There is No Better Time to Remodel Than Now

December 2008

But Buyer Beware

Even with the benefits to you in terms of value, convenience and cost savings, there are things to watch out for in a slow economy which may give you a false sense of savings, and lead to unexpected costs and major disappointments.

If you are presented with a price that is quite a bit lower than expected, it’s a signal to be wary of the following potential dangers:

• Lower quality, less durable materials may be used.

• Less experienced or unskilled staff, or staff who is not used to working together as a team, may be used.

• Companies may be using staff who primarily worked on new home construction in the past and may not be trained to keep the occupied portion of your home clean, undamaged, and safe for kids and pets.

• There may be less planning and poor management of your project.

• The low price may be based on too-low allowances for products and materials you have not yet selected, meaning you may end up paying a lot more to get what you want.

• The company or person you are dealing with may be unable to finish the project for the price they estimated and will either go out of business, disappear or ask you to pay more than you agreed to.

• The company may be taking unprofessional and/or illegal short cuts like not having the insurance they need to protect you, not paying workers’ comp, not paying their suppliers who can then possibly come after you, not getting permits or following code, not paying required payroll taxes, or not properly vetting their employees before letting them work in your home.

• You may have an unpleasant remodeling experience.

• You may end up paying more than you agreed to.

• All of the above.

There is No Better Time for You to Remodel than Now

With stories about the nation’s slowing economy on the front page every day, and talk about how consumers are cutting back on expenses, you might be very surprised to hear that this is a great time to remodel your home. Whether you plan small improvements and updates to your home, or some major changes or additions, consider these five reasons why smart homeowners are remodeling now:

1) Faster Completion

Every homeowner knows that once you’ve made the decision to remodel your home, you feel a tremendous impatience to see that home vision come to life. And now that vision can come to life sooner than ever before! Since schedules aren’t as full right now, you won’t have to wait months and months to get on the timetable of the area's best remodeling firms. Their schedules are more flexible, so many projects can not only start sooner, but can take less time from start to finish than they would normally. That means you will be living in a home that’s perfect for you before you know it!

2) More Remodeling for the Same Dollar

Consumers are now primarily focused on maximizing value, and those remodeling now are indeed getting more bang for their buck. Since basic building material costs and some labor costs are a bit lower than they have been in a while, savings are being passed on to the consumer. For you, this means you can do more remodeling for the same investment you would have made in a stronger economy, turning more things on your home wish list into reality!

3) You Can Get the Best for Less

All remodelers, including the best, know that homeowners want and need to get the best value for their dollar right now. They are responding by doing what they can to bring down their costs and pass the savings on to you. You may have heard a remodeler was really good but very expensive. You may find their prices are lower than before so now you can afford to hire the very best.

4) Real Value Today

Even in today’s wobbly economy, remodeling is the one thing that still gives you guaranteed value every single day you live in your home. It’s the value of having a home that meets your everyday needs for space, function and comfort. It’s the value of enabling you to live and entertain in ways you just couldn't do before. Simply put, it’s the value of living in a home you love. And no matter whether the markets decide to go down or up, this value is yours and does not change.

5) Years More Value

No matter what the economy, remodeling sooner increases the value you get from your remodeling project by allowing you to enjoy the benefits of the remodel longer. By remodeling now, you can get years more value than if you wait. Also, since remodeling costs generally go up and since they are a bit lower now than usual, remodeling now makes even more sense.

So why wait to make changes in your home that will create the feel and comfort you crave? Take advantage of great opportunities and solid value now when you remodel with a skilled, reputable company like Gridley Company. Call us at (408)374-0900 — we’d love to tell you how we can create a home that’s perfect for you all while giving you the best quality, the best service and the best value — on-time and on-budget.

The Gridley Team

Warm regards,

Linda Gridley

Linda Gridley
Gridley Company

Bay
122 Orchard City Drive
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 374-0900 - Phone

Beach
3045 Porter Street
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 477-9800 - Phone

info@gridleycompany.com
www.gridleycompany.com