Working from home and staying in has become the new norm for so many of us. For many people it will become a permanent fixture as businesses are deciding working remotely is the wave of the future. This also means that many home offices need makeovers. And many people staying in have decided they need to do some fix-it or do-yourself projects around the house. How can a home office makeover be done efficiently and timely? What are the best projects to do to enhance your home? What things need to be reworked? How can you ensure your contractor is providing you the best prices?
I had a chance to interview Matthew DiBara, one of the nation’s leading do-it-yourself experts and owner of DiBara Masonry.
Why is now a good time to consider a home office makeover? Working from home has made these renovations common, with so many general contractors willing to take on these traditionally smaller jobs because of the number of them available, this is the perfect time!
What are some good ways to complete a makeover on a budget? It starts with hiring the right contractor and setting a clear expectation on the materials/ finishes. Here are a few tips that help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
What are some of the projects that can make the biggest impact? Simple projects such as new flooring and painting when complimented with new light fixtures and trim can really change the perception of a space. This is a great trick from property investment companies. Also, increasing window sizes for additional outside light is a great one!
If people decide to find outside help, how can people find an appropriate contractor? The best way to find a contractor is master the four key steps in my book- find, vet, hire, & manage. Online sites are a great and easy way to start, but its important to always check the reviews across all platforms because some contractors will shift from say Yelp to Homeadvisor if they receive bad reviews.
What questions should a person ask a contractor? The basics are always key, such as:
1) How long have you been in business
2) Have you completed this exact type of work before, if so when?
3) Do you have a client I can visit or call that this work was completed for?
4) Where is your office/ equipment?
5) How do you manage your projects?
6) What are some concerns you have around my project?
How can people know if the price they are paying is the best one? Assuming the goal is "value" as opposed to lowest pricing, it starts with entering quotes from companies with sound reputations and reviews. If you have a good pool of contractors that posses them, the next big identifier is how specific the quote is. Leaving out key details is a simple way to artificially lower a price. When you have a detailed quote, use that as the measuring stick for what to expect from the other bidders.
What should the overall experience with a contractor be like? Contracting should be fun, and it is truly a win-win when you hire the right one. If it is done correctly from the start, your contractor really can become your friend.
If people would like more information about you, where should they go? Right now, my book- The Undercover Contractor will be out in about a few months as well as the Undercover contractor podcast. I am still doing consulting work if you email me directly at mattd@dibaramasonry.com as well.
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