The first part is brainstorming; this part is up to you! You’re the one who determines what the final result will look like, so take some time to gather your thoughts. Ask yourself such questions as:

• Why do you want to remodel?  Is it due to lifestyle changes, such as getting older, kids moving out, or preparing for a family?  Is it because there are parts of the house you just can’t stand, like a tiny kitchen or dingy bathroom?  Do you need to make it more appealing in order to sell it?  And, if you could design your dream house, what would it look like?
• What things are “must-haves,” which ones are “nice-to-haves” but not huge priorities, and what features are fine just as they are?  For example, you might be delighted with the main bedroom but hate the walls and floors in the den.  You might fear you’ll go crazy if you have to look at your tiny living room much longer, but aren’t bothered by the fact that your home has only one bathroom.  List these issues in order of priority.
• Finally, decide what kind of budget you have to work with.  If you’ll be financing the project, then determine what kind of terms you can live with, including payment amount and length of loan.

1. After you’ve got your ideas together, then you’ll speak with one of our representatives.  He or she will listen to your ideas and desires and give you references to check from our past customers.  After this you’ll meet with our design experts in person.  This stage will involve visiting our showroom and looking at the many options available.  We’ll advise you on what materials, colors, and options will best complement your home and design ideas.  We’ll discuss any questions or concerns you might have, and finally we’ll create a plan that meets with your approval.  It will include renderings, specifications, and cost estimates.
2. The next stage involves all the groundwork needed to get your custom home remodeling project under way, including ordering materials and scheduling beginning and completion dates.  We’ll also secure any necessary permits for you, giving you more time to dream about how happy you’ll be with your newly remodeled home.
3. During the construction process we’ll do everything possible to minimize any disruptions to your daily life.  We’ll never forget that we’re in your home and that you expect courteous, professional behavior at all times on the part of our workers.  We’ll keep you posted on the progress of the job from beginning to end. And of course we’ll address any matters you bring up along the way.
4. After the work is done, we’ll give your home a thorough cleaning, to ensure we leave no evidence of construction behind.  We’ll set up final inspections by city or county officials and walk through the home with you to ensure that everything matches your expectations.  Finally we’ll thank you for your business and leave you to enjoy your new surroundings.

You’ll never regret choosing KM Builders.  The quality of our craftsmanship and the efficiency of our workers are unmatched.  Your project will be completed on time and according to your expectations.  So give us a call today, and let us turn your custom home remodeling dreams into reality.

The post A Quick Look at the Custom Home Remodeling Process appeared first on KM Builders.

1. How long have you been in business? – While some highly reputable firms might be fairly new, in general it makes more sense to rely on companies that have been in operation in your area for at least several years.  Fly-by-nights rarely stay in the same spot for long.

2. Are you a member of a trade organization? – Groups like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) hold their members to high standards.  They also provide a means of recourse if you’re unhappy with the final project or its costs.  So look for contractors that are members of one or both of these organizations.

3. Are your prices guaranteed? – While any estimate can be subject to some overruns, you should never have to deal with unpleasant surprises like getting a bill that’s three times the original quote.  A legitimate contractor will be honest about fees and have a cap on how much the final cost can deviate from the quoted price.  If the company’s representative is vague or evasive on this topic, you can pass that contractor up.

4. What kinds of remodeling projects have you done in the past?  Do you have pictures of work you have done, or references I can check? – True craftspeople take pride in their work and are happy to answer questions like these.  So don’t be afraid to ask about the company’s track record before giving the go-ahead.

5. Do you carry liability insurance?  Are you licensed and bonded? – Be wary of any contractor that answers “no” to either of these questions.  Hiring an uninsured or unlicensed company can leave you on the hook, if the job is left uncompleted or if problems arise later.

6. How do you deal with permits? – There are many reasons why the contractor should get the appropriate permits before beginning work.  First, it’s the law.  Second, it helps to guarantee that all work will be done according to code.  Third, if anything should go wrong later on due to faulty work, your insurance company is far more likely to cover damages if your San Antonio remodeler obtained the right permits.

7. What time will your workers arrive, and how late will they work? – Any residential construction will disrupt your normal routine to some degree, but reputable builders will be courteous and do everything possible to keep this to a minimum.  They won’t wake you up at 5 AM with the sound of pounding hammers, and they’ll clear out well before your bedtime.

8. When can you start?  What’s your estimated completion time? – Nobody wants to wait six months to have an addition or remodeling job completed.  Of course, there might be a waiting period if your contractor has a backlog of work, and you should allow a reasonable amount of time for completion of the job.  But be sure to get firm answers to these questions before agreeing to a deal.

