Remodeling
Made Easy
For
more than 15 years, The Lykos Group, Inc. has been serving the remodeling/design
needs of Collier County homeowners.
“We remodel single-family
homes, condominiums and commercial properties, and build all types of
additions,” explained Tom Lykos and Dave Raffa, co-owners of the
award-winning Naples, company. “Whether completely renovating or
simply updating fixtures and décor, our design/build team can make
your remodeling experience nearly hassle-free.”
According to Lykos, about
90 percent of their clients have come through referrals from past customers.
They show their appreciation for that loyalty each time a client invites
them back a second time by “continuing to demonstrate pride in our
work and professionalism.”
As further testament to the professionalism, popularity
and expertise of The Lykos Group, many of the remodeling projects the
company has undertaken have been featured in local magazines like Home
& Design. The company has also won such prestigious awards as
(three) Sand Dollar Awards (in 2005) and Best Condo Remodel Sand Dollar
Awards in 2002 and 2003, in addition to the FHBA Remodeler of the Year
Award (in 2004).
Remodeling condominiums
is actually The Lykos Group’s niche. “Close to 85 percent
of our business is condo remodels,” said Lykos. He added that The
Lykos Group also recently completed a renovation for a Naples family that
needed additional space but couldn’t afford to move. “We expanded
their second floor and created two additional bedrooms, a bathroom and
a den.We just finished a single-family home in Pelican Bay as well.”
Single-family home renovations
are probably 10 percent of the company’s business, Lykos pointed
out. Recently, though, he said, the company “has noticed an increase,
and 2006 may very well be a big year for single-family home remodels.”
There are several reasons
for the remodeling trend, Lykos said. “First, tax issues are forcing
many people to stay put. Remodeling allows homeowners to update their
homes without losing their original tax base on the value of their home.
Moving or building a new home would mean a higher tax base.”
Another reason for the
trend toward remodeling, stated Lykos, is that the availability of land
in which to build a new home in Collier County is increasingly difficult
to locate. “Collier County land is not only difficult to find, it’s
expensive,” he admitted.
And the final reason Lykos
gave for remodeling becoming more popular is that it is less traumatic
than selling and moving. “Homeowners may also desire to stay put
simply because they like their neighborhood. Remodeling allows them to
update their homes and keep their neighbors, whom they like and trust.”
He cautions homeowners
who are interested in renovating, though, to look for licensed, insured,
and well-established remodelers. “You should demand that your contractor
obtain all permits,” Lykos emphasized. “You might also look
for a remodeler who is involved in improving his industry through a builders
association, because that conveys his commitment to improving his community,
not just himself.”
Homeowners, Lykos advised,
should ask the following questions of the remodeling company they’re
considering hiring:
• Are you licensed?
• How long have you been in business in Collier County?
• Can I have copies of licenses and insurance certificate (liability,
workers compensation and automobile), as well as references?
• How long have you been in the remodeling business?
• How many jobs have you done that are similar to mine?
• Do you have a warranty period for your work?
• May I see some examples of your work?
• Do you operate from an office or have a showroom?
• What is your change order policy?
The Lykos Group owners
also suggested that homeowners specifically convey when they want their
project to start and end. Consider whether you will be able to use the
space being remodeled or if you will need temporary housing until the
work is completed. Lykos added that, generally, a reputable remodeler
will warranty his work for at least one year. “Since remodeling
is basically referral-driven, any good remodeler will make it a point
to honor his warranty,” he said. “A great remodeler will provide
service to clients long after the warranty period has expired.”
THE
LYKOS GROUP
1989 Trade Center Way, Suite B, Naples, FL 34109
239 594-8510
www.Lykosgroup.com
Written by Andrea G. Rollin
