Some Ideas to Consider …

  • Tips for Financing a Fairfield County Home Remodeling Project: PART II

    As a follow-up to our recent post, ‘Tips for Financing a Fairfield County Home Remodeling Project: PART I’, Fairfield County custom home builder Country Club Homes, Inc. offers additional tips on project financing to educate area residents who may be considering embarking on a home remodeling project.

    Depending on the size of your project, a home remodeling project can be a large investment of time, energy and money. Today’s post concerns pre-project planning items, such as a project budget, contingency accounts, and extras cost items. These tips are from a recent helpful NAHB article entitled, “Financing Your Home Remodeling Project“.

    Here at Country Club Homes, Inc., we have found that having a project come in right “on budget”, or even under budget, is a very critical goal. There are a few ‘best practices’ to adopt to make sure your project is well organized, and on budget. These include:

    Contingency Account: Plan to allocate approximately 80% of what you can afford for the remodeling, to the main project budget. Create a contingency account of 20% in reserve to cover changes and unforeseen problems. This is standard procedure across the construction industry, acknowledging that there are often unforeseen issues that impact the project before it is finished. The home owner needs to be well prepared for these contingencies.

    Extra Costs/Revisions/Upgrades: It is important to remember that any costs such as changes or upgrades that are added after the construction contract is signed, will be considered extras. They will affect the overall budget and project timeline.

    Scope of Work: It is very important to define the total scope of work, or full extent of the project, up front; and to stay focused on completing that work. Refraining from expanding the scope of work will protect the budget, and the project time line, as well.

    If you are seeking home remodeling design and construction expertise for your Wilton, New Canaan or Fairfield County, Connecticut home, contact Country Club Homes at 203-762-0550. Visit the Country Club Homes, Inc. website to see beautiful interior and exterior home images in our online portfolio.

    Image source: Country Club Homes Inc.

  • 10 Expert Steps to Preparing for Your Home Remodel or Renovation

      Updating your home with a remodel or renovation is a thrilling process full of possibilities, but it can also be very stressful.  It’s a big undertaking for any homeowner, and good preparation goes a long way toward ensuring that your home improvements go smoothly from start to finish.  Use these 10 expert steps to…

  • Do Home Buyers Still Prefer Suburban Living?

    Suburban living in planned residential communities, a trend that started back in the 1960’s and 1970’s, continues to be popular  even half a century later. In fact, these communities have enjoyed their strongest sales this year since 2007. But why? Home buyers equate these suburban neighborhoods to quality living. The homes are affordable and provide…

  • Create More Drama Outside Your Home with Landscape Lighting

    Highlighting a garden, pathway, entry and outdoor entertainment area with creative lighting is a fast way to add elegance and drama to your landscape.  Artfully arranged exterior lighting will call attention to your pool, patio, and unique landscaped elements, turning your home’s exterior into a striking high contrast composition every night. Lighting can be bright…

  • Spring Time Pruning for Your Fairfield County Landscape

    Fairfield County homes look their best with great looking landscaping that is maintained and pruned regularly. Spring is usually the best time to prune plants, but knowing exactly when to trim is key to a healthy blooming plant. We suggest the removal of all dead or damaged stems from plants as soon as you see them. Dead…