First and foremost make sure your contractor is insured. We have replaced windows due to a painter being negligent when sanding around windows. Next is to create a to do list, and questions list. Get all your questions answered. It is ok for a contractor not to know everything, however, he or she should have a code book handy and resources to get the answer to your questions.
Know exactly what you want done. Its hard as a contractor to pick certain things out I enjoy giving suggestions however at the end of the day I want you to be happy with the choices.
All homeowners seeking to hire someone or a company to perform work on or in their home need to do some research. Take time to read their reviews, look them up at the Better Business Bureau, Department of Labor, and even ask for addresses to go and inspect previous or current job’s.
As a home owner there are many factors that can assure your successful project completion. Listed below are the 6 most common elements that have attributed success to Zaremba & Associates since 1992.
- Trust - Find a contractor that you trust*; looks out for your money; and has the desire to make each project great.
*(Trust works both ways, your contractor must trust you as well) - Communicate - be clear and concise; ask questions if unsure or unclear.
- Verify - Confirm valid licensing, insurance, bond etc…
- Plan - Have a clear scope of work outlined; possibly a plan; pictures of desired structures, finishes and materials.
- Record - Have a written agreement clearly describing the scope of work, a payment schedule, material & labor releases prior to final payment.
- Accessibility - be accessible in-case a problem surfaces and make sure the project is available during agreed upon working hours.
Use a true contractor. Green Point Builders is not just a sales and marketing group that is only concerned with the sale.
Communication & Transparency is key. Make sure that the contractor is fully aware of your expectations. There will always be at least one curve ball that comes up during a remodel, make sure you talk with your contractor beforehand to see how he handles any ‘bumps in the road’. Additionally, make sure that everyone is on the same page before the work begins, this includes price, timeline, finishes, and sub-contracted work.
Research any contractor you are considering. Confirm they are properly licensed for any work they will perform. Check references. Confirm they are insured.
Do your research on finding a contractor with good reviews and that you get along with. The biggest problem that occurs in the remodeling process is often a falling out between the contractor and homeowner.
Lakeville Kitchen and Bath only uses the best reviewed and renowned contractors in the New York Metro Area. We find our new contractors through angies list and google reviews.
Timing is everything! Make a list (we can provide you with one) of all the items that you need to order. Make sure everything is in your home or ready to be picked up - you may have to park outside and use your garage as things come in - and that you have opened the boxes and checked the items before your start date! All-in-one vanities can be missing a part, or the backsplash could be cracked, etc. Special order items that need to be re-ordered can delay a project for days! Once the job starts, make sure your contractor double checks what you have and confirms that you aren’t missing anything (especially your plumbing fixtures).
All permits should be pulled (we will do that for you) prior to starting your job so that that there aren’t any surprises, such as your city requiring an engineering plan or architectural drawing that could take more than a week to get (and cost you more money). Be aware that your city might have some code requirements that have nothing to do with your remodel, but will impact your inspection approvals, i.e. in California you need an earthquake gas shutoff valve and smoke detectors in every bedroom (as well as a combo carbon monoxide/smoke detector in your hallway).
Make sure that you have the financial means to complete the job. Don’t count on a bonus or refund that supposed to come in sometime during the project - you don’t need that added stress.
Think about where and how you are going to eat and prepare food (if it’s a kitchen remodel) or bathe (if it’s a bath remodel). Workers are going to be in your home and your privacy is going to be limited, so keep that in mind! Find a place that you can relax and get away from the chaos, remind yourself often how great it’s going to be when it is all finished.
Lastly, remember that you are about to enter into a “relationship” with your contractor for the duration of the project. Make sure that you like and trust your contractor because you are going to be seeing a LOT of him.
Always have a good communication with the contractor every step of the project from start to finish to avoid any confusions or problems that may affect your expectations…
Ross Brothers prides itself as a company by showing up on time. We are there until the completion of any project until our client is 100% satisfied.
Do homework before purchasing. Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. Check reviews, and look at previous job photos.
Make sure you are in communication with your contractor and trust them. Open communication is key to a successful project. Ask questions.
Anticipate spending at least as much time planning your remodel as getting it built. Do not start any work until you have all costs and timing verified and agreed to in writing. Spend time verifying all contractor references. Always have a budget contingency fund that is appropriate for the project size (20% to 30%). Projects will always cost more and take longer than anticipated by UNINFORMED homeowners. Hire a qualified design professional to serve as your advocate where appropriate.
Communication I believe is the success to all remodeling projects. Always inform the home owner of any changes ASAP. Do not move forward until all parties have agreed on all changes before applying any new steps without signature approval of Home Owner.
Have all of your questions and ideas written down in a notebook.
Hire a reputable contractor and not a smooth salesman.
Prepare all of your provided items ahead of time.
Agree and accept designs and scope for work ahead of time.
Good Luck!
Roy
- Hire licensed contractor only. Bonded, Insured.
Here is my top 10 list:
Good luck!
Aric Gitomer Architect, LLC
Get references and make sure who you hire is licensed, bonded and insured. Get a contract in writing and make sure you list all that you require on it. Interview and if something does not seem right then move to next service person. Include dates when projects should be completed and what you expect when dead lines are not met.