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Remodeling The Bagayases of Pacific Palisades were veterans of remodeling -- having hired various contractors for a dozen projects ranging from adding a second story to fencing in the yard -- when they made their big mistake.
the right way
After a "friend" absconds with
$2,000, the Bagayases find
satisfaction with a proBy Suzanne Tswei
stswei@starbulletin.com
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"You know they say you should never hire a friend. I should have known better, but I guess I had to learn my lesson the hard way," Eliza Bagayas said.A friend of a friend seemed like the right choice when she wanted to spruce up the kitchen. It was to be a modest project. The Bagayases only wanted to add some shelves and resurface the dingy kitchen cabinet doors.
The carpenter -- unlicensed -- agreed to the job and took $2,000 as a down payment. But after nailing in some shelves, he simply disappeared.
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"We didn't know what happened to him. We never heard from him again," she said. Later they discovered he had been thrown in jail although they didn't know the reason."When we heard that, I knew that was it. We had to chalk it up to experience," she said, adding that losing the money didn't hurt as much as having to go through the hassle of restarting the project. The couple found another contractor to finish the job.
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"Never again, I promised myself," Bagayas said, "next time, we are going to do things right."Last year, 11 years after the "big lesson," the Bagayases wanted to fix up their kitchen for good and sought professional help from the beginning. A timely postcard in their mailbox announcing a remodeling seminar at a nearby school was a godsend, they said.
The seminar gave them a good start, providing them the opportunity to meet qualified professionals, ask questions and define their project.
Similar seminars are being offered at The 2002 BIA Home Building & Remodeling Show at the Neal Blaisdell Center. "Remodel It Right" takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. today in the Hawaii Rooms. The seminar will be repeated 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday but with added advice for senior living.
Place: Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall The 2002 BIA Home Building & Remodeling Show
Time: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $4 and free for children under 12, $1 for seniors 55 years and older with valid identification on Sunday
Remodeling Seminars: "Remodel It Right," 6 to 7 p.m. today; "Remodel It Right for Seniors," 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday; both in the Hawaii Rooms
The seminar allowed the Bagayases to establish a rapport with architect panelist Paul Noborikawa, who they hired. He reconfigured the kitchen and an adjacent dining area so that it became a large, open and well-lighted space suitable for cooking, eating and talking story. A center island, which was on the family's wish list, now serves as the favorite gathering place for three generations of Bagayases.
A picture window was added to extend and brighten the kitchen. A hallway closet was enlarged to become a walk-in pantry. An entry corner housing the water heater was transformed into a handy telephone nook. To avoid adding to the heat from the afternoon sun, 10 florescent light fixtures were installed to brighten up the otherwise dark room.
"He came up with so many good ideas that we never even thought of," Bagayas said. "We've never worked with a professional to design anything in any of our remodeling projects before. Now I wish we had."
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Noborikawa also provided a work scheduled to help the family adjust to construction that might have been disruptive, especially when it came to outfitting two bathrooms with new fixtures."I really appreciated that," Bagayas said. "The schedule told me what was supposed to happen and when. I knew what to expect."
Noborikawa also provided a list of sources for contractors, appliances and other materials, which saved them time. His recommendations gave them better value for the money, she said, such as a wood-like laminate floor -- extending from the kitchen to the living space -- that turned out to be affordable, good-looking and easy to maintain. A high-grade of Corian for the kitchen counter gives the kitchen a distinctive look and longer wear.
They had planned on spending $80,000 for the kitchen and bathroom renovations. And even though the project went over budget by nearly $30,000, the Bagayases said they are extremely pleased with the results.
"We love our kitchen. Of all the projects we've done -- and they all worked out OK except for one -- this is by far the best, the most satisfying," Bagayas said.
Begin with a budget and good rapport
Remodeling it right begins with defining how much money you can spend, according to the experts participating in the remodeling seminars at the 2002 BIA Home Building and Remodeling Show. Go to a financial institution, and find out the maximum amount of money you can borrow."Even if you are not going to use all of it, it's good to know how much you can have," said Paul Kane, chairman of Hawaii Remodelor's Council. Remodeling projects invariably go over budget, and having extra money in reserve is important.
Next, define the project, said architect Paul Noborikawa. The purpose for the remodeling and the function of the room should be clear. Write down what you want and why, and gather pictures from magazines for styles that appeal to you.
It's also a good idea to collect some pictures of styles that you dislike, Noborikawa said. These pictures will let the architect or designer know what to avoid.
Investigate the neighborhood's requirements to find out what is allowed. Condo and townhouse associations especially have strict rules governing exterior appearance and remodeling projects.
When selecting an architect, contractor or other remodeling professionals, make sure there are good rapport and communications, said Marshall Hickox, owner of Homeworks Construction. Find someone who listens to you and incorporates your wishes into the plan.
Do background checks on the professionals. Discuss what you expect and put everything in writing.
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