Before you start any job, or hire any contractor or sub-contractor you need list of creditable references.
Examples, Bank and banker info and contract, supplier info and contract, ins. Info and contact and list of creditable references.
Insuring that all building permits and plans are pulled and that the construction job will pass code.
First, have a firm idea of the funds available and what you want to accomplish. Think a great deal about how you want to use the space, so you can communicate that to the architect. Pictures are helpful, but be able to explain what you particularly like about each image. Be flexible about the options given to you by the designer. The space or the budget will affect his ability to achieve your goal. Hire an architect whose work you like and give them a little range to offer options. A good designer can often create something unexpected and better than what you had originally hoped for. Remember that you’re going to do this once: they do it many, many times and may be able to offer something unexpected.
On larger projects where there are significant changes to a residence, it may be to your advantage to hire an architect or interior designer to make up a set of plans to give to contractors that are bidding on the project. That way all contractors are receiving the same information. Each contractor may have suggestions regarding the plans, but all have the same starting point, so that it will be easier for the homeowner to compare the individual proposals. Another thing that helps to arrive at a successful outcome is to get a very detailed proposal from contractors bidding on your project. Vague or general proposals without all the details are a recipe for problems down the road. Everything should be in writing. With so much going on during a remodeling project, verbal agreements to changes can easily be misunderstood or forgotten as the project progresses.
In our professional and personal experience, we find that the most important thing to ensuring a successful project with minimal headaches is a detailed contract. We recommend that you as a homeowner consult with 2-3 contractors and request a formal proposal that way you can compare apples to apples. In a professional proposal, you should find a breakdown of what all is included in your bid (labor, materials, allowances for materials) etc. Having an outline of your project with the details of whats included in the price will not only save you money but also peace of mind that your project will be completed as contract states.
Get drawings to get three bids (apple to apple) then get a hotel room for a couple months so the work can commence without impacting you.
We always advise our clients that it’s imperative they have their full expectations (project scope, price, and timing) outlined and communicated before starting anything. Change orders and miscommunications, which are sometimes necessary evils in this industry, are expensive and also have a negative impact on the overall project satisfaction.
This type of project incorporates a lot of trades, hiring a general contractor will save time and headache. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable contractor will assure a successful outcome. Years of experience and many completed projects in contractor’s portfolio is the most important thing.
I would say that having a very well thought out project always helps. We understand homeowners don’t always know the exact details of how remodels are done. So we never worry about giving advice or making suggestions. However, at the very least it is helpful to know exactly what you want. Which means, visiting Pinterest and Houzz for ideas. As well as Lowes or Home Depot. Also, consider the future and how your remodel will stand against time. I would even suggest running your ideas by several family members and close friends. After all, remodels are not done so often. So we as contractors want the customer to feel very satisfied with their project.
Patience. Patience. Patience. Be prepared for the unexpected. Be open, honest, calm and clear with your expectations when working out any issues.
Hire based on your first impression of the contractor. Review their contract, make sure they are licensed. See if they understand what it is you as the client wants, are they referring you to design professionals to help you realize your dreams, or are they just saying yes to land the project.
When you get to the cabinets, make sure you know exactly what you would like. Our shop is all custom so it helps ease the stress on that part. Hope this helps 
be part of the team, ask question, wait for answer
Before contacting a contractor get a fairly finalized design of what you want the project to look when completed. While a contractor can advise you on how to effectively achieve that look, he should not make the decisions regarding the finishes:cabinets,faucets, fixtures etc.
Make sure you research your contractor. Ask for references, insurance etc… Make sure you understand what they’re planning to execute, ask for a timeline and communicate as much as possible. If anything during the process of hiring makes you feel uncomfortable discuss it with your contractor, if he can’t set your mind at ease they’re not the right contractor for you.
I would highly suggest to take your time in making the preliminary decisions such as what your finishes will be. If you can go to general contractor with a design and specified finishes then he or she will know exactly what you are looking for and can give you just that.
Often I find that a homeowner has an idea of what they want but does not have the specifics worked out and that it can create an issue of miscommunication between the owner and contractor. The contractor may leave out certain details that they just don’t know the answers to or may include details for finishes that they may suggest but the owner does not necessarily want to have. Not having the specifics worked out before the project starts could very likely cost you time and possibly money you may not have been expecting to spend.
We just need to communicate what your vision is for the completion of the project. The rest is just wires.
Their are many complex situations that can arise from a significant home remodel. To name a few, the ever dreaded change order, back ordered material, termites, deadlines, and finely honesty. Honesty is listed last but for myself and anyone that represents Richardson Construction LLC. honesty is number one priority. We try to preform honest work for honest wage, we don’t want to do just one job for you we want to be your trusted construction consultant, if you think of residential remodeling, new construction, or real estate investment you think of your friends at Richardson Construction LLC.
Change orders and deadlines should be professional and very detailed so both parties understand what is expected of one another. I’ve always found the more questions that are asked the better quality job I can do for a customer, a informed customer is a good customer. Finally back ordered material is sometimes unavoidable but as long as everyone is informed and kept up to date things usually work out. There has been a many of times when I’ve had to drive two states over to pick up material that wasn’t going to make a deadline. Its these things that make a successful and fun and entertaining remodel instead of the dreaded “Money Pit”
Communicate with the contractor, I advise my clients to move out for a few days or weeks if they want the job done quicker. Knowing what materials you want also helps. I can certainly make suggestions but in the end its up to the customer to chose what they want in their house
The contractors experience with the similar projects will make difference in the outcome. As a home owner, your sword would be money. Make sure you do not pay more than the percentage completed at the time of payments. This way, contractors have motivation to finish to your satisfaction. The contractors should be able to provide you with the construction schedule and schedule of value prior to the contracting.