Southwest Florida appears to be on track for a gradual, steady recovery. The stock market is recovering, restoring investment nest eggs once severely depressed by the recession. Seasonal visitors are returning to our pristine beaches, home building starts are showing signs of new life, and home prices are starting to inch upward to restore lost homeowner equity. Optimism is in the air.
Baby boomers are starting to retire and there is no place nicer than relaxing in the warm Florida winter sunshine. Boomers are resetting goals and resurrecting old retirement hopes and dreams. Soon they will once again be on their way to Southwest Florida.
It’s simply inevitable.
So does your property measure up?
Is your home ready to entertain and impress this winter’s visitors, or is it also time to spruce up your property to match the new energy in Southwest Florida? Updating your space and improving functionality can protect the value of your property and position it for a faster resale when the time comes. Professional remodeling contractors can help you plan for all your needs by outlining your options and helping you determine what is feasible, weighing costs and benefits to set a realistic budget.
The first step is to carefully look over your property. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think not only about your needs today, but also about your future living needs. For example, could your home need to be wheelchair accessible in the future to allow you to stay in your home longer?
Prioritize changes that can boost the value of your home, such as updating kitchens and bathrooms, refurbishing a pool or creating an inviting outdoor entertainment space, replacing laminate countertops with granite, or replacing dated or broken tile with more contemporary tile choices and colors. Maybe repurposing a room into a theater room has appeal. Even just a fresh coat of paint can provide a much needed springtime lift.
Going green is also worth exploring. Using sustainable materials is not only good for the planet, but you may qualify for rebates, while lowering utility costs. Green remodeling requires some extra homework and expertise to make sure the materials and design meet green practices and guidelines. It is where the future of construction is headed.
… and the big questions - Why now?
Interest rates are at historic lows, some materials are less expensive, and top craftsmen are available at prices unheard of three years ago. That means you can expect faster project completion and lower costs by initiating your project now—plus, you get the cream of the crop in skilled craftsmen talent for top results.
If you want your project completed in the summer months during your absence, it is especially important to choose a reliable contractor who has a verifiable track record of trust and experience in your type of project. Selecting a contractor with impeccable credentials is the only way to get peace of mind that the project will be finished to your complete satisfaction, even though you won’t be there to monitor every aspect of the job.
One important tip – Buyer beware!
Good quality, professional building contractors are priceless to the outcome of your project and can save you 10-15% on the total cost of the project through their broad knowledge, buying power, and contacts. Start by getting recommendations from your friends and neighbors who have been satisfied with their own renovation projects. Discuss your plans with your top contractor candidates, ask to see examples of their work, and get (and check) references.
You want to ensure your contractor is experienced in all the elements of your project, such as structural, electrical, and plumbing. Thoroughly discuss how they will handle your project.
- Will they draw up detailed plans to help you visualize the project to ensure it is feasible and meets your expectations?
- Do they work with qualified architects, engineers, and interior design professionals who can help you coordinate design, textures, colors and finishes in a style and taste that matches your own?
- Will there be a written agreement with timelines?
- Will you be given a fixed price for the project before work begins, or be vulnerable to cost overruns?
Beware of unlicensed handymen who do not have the same training and skills. They will be cheaper, but they may cut corners that could result in costly mistakes and unsatisfactory results. Be sure you are dealing with a licensed contractor who is registered to do business in your area and carries the proper insurance to protect you in case of an accident.
Extraordinary homes don’t just happen…they are well planned and crafted with care 
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to share them with me by contacting me online or by calling (239) 939-5411.
- Michael Spreckelmeier
