Warm Weather Signals Busy Home Improvement Season and 'Honey Do' Lists Grow

CHESTER, Pa., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The spring and summer seasons launch a busy time for home remodeling and improvement projects as homeowners spruce up for entertaining, listing their home for sale, or increasing the property's value. A slowly warming housing market has made staying a popular trend among homeowners who choose to remodel versus losing money on a sale. For those who must move, cost-effective projects that make a home more visually appealing or structurally sound is a great way to entice potential buyers. Regardless of the homeowner's motivation to renovate, Power Home Remodeling Group, the nation's fourth largest home remodeling company, offers tips for prepping a home before embarking on popular summer projects.

"Prepping your home for remodeling or improvements of any type is important whether you're working with professional installers or readying your space for a 'do it yourself' project," says Ann Sawyer, Power's vice president of operations & installations. "Preparation is key to a smooth installation and avoidance of time-consuming project pitfalls."

Power offers the following tips for homeowners to keep in mind before home improvement projects begin:

• Have a plan: Communicate with your contractor well before the scheduled installation date about project requirements. Open communication about expectations and a timeline will limit the chance of unexpected surprises after the project is underway. Also be sure to have a source of electricity readily available, especially when working outdoors.
• Start with a clean slate: Store knick-knacks, art work and family photos to ensure they don't become damaged during renovation. Dismantle window treatments and move furniture into a different room of the house. Store fixture plates, screws and hardware in individually labeled plastic bags for reinstallation when the project is finished. Also be sure to cover carpet and flooring in high traffic areas with a drop cloth to protect it from paint, dust and debris.
• Mesh new with old: When installing new flooring, counter tops or appliances, pay close attention to measurements. Baseboards that were installed with carpeting may need to be adjusted to accommodate wood flooring. Similarly, a dingy door and trim could be an eyesore in a freshly painted room. Be sure to match finishes when replacing hardware like drawer pulls, doorknobs and towel bars. An old brass doorknob is certain to clash with a sleek new pewter faucet. Keep these details in mind throughout the renovation to ensure a satisfying end result.
• Consider project requirements: Some of the most difficult remodeling projects involve electricity and plumbing. It's important to consider the voltage of the electrical current and outlets in your home before plugging in a new appliance. Wire and hose length are also vital considerations before remodeling. For example, it is important to remember that an appliance must be pulled away from the wall for maintenance when planning the layout of a room. Homeowners looking to complete a project themselves must also remember to obtain the appropriate licensure from their local municipality for major renovations.

Power's home experts are well equipped to assist homeowners in identifying improvement areas and developing effective solutions. Homeowners interested in updating their homes can contact Power for a free in-home evaluation at 888-REMODEL or PowerHRG.com.

About Power Home Remodeling Group

Family-owned since 1992, Power Home Remodeling Group is the nation's fourth largest home remodeling company with more than 900 employees and $135 million in sales. Headquartered in Chester, Pa., Power provides energy-saving and environmentally friendly exterior remodeling solutions to residents on the East Coast, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, DC. An Inc. 5000 company, Power has served more than 50,000 homeowners and is recognized as a home improvement leader by its 2009 "Dealer of the Year" award from Window and Door Magazine and the 2010 and 2011 "Top Workplace" from The Philadelphia Inquirer. For more information, please visit PowerHRG.com.

SOURCE Power Home Remodeling Group