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MILWAUKEE/NARI OFFERS SUGGESTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS PLANNING FOR IMPROVEMENTS
May 5, 2010

MILWAUKEE, WI – Spring is here and winter is but a memory in the Milwaukee area.  With warmer breezes, blue skies, and tulips blooming, homeowners are beginning to think about home improvements.  To commemorate May as National Home Improvement Month, members of the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc., the area’s leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 48 years, offer suggestions to homeowners who are preparing for home improvement on spring planning for remodels.

Careful Planning is the Key to Success
“Plan, plan, plan,” said Ken Skowronski, CR, of KS Remodelers in Franklin.  “Before beginning a project, homeowners should sit down and make a list of what they want done around the house.  Then prioritize that list.”

Skowronski advises the next step is to take a walk around the home, inside and out, and assess what projects need to be completed.  Then it’s important to compare the priority list with the immediate needs list and determine what needs to be done first.  “If water from the roof was a problem over the winter or if the downspouts need to be extended because there was water in the basement as the snow melted, you should address these areas first,” he said.  “Once these priorities are determined, it’s time to contact a contractor”.

Milwaukee/NARI also advises homeowners to think ahead and consider future needs.  Professional remodeling contractors can help with planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements that can be made within your budget and time frame.

“Often the scope of the project and the homeowner’s budget don’t match up,” said Nick Kerzner, CR, CKBR, of Kerzner Remodeling & Construction in Oconomowoc. “Working with a designer is especially valuable in this situation.  A designer can develop a master plan and design the project in phases to meet budget and timing constraints.”

Kerzner added that planning for the next steps in an improvement right way can eliminate concerns and additional costs later.

Good Timing
Summer is a great time to tackle remodeling projects, especially kitchens and bathrooms to minimize disruptions to the household.  Nicer weather makes cooking out easy when the stove and oven are out of commission.  With advance planning, remodeling contractors can even schedule a job when the homeowner is on vacation, away from home.

“Life is less hectic for a lot of people this time of year,” Kerzner added.  “With kids out of school and more day light hours, homeowners often have more flexibility and are ready to get home improvement projects underway.”

Milwaukee/NARI suggests beginning the home improvement process early since deciding on a design, selecting a professional contractor, and securing the any necessary financing for a home improvement project can sometimes take months.  Also, be sure to consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to your home's structure.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry’s growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation’s largest.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI’s Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071