9. Do you use your own employees, or do you contract out the work? – If they hire sub-contractors, find out what kind of a relationship the company has with them.  Have they used them before, and will the remodeler stand behind the work the sub-contractors do?  Builders that farm their work out to anyone with a hammer and saw should be viewed with suspicion.

10. Who owns your company?  When can I meet him/her? – In the building trades, a face-to-face meeting is still one of the best ways to judge the honesty and competence of a particular company.  So, if the boss is never in his office, then be very wary.

At KM Builders, we’re confident that we have all the right answers to these questions and that you’ll be pleased with what you find out about us.  We’d love to be your San Antonio remodeler! Check us out, and if you like what you learn, give us a call.  We look forward to earning your business.

The post 10 Questions to Ask a San Antonio Remodeler appeared first on KM Builders.

1. The days of dark, dingy cabinets are past, replaced by spacious white cupboards and storage spaces.  White is an excellent color choice because it fits perfectly with almost any style, from country to ultra-modern.  And because it’s a neutral shade, it works with virtually any design scheme.

2. Appliances have gone from harvest gold to glimmering stainless steel.  Ovens, refrigerators, stoves, and even trash bins look great in this amazing material.  It gives them a sleek, polished appearance, while eliminating that age-old nemesis of housekeepers everywhere: fingerprints.

3. The idea of the kitchen as a bland, generic room where everything looks the same is long gone.  Nowadays, separate work zones for baking, chopping, brewing coffee, and other activities are making life easier for cooks of all levels, from professional chefs to busy parents.

4. Pantries are looking more and more like spacious walk-in closets.  They can store all sorts of goods, from wax paper and extra utensils to canned soup and quick snacks—and they cut down on trips to the market as well.

5. Since homeowners spend so much time preparing and eating food, why shouldn’t they be entertained at the same time?  Sound systems, TVs, and even laptop computers are finding a place in more and more kitchens across the country.  Internet access is especially helpful for finding recipes and cooking tips on the fly.

6. “Green” appliances are more popular than ever.  Eco-friendly devices such as low-wattage stoves and water-stingy faucets help the planet while saving money on utility bills.  These appliances perform as well as (if not better than) their energy-hogging counterparts.

7. Appliances are going stealth, changing from big, bulky units that jut out from their surroundings into fully integrated fixtures that blend into the adjoining walls.  In many modern kitchens, the fridge and dishwasher can be concealed by attractive cabinet panels when not in use, enhancing the room’s appearance and distinctive style.

8. One of the primary drawbacks of obsolete kitchen design is how the homeowner is forced to depend on a single bulb or fixture in the center of the ceiling for most or all of the room’s light.  Modern kitchen remodeling plans take advantage of new technology such as LEDs to bring a friendly glow to every area of the room, making tasks easier and giving the entire kitchen a brighter, cheerier feel.

At KM Builders, We Know How to Listen

It seems that paying attention to others has become almost a lost art these days.  More and more San Antonio remodelers are trying to sell their customers on designs that do more for their own bottom line than for their client’s home.

KM Builders is different.  We never forget that your house is more than just a building; it’s a place where families grow closer and where cherished memories are created.  So we’ll never try to pressure you into making changes you’re not comfortable with.  We’re happy to lend you our input and expertise, but in the end you’re the boss, and your project will be done your way.  So get in touch with us today, and see how easy and affordable San Antonio kitchen remodeling can be!

The post 8 Popular Trends in San Antonio Kitchen Remodeling appeared first on KM Builders.

KM BUILDERS took home the award for Best Builder/Remodeler Display this year!  Our invaluable staff worked hard on the design and display. Thank you to everyone for their hard work and dedication! It really paid off!

In order from Left to Right: Newmal Melin, Jeff Young, Keith Moehle and Doug McLeod

The post An Award Winning Display for KM BUILDERS at the Fall Home & Garden Show appeared first on KM Builders.

Tickets are $15.00 & can be purchased through www.remodelsanantonio.org and at each home on the days of the Tour. Each ticket includes entry to all homes

The post KM Builders in the NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes October 6th & 7th appeared first on KM Builders.

Come see KM Builders at the fall Home & Garden show September 28th – 30th. KM Designers and staff members will be on hand to answer your remodeling questions and talk to you about how we can help you make your dream home a reality. For more information on the show, visit www.sanantoniohomeshows.com.

The post KM Builders at the Fall Home & Garden Show September 28th – 30th appeared first on KM Builders.

The post Come see some of San Antonio’s top Remodeled Homes in the NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes October 6th & 7th appeared first on KM Builders.

The post Kitchen Islands are Evolving! appeared first on KM Builders.