10. You’re mesmerized at just how fast your electric meter can spin
09. You can fly a flag in the breeze from your leaky windows
08. The water company just sent you a gift basket for your excellent business!
07. It might be better to have a low-flow shower rather than a “no-flow” one
06. Flushing the toilet sounds like a day at the water park
05. Your air conditioner runs more than most marathoners
04. The IRS could pay you for once (tax credits!)
03. Greenpeace launches a protest every time you turn on the heat
02. Your lawn uses more water than most golf courses
01. You’re getting a sunburn from your track lighting

As our way of thanking you for your business and loyalty, we have planned seven days (11/16-22/09) of free giveaways beginning today.

Today’s free gift is a $20.00 gift card to Ace Hardware. The first SEVEN people to email me at marla@urbanreferrals.com receives one! Good luck!

Check our blog each morning at 9:00 am EST for the giveaway of the day!

We look forward to seven more years of connecting Washington DC metro consumers with licensed, insured, reliable and knowledgeable home improvement companies!

Best,
Marla & Erin

Please be sure to add Urban_Referrals@mail.vresp.com to your address book or safe sender list so our emails get to your inbox.

At Urban Referrals we ask the budget question for a couple of reasons. Please keep in mind, all reasons, are designed to provide the customer and contractor with the best possible home renovation experience.

Foremost, knowledge is power (haven’t we heard that since we were in middle school!). Homeowner’s (including myself) need to be educated on the costs of remodeling our homes, from minor plumbing repairs to adding a two story addition.

Second, we want to help alleviate sticker shock. We don’t want clients getting their hopes up for that new kitchen that cost three times what they have to spend. Discussing budget allows for discovery about renovations that can be completed based on available funds.

Third, we want to match consumers up with the best possible company, for all of their home improvement projects. For every referral we provide we’ve reviewed desired time frame, project location, trade, and of course budget. Each contractor prices their services differently; services different areas and some have project minimums that need to be met.

Contact us for a copy of the 2009 Cost vs. Value report to learn what renovations cost in the DC Metro area and what your return on investment can be. Fill out this form and we’ll email it to you right away.

Happy Remodeling!

Erin

I feel it’s critical to educate our customers and others about ways to prepare for meetings with home improvement companies so the process is pleasant not stressful. Of course, as in all relationships, open communication is the key to success.

Some suggestions on topics to discuss with companies during your first conversation and/or meeting:

• A convenient time for all decision makers to meet with the contractor.
• If you have a deadline or a time specific time frame for the completion of the job – i.e. having a baby, selling your home, having a graduation party, getting married, etc.
• Do you need a ballpark idea of what the project will cost so you can determine how you will pay for the project or if you have a budget.
• If you live in a historical neighborhood.

I would welcome any additional suggestions from contractors or consumers to add to this list. Urban Referrals is in business to make the process of connecting consumers and contractors as stress free and pleasant as possible.

Thank you -
Marla

www.urbanreferrals.com

My husband and I bought our home about a year and a half ago.  We live in a lovely neighborhood just south of the Denver metro area.   We chose our home based on location.  Isn’t that what all the experts say, “location, location, location.”  But we bought the 1980’s home.  Yes, we have the home with a mauve toilet in the powder room and the ever-present popcorn ceilings throughout.  A lot of great things came out of the 80’s like Duran Duran, the Rubik’s Cube, and the cordless phone but the mauve toilet wasn’t one of them.

The plan for this house is to remodel one room at a time.  If we went after the whole house at once not only would we lose the majority of our bank account but also our minds.   However, since moving in we have tackled finishing the basement turning our 3 bedroom, 2-½ bath home, into a 4 bedroom, 3-½ bath home.  This was a huge learning experience for us with the scars to show for it.  We have also finished my daughter’s room by removing the popcorn ceilings, adding a fresh coat of paint, and some minor electrical upgrades.

So with a bit of experience under my belt, where should this remodeling mom go next?  If I listen to the experts they say the obvious like the kitchen and the bathrooms.  Hmmm, should I go after that mauve toilet?

I am going to share my journey with you.   All the heartbreaks and triumphs associated with remodeling my home.   So, stay tuned…I will be back with the decision and maybe a few photos of that toilet!

The Remodeling Mom