Glancer Magazine

Fox River Valley, May, 2011

LOCAL REMODELING:
Big Results in Little Time

by Judy Buchneot, Contributing Associate Editor

Sometimes a room needs more that a coat of paint. Outdated appliances, sagging cabinets and poor use of space are just some of the reasons local homeowners give for undergoing a home remodeling job. Here is a story of a successful project in local home.

Time to Update...

Homeowner: Natalie Coombes
Community: Glen Ellyn
Builder: Rick Anderson
Appliances & Materials: DirectBuy

"My appliances were showing their age," says Glen Ellyn resident, Natalie Coombes. After 17 years of use, she was ready for new cabinets, appliances and a new kitchen. To begin, Natalie brought in a kitchen consultant who provided her with some design options for a flat fee. With those plans in hand, she contacted Richard Anderson, a builder she had worked with in the past. She then started a search for cabinets, countertops and appliances. After checking prices, she purchased the materials through DirectBuy. "There was a significant savings through DirectBuy," she notes. "I ordered everything well in advance so it was ready when we needed it." The kitchen remodel began in June and was finished by the end of August. "Doing it during the summer was a good idea because we could grill a lot of meals outside. We used a lot of paper plates and made it through." Although the contractor took care to protect her floors and put up plastic to reduce dust, Natalie says, "The drywall dust goes everywhere no matter what you do. You have to keep a sense of humor about things that happen, wash everything in the house when you are done and know that you are going to spend more than you planned but when the work is done, it looks great."