This issue of the Dimension Design-Build-Remodel e-newsletter includes information on…

• Common remodeling errors
• Kitchen Island vs. Breakfast Bar
• Client Feedback
• Halloween Fun Facts
• Following Us on Facebook

We look forward to working with you on your next home building or renovation project.

When you plan a major home remodel for the first time, inexperience can lead to costly mistakes. The renovation experts at Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc. have made a list of the eight most common home remodeling mistakes for you to avoid at every step of your project.

1. Bad Budgeting. When starting a home remodel, a rookie mistake is to underestimate the cost or not have a budget at all. Your budget guides your project. It’s important to plan out the details of the project ahead of time, including the cost of finishes, hardware, and other add-ons. Then, consider adding a 20% contingency to your estimate so you are prepared for surprises. Use this budget to set up financing ahead of time.


2. The Wrong Contractor. Another rookie mistake is not shopping around for your contractor, or choosing the contractor based on who has the lowest bid. The contractor with the least expensive bid may end up costing more in the long run. To find the right contractor for your needs, interview at least three and check references, licensing, insurance, their Better Business Bureau rating, and whether the company is a member of trade organizations such as NARI Milwaukee and the Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA).
3. Also, ask these questions:
   • Did they provide a detailed plan and estimate?
   • Do they fit your personality and understand your goals?
   • Do you think you’ll be able to communicate with this contractor?

3. The Wrong Priorities. This mistake could mean prioritizing looks over function when making decisions on the floor plan, appliances, materials, and more. It could also mean doing your projects in the wrong order—putting a “fun” project ahead of something that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.


4. Being Extra Trendy. Avoid renovations that would someday make your home less appealing to prospective buyers. As trends are typically short lived, especially on big items like architectural elements, countertops, appliances, etc., it’s a good idea to look for classic and timeless style.


5. Not Planning for Disruption. If it’s your first remodeling project, you may not realize how the process is going to affect your daily life. You may need to rearrange where family members sleep or send pets to live with relatives temporarily. How will you prepare food when the kitchen is out of order? Have plans set up ahead of time to maintain your quality of life during the remodel


6. Changing Your Mind. Everyone changes their mind sometimes. But making changes to the scope of your project midway through will cost time and money. It’s better to be sure of what you want in advance and stick to the plan.


7. Expecting Smooth Sailing. When it comes to remodeling, especially with older buildings, it’s wise to expect the unexpected. Don’t be surprised by unforeseen complications and delays, or the new problems that the crew might uncover. Good contractors know how to deal with these changes, but homeowners would do well to be prepared.


8. Throwing Paperwork Away. Contracts, manuals, receipts—you don’t know what you may need down to road. Some of it could be required for a warranty. Some could come in handy when you’re ready to sell your home. Keep it organized for later.

Avoid the most common home remodeling mistakes with Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc. Our professional designers take the guesswork out of remodeling, and we look forward to guiding you through the home renovation process to make sure you have no regrets. Call 262-402-6602 or complete our contact form to get started.

When choosing the layout of your kitchen, there are many decisions to make that will affect function and style. The best choices will depend on the size and shape of your space and how you intend to use it. In the question of kitchen island vs. breakfast bar, we are happy to outline your options to make the choice easier.

Click here for the rest of the article.

Dimension Inc. was very professional and easy to work with. The quality and craftsmanship of the job went beyond our expectations.

Lynn H., Brookfield

Dave and his team are phenomenal at what they do. True craftsman and extremely professional with the customer and their overall health at the focal point. I would highly recommend Dimension to anyone in the Milwaukee area looking for a premium design/build remodeling contractor!

Brian T., Delafield

1. Irish immigrants brought Halloween to the United States during the mid-1800s.


2. Potatoes were originally used to make jack-o'-lanterns on Halloween.


3. The most lit jack-o'-lanterns on display is 30,581 by the City of Keene, New Hampshire, Guinness World Record.


4. Trick-or-treating has existed since medieval times.


5. There is only a full moon on Halloween three or four times per century.


6. In 2020, the top Halloween costumes for adults were witch, vampire, cat, Batman, and ghost.


7. According to CandyStore.com, Skittles were the top candy in 2020, followed by Reese's Cups and Starburst.


8. Consumers voted candy corn, which was originally called Chicken Feed, the worst Halloween candy in the country in 2019 and 2020, but it also made the 2020 top 10 best Halloween candies list.


9. The Guinness World Record for Heaviest Pumpkin is held by Mathias Willemijns from Belgium and his 2,624.6-pound pumpkin.


10. World famous magician and illusionist Harry Houdini died on Halloween in 1926.


11. The mask worn by Michael Myers in the movie "Halloween" was a William Shatner mask that was spray painted white.


12. According to tradition, if a person wears his or her clothes inside out and then walks backwards on Halloween, he or she will see a witch at midnight.

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