by Top Form Contracting | May 19, 2021 | Handyman Services, Working with Top Form
How to Ensure Your Custom Home in Albany is Perfect
If you have been searching endlessly for custom home builders in Albany, your search is over! Top Form Contracting is #1 in Albany, Oregon for custom home building, remodeling, and renovations. In this article, we’re revealing the top tips our custom home builders have learned through decades of combined experience.
Want more information on our Custom Homes? Click the link HERE to learn more! If you are ready to get started with your custom home construction, give us a call now for a FREE estimate: Call now: (541) 926-4597.
1 – Choose the Right Contractor
The right contractor will make or break your final results — and make the process to get there either challenging or exciting. Be sure to thoroughly review and research a contractor before deciding to take the next step and move forward with your dream home.
Involving an experienced custom builder, especially one that provides a full in-house design/build service, can ensure that you end up with a home that suits your needs.
2 – Get Your Ideas Down on Paper
Even if you don’t have every detail planned out quite yet, you likely have some ideas about what you would like in your dream home. Start by Make a list of the rooms you want. What types do you prefer and how many? What premium features do you desire? What essentials need to be included in the design to meet your lifestyle needs?
Your ideas and plans may evolve as you put your thoughts into writing. A little brainstorming is a great way to start envisioning your home through design. All of this can help you work through and organize your own thoughts and it’s useful information for your builder as well.
3 – Manage Your Expectations
Building a home from the ground up is a lifelong dream for many. While you may have fantasized about how the process will look from start to finish, it is important to manage your expectations.
First, you need to consider how much time is required for building a house. The early stages of designing can be relatively stress-free, but once the house is framed and construction is underway, things can get hectic quickly. If you are experiencing other life transitions or hardships that take up your time, you may want to reconsider your timeline and level of commitment.
Next, you will need to take into account unexpected expenses and other financial hurdles. Stressing over finances is the norm for many individuals as it is, that including the financial stress of home building on top of everything else can be a major breaking point for some families.
Lastly, you may find yourself burnt out during the home-building process. This is normal and expected, but can often catch clients off guard. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of home building in the initial stages, then to slowly become disillusioned or stressed if the building process is delayed or involves much more than the clients initially imagined.
4 – Consider Design Details Early in the Process
It is never too early to think about where you want the living room couch to go, which direction you want your bedroom to face, and other seemingly minute details. It is important to think about how you and your loved ones will live in and enjoy the space. With this perspective in mind, you can determine if you need more space, more storage options, or other features you may not have originally considered.
5 – Communicate Often
When working with custom home builders, there are a lot of moving parts and professionals involved in the process. No question is too outlandish or unnecessary. Be sure to communicate with your custom home builders often and ask for clarification, rather than making assumptions.
6 – Accept that Mistakes Happen
No matter how well you organize, plan, and communicate, mistakes are bound to happen. It is important to keep a good attitude throughout the home building process. There will inevitably be challenges, setbacks, and problems that need to be addressed and solved. Try to remember that the little problems will be long forgotten once you finally get to move in and enjoy your new home.
Contact Out Custom Home Builders in Albany, Oregon
With Top Form Contracting by your side, you can rest assured that your new house will be home sweet home. You will love working with our custom home builders in Albany! But don’t just take our word for it — our client reviews speak for themselves. Check out one of our 5-star Google Reviews from one of our fantastic clients:
“From my first visit with Gabe, after already meeting with 4 other contractors, I knew they were the company I wanted to work with. They were flexible and helped me to solve my problem with woodpeckers by installing Hardie Plank strategically on my house so it looked like the design instead of an afterthought. The crew and front office staff were excellent to work with, professional and helped with all my questions.
I was so happy with the first job, I hired them to build a deck and balcony for my home. It far exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to start using it. I would highly recommend them over the big construction companies in town, they are personal, accommodating, and their work is amazing!”
Dawn D’s 5-Star Review
Learn more about our home improvement and remodeling services at Top Form Contracting by clicking the links below:
Siding Installs & Repairs
Dry Rot Repair
Deck Installation & Repair
Commercial Services
Handyman Services
Work With Our Custom Home Builders in Albany Now: (541) 926-4597
by Top Form Contracting | Apr 20, 2021 | Handyman Services, Working with Top Form
Essential Aging-in-Place Upgrades | Albany, OR
Aging-in-place upgrades have become wildly popular in the last decade or so. Aging-in-place, and any upgrades associated with the term, refers to the ability and/or desire to remain in the same home as one ages. To do this, certain renovations and remodels of one’s home are necessary.
At Top Form Contracting, we help our clients age-in-place with the right installations, upgrades, and home improvements. A lot of residential properties are not set up with the kind of accommodations you find at adult care facilities or retirement communities. For this reason, a lot of individuals and couples choose to leave their homes and relocate to an independent living community.
