Home Design & Remodel Secrets: The Questions I Always Get Asked

I just LOVE hopping on Instagram Live to chat with you guys and hear what all of your home/renovation questions are!  It’s seriously so fun, I’ve done a handful of them recently to help you guys out with your burning questions.  In fact, there are SO many questions asked on these Q&As that there’s no way I could get to them all at once (unless I was on Live for 5 hours, ha!).  One way I’ve been trying to answer all of your questions is by getting to them here on the blog!  And based on today’s questions I’m answering, I’m pretty much giving away some serious home design & remodel secrets!  I’m really throwing out some valuable info today.  Were these questions on your list?!

Home Design & Remodel Secrets: The Questions I Always Get Asked

1. WHO DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR REMODELS IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA IF YOU CAN’T DO IT?

My list is always changing!  If you have specific questions, shoot me a DM – I love referring my best people!

2. BEST WAY TO FIND AND HIRE A GENERAL CONTRACTOR IN YOUR AREA?

I recommend asking someone in your neighborhood that has remodeled their house who they recommend.  If that contractor has worked on a house in your neighborhood, chances are they already understand your house a bit and it can save you time and money.

3. WHICH DO YOU HIRE FIRST: AN ARCHITECT, A DESIGNER, OR A GC?

I say designer, though a good referral to any of these is golden and I would have a chat with them to start.  Most designers work with architects and GC’s and can make the whole process really easy.  But if you have a good GC or architect referral, chances are they know a good designer… you see what I’m saying, right?  Best case is to use a team that’s used to working together.  Don’t try to reinvent the wheel.

4. DO YOU HAVE A VIRTUAL DESIGN SERVICE? IF YOU DON’T, DO YOU THINK I SHOULD HIRE SOMEONE WHO DOES?

I don’t and never have.  I think it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.  Having clear expectations for what a virtual design service can provide is important.  But yes, I would recommend using one if you’re totally stuck.  Whenever you can get a fresh (professional) set of eyes on your project, that’s best case scenario.

5. WOULD YOU DO A HOUSE IN CANADA?  OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE U.S.?

Right now Built Custom Homes isn’t taking any new projects, but that doesn’t mean we won’t in the future… hint hint.

6. WHAT IS A BIG RED FLAG YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE HIRING A CONTRACTOR?

If the contractor doesn’t have everything in writing and isn’t a clear communicator, you need to quit while you’re ahead.  Text message doesn’t count and they need to be punctual and reliable from the beginning.  In my opinion, the VERY WORST quality in a contractor is a “yes man” (or woman!) because though that person might make you feel all warm and fuzzy at the beginning, if they say, “Sure, we can do that,” to everything… and then it doesn’t happen… the project isn’t going to go well.  Also, your contractor should have no problem providing proof of insurance and license.  Oh, and I think it goes without saying, but if the contractor isn’t going to pull permits… run away now!  (I also just wrote a blog post about 3 things to ask a general contractor before starting a project!)

7. HOW CAN I LEARN MY WAY AROUND POWER TOOLS SO I CAN TAKE ON DIY PROJECTS AND FEEL CONFIDENT?

Okay, I’m going to tell you my secret but don’t laugh, okay?!  When my mother-in-law and I wanted to learn how to properly use power tools we’d never tried before, we signed up for a woodworking class through our city.  We took a full semester of after-work classes and it was AWESOME!  We learned about all the power tools and how to operate them.  Some we had used before like a jig saw, a power drill, a circular saw, and electric sander but when it came to the table saw, the drill press, the band saw, the planer… it got real!