PLAN YOUR PROJECT - OUR EXPERT: BEETREE HOMES

When you’re ready to select a remodeler, there are many advantages to using a design-build firm. Through the design-build approach, your remodeler “drives the bus” during the entire project, from conception through completion, and is your single point of contact.

That’s because your remodeler will assemble respected professionals who are talented, dedicated, dependable and fully informed about the hottest trends and the newest products. After all, with so many advances in building technology, there’s no reason not to use the latest and the greatest — especially when the cost difference is insignificant.

Design-build projects can usually be completed in a shorter period of time and with fewer problems. Since all the parties involved are on the same team, miscommunications and conflicts are eliminated.

And you aren’t forced to become a construction expert and act as an intermediary between the remodeler, the designer, the engineer, the landscaper and an army of other subcontractors.

After all, remodeling can be overwhelming as it is — especially when kitchens and bathrooms are involved. There’s so much to consider and it’s so difficult to know where to start.

Rather than throwing up your hands in frustration, however, here are a few simple tips that will help make the task manageable and, ultimately, will lead to a successful project.

First of all, make a list of what you don’t like about the room or rooms you want to change. That’ll be easy because you already know what the drawbacks are — that’s why you’re remodeling in the first place.
Is the room too small? Is the color unappealing? Is the lighting inadequate? Are the appliances and fixtures old and dated?

Then decide what your comfort level is, financially. What’s the maximum you’re willing to spend? If, for example, you decide that $25,000 is your ceiling, then set your goal at $20,000.

That way, if you really want to incorporate an element that you hadn’t anticipated — like a killer backsplash, for example — you can do it without feeling as though you’ve either deprived yourself or blown the budget.

I love everything about working with families to make their dreams come true. But I particularly enjoy the design phase, because that’s when I get to form close, personal relationships and often lasting friendships.

Also, the more I know, the better I’m able to help conceptualize a kitchen or bathroom that best fits a client’s needs and tastes. Just by finding out where a family likes to shop, I can get a good feel for how they’ll want their new kitchen or bathroom to look. Pottery Barn shoppers have a different aesthetic than Restoration Hardware shoppers, for example.

The philosophy upon which I base my entire business is this: Remodeling is a service, not a product. The care and professionalism with which that service is delivered makes all the difference. The remodeler who truly understands that will be most attuned to your needs and most committed to making the remodeling process hassle free.

Katrina Hosea founded BeeTree Homes in 2005 and immediately grabbed attention by winning a prestigious first-place award in the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s annual Parade of Homes for a $2 million makeover in Queen’s Harbour. Since then, the company has earned an array of awards for projects of all sizes. Hosea’s husband, Chuck, concentrates on operations and production, allowing her to spend more time with clients.