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Plan Before You Start
The first thing you should do in starting a remodeling project is to plan
everything out yourself. What is it that you want? What are you remodeling and
how much do you want to spend? Specifically plan everything out before you hire
anyone. For example, if you are remodeling your kitchen; decide if you want to
extend any of the walls, replace the floor; replace appliances, cupboards, etc.
Make sure you have thought about all the new colors being used and if they
coordinate with the rest of the house. Draw out your own floor plan as best as
you can as to what you would like it to look like.
After you hire a contractor or architect, make sure you are very specific when
explaining to them what you want. If they have any ideas make sure you approve
of all of them before they start any work. You may not be the builder, but you
should still be in control as to what happens.
What Contractor do you go
with?
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Money is the major factor when deciding on a contractor. Make sure you have
planned out exactly how much you are able to spend before speaking with anyone.
You might want to overestimate how much you would like to spend in case there
is more you decide to add. You don’t want an unfinished project. After you have
decided how much you want to spend, start researching. Get at least 2-3 bids
from different contractors. Make sure you have them all estimate the same
things (flooring, painting, cabinets…). Get referrals from friends.
With each contractor that you speak with, compare their bids with the other
bids that you have received with them. They might be able to explain why there
are variations in price. Sometimes going with the lowest price is not the best
decision. Some contractors use less expensive materials or may do a really
quick job. You want to find a contractor that uses good quality materials and
takes pride in their work. If they take pride, then you will have a
better-looking remodel.
Many contractors provide pictures of previous work they have done and even
referrals. Make sure you ask about these referrals. If you can call and speak
with a former client, you will feel more comfortable about their work.
Make sure your contractor is a licensed contractor. See if they belong to any
association and what their codes of ethics are. Contact your local Better
Business Bureau (BBB) to find out how long the contractor has been in business
and if they have ever had any complaints or lawsuits filed against them. They
will also be able to tell you if they are licensed.
Liability is always an issue when it comes to a person doing manual labor in
your home. Find out what kind of insurance the contractor has. Does it cover
worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of
accidents? Verify the contractor’s insurance coverage by contacting their
insurance company and investigating yourself.
Can you afford your Project?
Personal or bank loans, a home equity loan, a loan from your credit union or
insurance company, or a loan from a savings and loan institution are all
possible ways that you may finance your remodel. Again, do research on what is
the best possible way for you to afford your project. Compare interest rates.
If you must take out a loan in order to complete your project, make sure you
put a clause in your contract with the builder stating that the agreement is
valid only if you are able to obtain the correct financing.
Building Permits
Most cities, counties, and even neighborhoods have building codes. Make sure
your contract states that all work will be in accordance with the building code
regulations for your area. The codes differ from city to city or neighborhood
to neighborhood, so make sure they are in accordance to your specific area.
A building permit is usually only required when you are changing the outside
appearance of your home. Separate permits for electrical, heating, or plumbing
work are required in some cases. If you want to double check your contractor’s
work follows all regulations, you may contact your local licensing department.
The contractor should apply for the building permit in his/her name if one is
required for the job. If the license were under your name, then you would be
held liable to pay for any corrections that need to be made if they did not
follow the codes. After all work is completed, the licensing agency will send
out an inspector to inspect your home. They check that everything falls under
the correct codes. The contractor is responsible for setting up the inspection.
Contracts
In order to protect both the homeowner and the contractor, all agreements
should be put in writing. Every specific detail needs to be written up in the
contract, i.e. if you are going to do some of the work, a friend is putting in
the hardwood floors, and you have paint already at the house that you are
using. The written contract should also include:
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A detailed description of the work you will be having done—including the
materials that will be used
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Time frame – start and finish dates
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Cost – labor charges and material costs
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Schedule of when each payment will be due
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Any warranties
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How all extra trash and materials will be disposed of during and after the
project
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If you sign the contract anywhere but at the contractor’s office, then you have
3 days to cancel the contract. Also note that the contract is null if there are
any problems or damage after the work has begun.
In addition, make sure the written contract includes
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The contractor's full name
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Address
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Telephone number
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Professional license number
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Moving Tips