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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?
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:
- A detailed description of the work you will be having done—including
the materials that will be used
- Time frame – start and finish dates
- Cost – labor charges and material costs
- Schedule of when each payment will be due
- Any warranties
- How all extra trash and materials will be disposed of during and after
the project
- 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:
- The contractor's full name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Professional license number
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