Truths on remodeling after months of action

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Several months ago, I let you into the world of my remodeling project and provided you with some hints. Now that the project has entered its seventh month -- yes, that's right, seventh month -- I've learned even more and will share it with you.

First, we did some things right. There are other things I would do differently. I wouldn't say that they were done wrong, just that they needed to be done differently.

• Get professional help. I don't know about you, but we have a lot of life going on in the Carr household. Even for a handyman confident in demolition, reconstruction and finish work -- and that includes other members of my family, not only me -- the biggest problem is finding time. Remodeling a kitchen, finishing a basement or constructing an addition is not for the faint of heart or time-challenged.

The professionals would include landscapers, construction artists and interior decorators -- anyone who can take your concepts to fruition.

• Pick the right contractors. We hired three professionals: Tom for landscaping and painting; Jim for finishing the basement and following up on the residuals connected with that project; and finally, Susan, our "creative" consultant on the colors, materials, furniture and art choices.

We decided on the right contractors for the right jobs. Tom and his team really knew how to set up beds, design the layout and pick out the healthiest plants. All but one plant survived the winter, and now they're in full bloom. One holly plant is starting to shed leaves and dry out, but the guarantee on the plants is 12 months, so I'll be able to get it replaced.

Tom also headed up painting our interior and some outside repair work. His bid on this job wasn't the cheapest, but his method of painting -- one coat of primer on all walls, two coats of paint to follow -- guaranteed a professional, seamless look throughout. It was worth the added expense.

My second contractor is a professional's professional, providing only the best quality in work and craftsmanship. Jim, a former educator, now manages teams of contractors on jobs throughout the area. He has headed up plumbers, electricians, carpenters and painters.

Finally, Sue's color selections and advice on furnishings brought my wife and me confidence in finding direction and focus on what the final product would look like.

• Get bids in writing. My contractors provided detailed bids with designs for all the work they would be completing. It gave us a stake in the ground as far as work requested and work completed.