Remodeling Wisdom - Advice from the Pro: Recent Episodes
Craig Rainey
Craig Rainey reveals the secret workings of the residential remodeling industry and how to avoid the numerous pitfalls that could cost you money and damage your single biggest investment - your home!
With more than 40 years experience in the industry, Craig has worked in every phase and filled almost every role. hands on builder, artisan, material vendor, window and door installer, project management, architectural designer, and building contractor. He gives his insight into the workings of the building industry. He reveals the most closely held secrets that most builders would rather you not know about the business and your project.
Craig completes the final episode in the four part seris on how to manage your DIY remodel project.
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Craig continues with your crash course on managing your own project with his advice on finding the right trades and materials providers.
Craig reveals the true nature of his business model and how it can help you successfully complete your DIY remodeling project. In this episode Craig turns the corner he calls the "Big Shift" from advice to keep you and your project safe to how to DIY like a professional.
You may want to run your remodel project yourself for financial reasons, or you may be skeptical of the ability of your bidding contractors. Craig breaks down the way to control your biggest obstacle to your success - Trades.
Craig shares a recent experience with a client who discovered their current lighting doesn't work with their new decor. He talks about the three levels of lighting and his pet peeves about lighting quick fixes.
So many times, we take our color samples home and what we loved in the store, we hate at the house. What changed? Your house doesn't like your selections.
We dread the sales process of getting bids and fielding calls from eager salespeople. Bids on the phone and emailed proposals are your worst nightmare in the construction industry. Craig explains how to take control of the sales process, turning the benefit to you the homeowner. Never make your decision on the lowest-priced emailed proposal.
You hear a lot of talk about setbacks, easements, and rights of way. How do they affect you as a homeowner who wants to build a room addition? You probably know about encroaching upon the property line. Did you know that your plumbing could stop working too? Craig talks about the intricacies of the issue.
Craig Rainey shares how the pros can send your project off budget or off schedule by merely doing their job. He also offers advice on what you can do about it.
Although a remodeler is listed as an approved contractor on Angi, Home Advisor, Thumbtack, or Houz, they may not know much about running your project successfully. How can you know?
Craig talks about the origins of Design Build and why so many remodelers claim they are a Design-Build Contractor when they are not. Adding design to your remodeling company is a huge step. Most builders don't really take that step.
Every Spring we get in the mood to spruce up the place. Whether you are doing the work yourself or if you want to make sure your trades are doing it right, Craig Rainey shares the Construction 101 trade secrets you need to know.
How do you select an architectural designer? What assurance do you have that the designer won't blow your budget out of the water with an overly designed plan? Just because someone owns expensive and impressive tools doesn't mean the owner has the training, experience, or even the skill to use them. Craig offers a 3-step process for weeding out the bad from the good.
Craig tells a story of a common way homeowners lose money to trades. He saved this client nearly $10k.
Have you heard the saying "It's got good bones?" Did cracks appear at the corners of your walls a month or two after you moved in? Buying a home could place you in a very tough position where you may need an attorney or a builder. Avoid inheriting someone else's problem. Here's how.
Many products we buy were never designed to do what we are told they are for. There is a large culture of mis and disinformation when it comes to popular products and methods in the construction industry. Craig breaks down the top 10.
Why do remodelers seem more opportunists than businesspeople? How much money is your remodeler actually making on your project? Craig gives you the answer.
As a homeowner, when is it appropriate or even possible to participate in the building of my home remodel project? Craig gives the answer.
The biggest pitfall you can face as a homeowner lies beyond the hazards you face with your general contractor. The city or county authority or economic development department of the city will represent a huge hurdle if you are not prepared. This is my advice...
Most homeowners follow the same pattern when choosing a remodeler. Three bids, check references, check reviews, hope they have great subs. I wouldn't do it that way if I were you.
With rising interest rates, a softening housing market, and an unstable economy, should I remodel my home? Craig answers that question from the perspective of the homeowner in a changing construction environment.
Do you really know what a GC's job is? Most people think it is project management with regular phone calls to the client. It is way more technical. Would you ask the guy who bandaged your knee to perform heart surgery on you? Right!
When a new home is built, engineers, architects, skilled firms and tradesmen are employed because of the complexity and technical demands of the task. Why does all of that seem to fade away when we decide to remodel? It doesn't!
The construction industry is frustrating, especially when it is your home and your money. How can you keep your sanity and protect your money and your project?
Drawings are not only meant to impress the homeowner. They are critical to your building trades and artisans.
Your project is complete. How do you know that the work is inherently good quality and not apparently good quality?
What should you expect from your paint work, flooring, trim, cabinets? is the work up to standards? Craig explains how to know.
What order should your project be completed in? Craig discusses some of the more detailed aspects of your build that the remodeler follows when running your renovation.
Harmless conversations with your builder's artisans can cause problems in your project. Keep your GC involved.
Living in your home while under construction is emotionally taxing. There are things you can do to help ease the pain.
Craig introduces Remodeling Wisdom and how it will help the homeowner protect themself, their project, and their money.