in exchange for product placement – which means their costs are not calculated. Many times, the products they are using are the latest and greatest, which is why their manufacturer is promoting them. Unfortunately, these products also come with a premium price tag for which homeowners may be unprepared. Likewise, some of the products depicted may not work in your application, which only a trained professional familiar with local codes, climate issues, etc. can tell you for certain.

Projects are often unrealistic.

Rarely do the crews of these shows run into the issues or complications inherent in renovation projects, which gives homeowners the false impression that they don’t need to work with a true professional. In reality, a renovation or repair is a complex combination of being able to locate the issue, address any difficulties that can and will pop up, and then rectify the situation in an organized, professional and timely manner.

Which leads to perhaps the most important difference – how you select a contractor. This is the vital step in any construction or renovation project that is all but ignored on these shows.  In future posts, we’ll look at key areas you may not know to ask about – like how the contractor’s relationship with trade partners can impact your project, how their view of craftsmanship will be reflected in your project and more.

Turn over a new leaf

Autumn leaves clogging your gutters can allow rain to overflow these vital channels, eventually causing water damage to surrounding wood.

Dry up

After a particularly dry summer, the Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a wet winter – which makes conditions ideal for excessive water penetration – particularly behind siding and around windows and doors. To prevent water from damaging your home’s structure, check windows and doors for proper caulking, make certain your soffit is in good shape, and point up your masonry.

Get decked

Prevent winter damage by replacing rotted boards, securing any boards that have pulled up, and applying a coat of good-quality sealant.

Vent your issues

Check and adjust crawl space vents. If they are the fixed type, you may want to replace them with self-adjusting vents that close automatically in winter. Have a professional check the moisture level in your crawl space and inspect it for any insulation or wiring that has pulled down or signs of termite infestation. Be aware that now is the time when rodents and raccoons may try to move in. Likewise, check and secure attic entry points – like peaks and vents – to prevent squirrels from making themselves at home.

Cap it off

First, make sure you have a chimney cap and then verify that it’s properly placed. These simple devices keep leaves and pests out of your fireplace and reduce extra drafts.

Heat up

Make your house more energy efficient by servicing your HVAC.

Quick Tip – the federal government is still giving tax credits for installing energy efficient HVAC units. Contact us for an excellent Heating and Air conditioning specialist.

Look up

Attic insulation naturally settles over time. If it’s been awhile since you’ve checked yours, you may need to add more or even re-blow insulation in this very critical space that keeps cold air from penetrating into your living areas.

Switch blades

Reversing ceiling fan blades so that they draw air up will help your heating system work more efficiently and increase your comfort.

Recharge your batteries

Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and install new batteries – particularly as fireplaces and heating systems are turned back on and Christmas trees are put up.

Get alarmed

As the holidays near and break-ins traditionally increase, make certain that your alarm is functioning, fresh batteries are installed and the system is turned on at night and when you are away from home.

Quick Tip - if your alarm system is monitored, you may be eligible for a homeowner’s insurance discount. Contact us for an excellent Alarm specialist.

Taking these quick and easy steps can make a world of difference in your family’s comfort and your peace of mind this winter.

Here's why: A full-service, design/build company brings a big-picture vision to your project while also keeping a keenly focused eye on the details. They design, manage and build your project from scratch – taking you from start to finish. This eliminates the "middle man" – which in most cases ends up being the homeowner – who traditionally goes back and forth between design professionals, contractors and project managers, who may be speaking completely different languages.

If you've ever looked at construction drawings on a piece of paper and then walked through the finished project, you know how vastly different the three-dimensional version can be. A good design/build contractor with diversified experience can efficiently design and then work with those plans – or in some cases, your architect's – to truly bring your concepts to life. Drawing upon his experience of what has worked in the field during previous projects, he can offer suggestions or alterations that make all the difference. Instead of just building "to plan," a design/build firm is going to ensure that the plan will work on all levels – structural, aesthetic, functional and budgetary. They'll suggest changes like making certain that windows are symmetrically placed to improve a traditional home's façade or relocating a fireplace to open up a room addition, improve a view, or make sure the TV placement flows with the seating area. When they work with an interior designer, as we at Palmer Custom Builders do, they'll ensure that the homeowner's existing or new furniture not only fits into the new space, but also functions well in its designated area, so that each room ultimately works in the intended manner.

A full-service, design/build company also adds value by making sure that the project has a defined scope from the very beginning. There's nothing more heartbreaking to a homeowner than working with an architect to create the perfect plan and then discovering that the cost of building that plan far exceeds their budget. By marrying the design and its practical implementation from the very beginning, a design/build firm creates a project that not only works, but works within the client's budget. Since they have an overall understanding of the scope of work, construction costs and your priorities, they can look at selections line by line, keeping in mind the big picture and how each choice impacts that vision. In the end, the marriage of a grand-scale vision and the laser-focused implementation of its details that a full-service design/build firm brings results in a project that looks exactly as you envision and functions as you require. No matter what the scale of your project – from the smallest renovation to building a new home, a full-service, design build company takes a project from inception to completion – and in the end it shows!