Needing help with updating...
 

I bought a house in Hacienda, that I love...but, and there are a bunch of issues. The house hasn't been updated for 18 years and I would love to hire a designer to show me how best to upgrade and design the space and s contractor to do the work. Since the work encompasses a real mixture of work, i'm hoping to find out the cost and advantage of hiring a designer and which contractors are reasonable in their estimates, as well as doing good work.

Katie

The best way is to get recommends from people you know. We have been taken by someone for a paver job and we thought we did our homework. We are in the process of updating a home in Mira Mesa, we hired someone to build a wall, they did an ok job, I would not recommend them, they started fast ended slow and not complete. We are in the process of redoing our bathroom and getting bids for redoing the shower, not sure how that will turn out, just getting into it. Just be careful, a lot of bad contractors out there, it is best to know someone that knows someone. Good Luck!

Sadly, this kind of thing is what I've been hearing since I first told a few people I wanted to update the house. The only recommendations so far were to go outside the Villages for a contractor - which causes it's own set of problems. I guess there' alway Angie's list.

Kate, I don't know if you're moving walls or the scope of your updating project and, therefore, I don't know if you need an architect, designer or whether an excellent builder will suffice.

I will share that we had Brian Freitag, 352-516-0668, enclose a sunroom for us and we were extremely satisfied with the work and finished project other than he was very busy. It takes time to get in his schedule but we consider that a good indication of his work. He also does crown moldings, etc. too.

Oh, forgot to add the fact that he was employed by The Villages at one time so he knows the ropes re: permits and that sort of thing. He left to start his own business and has been doing very well.

Actually, I am intending to enclose the covered deck, that is under the main roof. So, thank you for the help. It doesn't seem complicated enough
for an architect, but a designer might help. I just have no idea what they charge.

Katie

Fortin Construction.......call Pierre Fortin, make an appointment...show him everything you are contemplating. He is very good at assisting in the thinking/discussing to develope the very best plan to achieve what you want.
Have him price it ala carte for pieces that make sense.

He is not the least cost but is one of the best. His crews clean up every day and keep the construction site spotless.

We have used him twice and could not be more pleased.

Btk

I think that Figuringitout means to wait to make friends who you trust and then listen to their recommendations or religiously read this forum.

Many people want to do a lot of things right away, and maybe waiting for about six months is the better way. Wait until you see some of the things that your new friends have done and hear who is good or bad to do it.

And wait until you see some things you just love and the kind of Florida style that is just the right kind for you. Cut out pictures of things that you adore in magazines and think about it for awhile.

A lot of folks have had things done when they first moved here that they regret later.

OR NOT.

Whatever makes YOU happy.

Welcome home

Brian Freitag of B & J Builders....FANTASTIC!
 

I will give another high-five for Brian Freitag. He enclosed my lanai and did a wonderful job. My sunroom is now my favorite room in my house....thanks to Brian and his excellent work. He put in a gorgeous gas fireplace which is just perfect. I was afraid of losing my view and he reassured me that I wouldn't and he was right on target. Yes, he was employed by TV and I called TV before I signed my contract and they gave him a wonderful recommendation. He is the best! He's a good family man....and has a cool sense of humor. Once again, his phone number 352-516-0668.