Navigating the pitfalls Navigating the pitfalls (January 23, 2004)

Local contractor guides students through the kitchen or bath remodel process

By Lia Steakley

If moving the sink or adding a window to the kitchen sounds like an inexpensive and easy way to give your home a fresh new look, think again.

Even small and simple remodeling jobs can turn into structural design nightmares if certain precautions are not taken, said Tim Hmelar, a general contractor in Mountain View.

To help homeowners navigate around the pitfalls of renovating their bathroom or kitchen, finish the project on time and within budget, Hmelar is teaching a class called "Managing Your Kitchen and Bath Remodel Like a Pro" at the Palo Alto Adult School, that offers tips on how to save time and money on renovation projects. The class begins Jan. 22.

"We look at everything, from what goes into the costs, to how to build and estimate, to what is a good design," he said.

Raised in Boston, Hmelar is the grandson of a cabinetmaker. His father was a builder for Raychem Corp. in Menlo Park.

"I have been around construction since I was a little kid," he said. "I have the hands-on training so I know physically how to do the work. But I also know the business side and how to run a construction company."

Hmelar received a degree in business from San Jose State University and then went on to study electricity, plumbing and carpentry from Foothill College. He later returned to San Jose State University and completed a degree in construction management.

A contractor for more than two decades, Hmelar owns The Kitchen & Bath Company of Palo Alto, which is located in Mountain View. It specializes in kitchen and bath renovations and building high-end home theaters.

Hmelar has taught the class five times in the past two years, acknowledging that he enjoys seeing the students applying their newfound knowledge to something that is important to them.

"I have a great time teaching the class and interacting with the students," he said. "I love the kitchen and bath remodeling industry and find the unique challenges of each project to be fun and challenging. It's also a kick to see a project move from a dream to a reality."

Hmelar had an architect friend who was teaching a half-day course on remodeling at the adult school and suggested that he look into offering a class on renovating bathrooms and kitchens. He later pitched the idea to the adult school and began teaching last year.

Taught in a hands-on environment, students learn the basics of home improvement and then get the opportunity to apply their new skills to personal projects.

"Most of the students that are in the class have an idea about what they want to do to their kitchen or bathroom. About 10 percent will already have their plans completed, and they are able to bring in the plans and have them critiqued," he said.

During the first week, students learn to create a remodeling roadmap, build a budget and discuss structural concerns, kitchen and bath design fundamentals, and site survey techniques. In the following class, Hmelar introduces the building trade and materials, energy issues and removing fixtures and appliances. The next week, students examine the legal issues and contracts involved in renovation projects, state building requirements, how to choose a contractor and engage in a question-and-answer session on design.

At the last class, Hmelar talks about how to navigate the local building and planning department, site management, and countertop and flooring materials.

"This is a fun class and the energy is really high. It's almost like a game show," said Hmelar. "There are also a lot of epiphanies that go on."

Students have discovered that the wall they wanted to knock down is load bearing and is supporting the middle of the house, or that when a sink is relocated, there must be a space for a drain and a vent.

"Some of the awareness has to do with cost. If your budget is $10,000 or $15,000 and it involves electrical work, then that's going to cost $7,000 to $8,000 just for the electrical upgrade, and that is just for work done inside the wall," said Hmelar.

He added that homeowners thinking about embarking on a remodeling project should realize that a bathroom project will cost between 3 percent and 10 percent of the appraisal value of the home, while kitchen renovations can total between 8 percent and 25 percent of the home value.

"You need to think about how long you will be in the house and if you want to spend a lot of money on a unique design. If you want to sell it after a few years, then you might want to think about doing something simple," he said.

Recouping the costs of extensive remodeling jobs can take at least a year, but Hmelar warned that it could take longer depending on the rise and fall of real estate values.

What: Managing Your Kitchen and Bath Remodel Like a Pro
When: Thursdays, Jan. 22-Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Palo Alto High School, Room 807
Cost: $55, plus $20 for course materials
Info: Call Palo Alto Adult School at 329-3752 or visit
www.paadultschool.org

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