When bidding a project, I am always trying to see the vision my customer has. Even though I am working for you, we are working together to bring your project to life. If you have a clear vision of what you want, then please, take the time to explain everything; but if you don’t have a clear vision, I expect some trust in my experience and workmanship. Of course, at every level there needs to be continual communication and dialogue to keep each other on the same page. Success comes when all sides work together to bring a project home.
For one, keep each room a very separate job. Don’t think of it as one big job.
It’s much easier to stay on top of things and keep things straight in your head if they are all considered different jobs.
Secondly, Be realistic of the timeframe and cost. The job will always take longer ( almost ) due to the silliest of things. ( weather,sickness, items being out of stock or waiting to be delivered, receiving damaged goods, etc ) Also, a change of mind can slow progress.
Then there are the “discoveries”. Things you didn’t expect. there’s all kinds of things that’ll stop everything! Finding wiring, pipes or something in a wall or having water or pest damage inside a wall or floor.
Expect some adjustments in your ideas and plans…
Most importantly, thoroughly vet your contractor!! see pictures and get some people that you can call. For a small job this really isn’t as important but with a large job you want to find out who they are as if you were hiring a new employee.
Hire licensed professionals. For the size of remodel you are mentioning you need an architect. the architect’s job is not only to make the drawings, his main job is to represent you in front of all the professionals and insure your project move as planned.
In my opinion, you should do plenty of research and get an architect to help you really understand what you want the final product to be. You will be making a significant investment in your home, and I want you to be 100% satisfied that you ended up getting exactly what you had in mind before starting the project. Also, get references on the contractors that give you estimates. You want to make sure that the contractor’s previous clients were satisfied.
One way to ensure to a successful remodeling project is to diligently check competence and professional status of the contractor that you will choose to work with. A homeowner should work with contractors who holds an active license, complete insurance coverage for the workers comp and general liability insurance, outstanding ratings with BBB and other accredited rating agencies. Track record and credibility in the industry is very important.
When all of these are carefully evaluated, a Homeowner should be very open and active in the discussion of how he or she envisions the outcome of the project. Ask as many questions and inputs from the contractor on the feasibility of adding certain items, options that you can take. A contractor is a consultant or adviser that works for the best interest of their clients. Advise the contractor of the realistic timelines that you wish to have so everyone on the team can adjust and anticipate what needs to be done.
Make sure you hire a licensed and insured contractor. You will protect yourself and your investment into your property.
For K&M it is important to finalize all the details. We are extremely detailed in our scopes and our prints. We review each and every item on the scope and the blue prints piror to starting. We tour the blue prints, making sure that outlets are in the correct spots, switches are as you intended them to be. We make sure you think of today, tomorrow and the future prior to finalizing the job.
Your responsibility is to articulate, supply and research any items that you anticipating be apart of the job. The more details given up front the smoother the job flows.
I would set up a plan to work on one room at a time. Make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured. Get a complete plan and time frame for the work to be completed.
The most important thing in doing any project is to have your objectives clear, and relay them to us. I usually ask you to list them in order of importance. Second, I would do research, the more information on what you would like, the better especially in kitchens and baths. There’s nothing better than visual, pictures from magazines etc. Remember the more I know about your likes and dislikes the better the outcome. Third, is communication. This works both ways and goes a long way in preventing frustration- it’s so much easier to correct something at the time than wait. This is true for us also.
Communication is key! I find that with a good working relationship and great communication it makes the job go much smoother by both sides. If something is on your mind make a point to tell your contractor as soon as possible. Secondly, be open to recommendations. It is not always the contractors plan to change your plan but sometimes his experiences or design knowledge are valuable and can significantly change the end product. More often than not your contractor is striving for a beautiful outcome as well.
Thank you for your question, as per our experience the main things that can definitely help to ensure an overall successful outcome on your project are the following; carefully screen your prospective contractors, you want to work with a reputable pro that will personally answer all your questions and concerns with specific details. Verify license numbers with the CSLB, verify insurances and if possible visit most their most resent projects and talk to the home owner in private.
Do not conduct business with any remodeler or contractor without first investigating his or her reputation and experience. Price alone is not an indication of the remodeler’s competency or ability to complete your project. When evaluating bids from contractors, make sure that they are based on identical project specifications.
Well, being in the industry for 16 years I have discovered that potential clients sometimes have an unrealistic optimism about how much the project would cost. I now tell people to be prepared to spend a significant amount of money on a kitchen remodel. Furthermore, don’t be surprised if a slab room addition cost is around $100 per square foot starting. One final thought, please make sure the client is certain of what he or she wants before they contact the contractor. I have had a lot of clients that call me to give them a price on something but they’re not sure what they want. It’s not a huge problem because we can overcome any situation but it sure makes the process easier if the client knows what they’re looking for.
+James Bencro Mechanical.
HVAC/ REMODEL/ LANDSCAPE
Get estimates from reputable, skilled, licensed, and insured contractors. The low bid is not always the best bid. Compare apples to apples. What exactly are you getting for those bids. Materials can vary greatly in cost Builder grade is not custom. Get everything in writing and closely monitor the work…ask questions. If something doesn’t look or feel right to you, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Some issues are easier to fix sooner rather than later. Good luck!
Let the contractor do his work and try not to make that many changes. Hire a professional check his license with cslb. Make sure he has Liability Insurance. Don’t use cheap products.
Hello. First thing, is to make sure that you have your drawings/plans ready. Very difficult and costly if you were to change your mind in the midst of the project. In order to expedite the project, choose your tile design, vanities, countertop, faucets, and all other fixtures and appliances. If you wait, it will delay the project. At least, make your decisions before or in the early stages of the construction. Good luck!!
Documents! You want to have a detailed scope of work to be performed along with written steps/stages of production. This should be signed and acknowledged by both parties. Also, payment is big. Your job should be stated in writing that the balance will be paid in full upon 100% satisfaction. Never pay in full up front, even if you are familiar with the contractor.
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Have a plan and an idea on what you want the end result to look like. As a contractor, one of the most difficult things we encounter during a remodel is a client who hasn’t given much thought to the project. We can turn your vision into a reality, but we aren’t all comfortable giving you the vision for your space. Be prepared for the unexpected and be reasonable when plans need to be altered. Is your budget critical, or is the finished project matching to your initial vision the biggest concern? Be ready to communicate with your contractor.
Have a written scope of work on what you want to discuss with the contractor and ensure that both your needs and wants are met in the written scope of work. Pictures of your desired completed project will also help the contractor understand your desired complete project looks like and details can be (should be discussed in two phases) the rough stage and finish stage. At completion of the rough stage, you should have a list of what your finishes will be so the contractor can have those set for order and delivery. Blessings, Maria Cartage, Cartage Home Remodelers, Inc