Fortunately, aging-in-place upgrades are a great option for those that need a little extra help getting around their homes safely and would prefer to stay at home, rather than relocate.
The following article details the top 9 aging-in-place upgrades that are cost-effective and make a huge difference in day-to-day life. Keep reading to learn more! If you are ready to start implementing aging-in-place upgrades for your home today, give our team a call now: (541) 926-4597.
9 Must-Have Aging-in-Place Upgrades
1 – Lighting
Dim lighting presents a hazard, especially near sharp corners, staircases, and dark hallways. A little bit of lighting will go a long way in terms of safety. Recessed lighting with a dimmer switch is a good aging-in-place upgrade since you can have a controlled amount of light on at all times.
Motion-activated lights are another great option since they guarantee that hallways, bathrooms, and other areas are well lit, even in the middle of the night. Motion-sensing lights are fairly inexpensive and easy to install, but make a huge lifestyle difference for those aging-in-place.
2 – Grab Bar Installations
Grab bars are some of the most common aging-in-place upgrades our clients request. They are especially helpful for those with mobility or balance issues. Grab bars are commonly installed in bathrooms, but they can be placed anywhere in your home where needed.
Grab bars come in lots of different styles and finishes, so you don’t need to worry about your home feeling sterile or clinic with these additions. They are great for peace of mind, safety, and can blend right into your current decor.
3 – Ramp Installations
Installing a ramp to your home’s entrance makes life a whole lot easier. If you or someone in your household uses a wheelchair or walker, this is an aging-in-place you need to consider. Permanent ramps can be costly, but they are well worth the investment for safety and aesthetic purposes.
4 – Wider Doors
Wheelchair and walker users greatly benefit from this aging-in-place addition. Navigating tight doorways is frustrating, on top of trying to maintain balance in a cramped door space. Widening entryways and doors throughout your home can prevent injury and make it easier to go about one’s daily life.
5 – Upgrade Faucets
This aging-in-place addition may seem minor, but it makes a big difference for those with arthritis. Lever handles or hands-free faucets are great replacements for turn knob faucets, which require twisting or pulling to use.
6 – Upgrade Door Knobs
Just as you might consider swapping out faucets, don’t forget the door knobs too. Lever door knobs are much easier to operate than traditional knobs.
7 – Heated Floors
One aging-in-place you might consider is heated floors. Although this may sound frivolous to some, it is actually a necessity for many. Aging adults are more prone to chills and temperature changes. Heated floors in the bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas throughout the home can ensure comfort and consistent warmth.
8 – No Slip Tile
In addition to no-slip mats in the bathrooms and kitchen, you may want to consider no-slip tile. These specialized tiles mimic the same look as tile, marble, and other materials, but come with the added benefit of being much safer than traditional tile.
9 – Add Home Technology
If you have yet to introduce technology into your home as you age-in-place or help a loved one do so, now is a perfect time! Home technology has never been more user-friendly or easy to integrate into your daily life.
Here are some great technology upgrades for those wanting to age-in-place:
Smart Locks: Electronic locks are great for any household. They allow for easy access, especially if you opt for a keyless model.
Home Security: While you are considering aging-in-place upgrades, it is wise to install a home security system as part of your to-do list. You don’t have to install a widely expensive or intricate model. In fact, doorbell cameras and other smaller devices are perfect for aging-in-place renovations, since they add an extra layer of security without breaking your budget.
Virtual Assistance Devices: Thanks to technology, just the sound of our voice is enough to set alarms, send messages, and set reminders for ourselves. Virtual assistant devices should be integrated into your remodel or renovation for added convenience and peace of mind.
Schedule Aging-in-Place Upgrades | Albany, Oregon
Top Form Contracting has decades of experience helping homeowners in the area with renovations, remodels, and aging-in-place upgrades. We have the team and tools needed to not only get the job done right, but also exceed your expectations by the time we are finished.
Aging-in-place is a positive experience for many homeowners. We can’t wait to help ensure that your home is comfortable and safe for years to come. Let us know what aging-in-place upgrades you need and we’ll get to work!
Learn more about our home improvement and remodeling services at Top Form Contracting by clicking the links below:
Siding Installs & Repairs
Dry Rot Repair
Deck Installation & Repair
Commercial Services
Handyman Services
Schedule Aging-in-Place Upgrades, Albany, OR: (541) 926-4597
by Top Form Contracting | Mar 19, 2021 | Working with Top Form
5 Things to Look for in a Contractor | Albany, OR
Top Form Contracting is the go-to contractor in Albany. Thanks to our dedication to our clients and decades of combined experience, we have served countless clients in Albany and across the PNW. We know what it takes to create exceptional results for homeowners and excel as a 5-star contractor.
