Every homeowner, whether of a single-family home, condo, townhouse or newly popular “accessory dwelling unit,” knows that home improvement is often a necessity and, sometimes, the realization of a long-held dream.
In either case, it’s essential to find the best professionals, including architects, contractors, kitchen and bathroom remodelers, interior designers and landscape designers. Then there are electricians and the experts in carpeting/flooring, furniture, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, solar installation and tree service.
It goes without saying that repairs and home improvement can be stressful, especially if the repair or project is big. Working with trusted professionals recommended by others greatly lessens that stress. They consult before starting a repair or major job, provide a reliable budget and timeline to completion, show up on time—and perhaps most importantly, listen to the homeowner’s priorities.
For example: The front yard needs to be recreated with a drought-tolerant, water-conserving design. Yet aesthetics are important as well. The landscape designer will consult about costs and preferences before executing a draft design. Pebbles replacing grass? How big or how small, and what color? Native plants to attract birds and butterflies? Build an area or areas of shade? What about yard art? All decisions like this are best made with expert help. Today, computer simulations give clear ideas of the final look, and can be easily manipulated to incorporate changes.
That new technology is also widely used by architects, contractors, kitchen and bath remodelers, and interior designers.
The reader-voted winners of this year’s Best of Home Improvement section are field-tested by those who’ve used them and found full satisfaction with their services. Congratulations to all the companies and individuals listed.