In this article, we’re detailing the top 5 traits that we adhere to as a professional contractor in Albany, OR, and why every contractor must have these traits in order to be successful. Whether you are adding a deck, replacing your siding, or building a new home from the ground up, you need to make sure your next contractor has these 5 essential traits.
If you are looking for a contractor in Albany, look no further than Top Form Contracting! Keep reading to see how we measure up to the 5 must-haves of every professional contractor or give us a call now to get started with your project: (541) 926-4597.
5 Things Every Contractor Must Have
Before you hire a contractor, there are a handful of things you will want to make sure are checked off the list first. Hiring just “anyone” to work on your home renovation or remodeling project can end in disaster if you aren’t careful. Follow the guidelines below and you are sure to have a fantastic experience with your next contractor.
1 – Experience
Experience is the #1 thing you should look for in a contractor. If a company can’t vouch for its work history, you will want to look elsewhere. Without the right experience and the right crew, you are bound to run into frustrating (and expensive) problems with your project.
How Top Form Measures Up
Top Form has over 25 years of experience in the industry. We have been helping homeowners remodel, renovate, and build the homes of their dreams for years. We know what it takes to exceed expectations and produce results that will last for decades to come.
2 – Insurance & Licensure
The proper licenses and insurances are a must-have for any contractor. In Albany and any city in the U.S. for that matter, contractors must have a CCB license number and insurance in order to be in compliance with state regulations.
Without these protections, both clients and contractors endanger themselves and the outcomes of their projects. If you are tempted to go with a contractor that is unlicensed or lacks insurance to save a buck or two — think again. It is a bad idea to work with any self-proclaimed professional that fails to take the basic precautions and necessary steps to legitimize themselves.
How Top Form Measures Up
With Top Form, you never have to worry about insurance protection. We maintain up-to-date insurance and licensing to ensure clients and workers are protected on every project. Ask us directly for more information about our insurance coverage.
3 – Contracts
Contracts don’t imply that a company is stale or uptight — the opposite, in fact. Without contracts, it is easy to stray outside the scope of the project or exceed an agreed upon budget. Contracts protect both clients and contractors, ensuring that verbal agreements are solidified in a lasting, written format. Before you move forward with a certain contractor, make sure a legal contract is in place that binds both parties to the agreed upon project, pricing, and deadlines.
How Top Form Measures Up
Being on the same page as our clients is our top priority. We use contracts to ensure clarity and understanding between all parties involved in your new construction or remodel. If at any time you are concerned or need clarification about your contract with our team, we are happy to help.
4 – A Positive Reputation
Word-of-mouth used to be the best way to build a business reputation; now, credibility is built online. Google reviews, Yelp reviews, Angieslist — review sites are everywhere and give consumers a glimpse into the good, bad, and ugly of a given business. If there are questionable experiences reported by former clients or a series of negative reviews over the past year or two, chances are, the reviews correctly reflect the contractor’s overall reputation.
How Top Form Measures Up
Our client reviews speak for themselves! Check out our Google Reviews page to see for yourself. Here is what one of our clients had to say about choosing us as their preferred contractor in Albany:
Top Form is probably the best general contractor I have used for a job. I am a facilities manager working with 12 different large commercial buildings all over Oregon and Washington. We hired Top Form to perform a commercial interior remodel and renovation. At the last minute, we had a surprise addition to the required work. Gabe and Jenny pulled out all the stops to make our original deadline, with a much greater scope than initially planned for. The communication is excellent and they really appreciate their customer’s needs. Thank you!
-Dominic N’s 5-Star Review
5 – Excellent Communication
Last but not least, your contractor needs to be a master of communication. With how many moving parts are involved in new construction and remodeling projects, proper communication is the only way to ensure that everyone stays on the same page.
How Top Form Measures Up
When you choose Top Form as your contractor in Albany for your renovation or remodel, you will never be in the dark. We take pride in our commitment to communicate well with our clients. We keep you in the loop every step of the way and are always happy to answer questions, review work that has been completed, and go the extra mile to ensure you feel confident in the outcome of your project.
Hire a Contractor in Albany, Oregon
Finding the right contractor in Albany just got a whole lot easier. Top Form Contracting has been a trusted contractor in Albany for years, thanks to our dedication to exceptional work and customer service. We know what it takes to take your project from possibility to completion with as few headaches as possible.
Learn more about Top Form Contracting and our services by following the links below:
Siding Installs & Repairs
Dry Rot Repair
Deck Installation & Repair
Commercial Services
Handyman Services
Work with a contractor in Albany today: (541) 926-4597
