Read the contract a few times, then re-read the contract again. Make sure that large change orders will not come up. Work is always slowed down due to unexpected problems. During these unexpected problems, there are 2 issues. 1. The contractor is not ready for them with the materials and ability to complete the work. 2. The home owner is not ready to pay the additional cost of the problem.
Work it out with the contractor as to what possibly may come up, and how much extra it will be. And make sure the contractor can handle any additional work that comes up.
Have a vision of what you want your project to look like when finished. Educate yourself on types of materials you would like to use. Be as Blount and specific as possible. Know what your budget is.
Let us do our job. You hired me for a reason. When i try to do things your way mistakes get made. Sorry but its the truth.
make sure that you know exactly what finishes you want
Do your homework up front. Make a list of what you want and be specific. This list will be passed on to your contractors for bidding. The only way you can get an apples to apples cost is to be prepared before you meet the first contractor. If the 1st contractor makes suggestions, make a note of the suggestions. The scope could change with each contractor, so be sure to control the meeting and not allow the contractor to Tell you what you want.
Be sure to have all of your selections done prior to the start of the job, this will alleviate any stoppage of the work flow. You don’t want the contractor waiting for you to make selections. Be sure you have covered all of your basis prior to starting, change orders can put a damper on the job and it can usually add time and money. Be in control of your money, be sure you are paying for work completed and not work that is incomplete.
Iron out as many details as possible. Make sure your contractor has the proper man power. Try and avoid change orders.
- Make sure your contractor provides a thorough written contract that talks about the project details, delineates a timeline for completion, payment details, and payment schedule. The contract in my opinion is a great litmus test for ability.
- You should check on your contractors recent projects. Just because they were awesome in 2010 doesn’t mean they’re still financially solvent, or responsible now.
- You should not consider the least expensive contractor. Successful quality contractors have large overhead costs because they are responsible, insured, and abide by all the regulations of their state.
I personally would not do to much at one time or it will get to be to overwhelming. Start with 1 project and go from there. Make a check list of what you want your contractor to do and make sure they are qualified to do it . Also make sure everything is spelled out in the contract. Cant say that strong enough ! Everything !! and if you change anything in the contract write it down on same contract and have both parties sign it . Just some things i learned when i had some work done . Check licences and insurance !!
Getting a qualified general contractor is the first thing you need to do. Making sure that they’re licensed and insured and they are capable of completing the project to your satisfaction. Getting a complete scope of work from the individual’s who you decide to take on the project will also help you. This will give you an idea of the time it will take them to complete the job and every step that they will take, to complete the job.
Know what you want!, and if you need help, be flexible. Be an educated customer…this will help on both the project and hiring sides. Do not go with the lowest price or a really good friend. Have enough money budgeted to complete the project the way you want it (allot 10% extra). The best and worst contractors run into problems; the best fix them, while the worst hide or ignore them.
Have a budget, review that budget with your contractor to make sure everything you want will fit into that budget. If it does not you will have to remove, value engineer or change some items, fixtures, etc. When you expect a contractor to provide you with more than your budget for free it is almost certain to end as a disaster for both parties.
First, you need to define what a success project is.
Some would definitely it as on time, or on budget. Other may define success as the end result and quality.
As important as all those point are, I would define the success of the project on the entire process from the first consultation to the final cleaning and follow up.
Remodeling will often have times of the “unexpected” surprises. Most clients will also reach a boiling point some time during the project. A successful project is how the contractor deals with those surprises and those times the customer just needs a little more slack. If there are good reasons for a project running longer than anticipated, the contractor should explain this to the client in advance. Information will often surprises frustration.
When we meet with any prospective client, regardless of the size project, we explain the entire process form start to finish. If we get the project, we follow the road map we laid out. That, accompanied with a good contract showing the total cost, payment schedule and how any overages are dealt with, is the best assurance of a successful project.
One other thing, make sure the contractor you select has done projects similar to yours. In other words, don’t hire a deck builder to remodel a kitchen.
Joe Balich
President
Meridian DesignBuild, ltd.
(704) 573-2626
This is a large remodel & obviously these are the most important parts of the home, Careful thoughtful planning & budgeting here are key, ask yourself if you are creating your dream kitchen and bathrooms or is the resale value of your remodel more important… Consider hiring a professional to help with the design and finer details of the project, Keep your design within your budget
You may want to move out for this remodel & if you do factor into your budget the costs associated with temporary living accommodation rent, moving, storage etc. It’s not always feasible to move out of your home temporarily during construction consider phasing the project, think about the changes to your lifestyle along with the costs associated with it. Generally there are measures that can be taken to minimize the construction impact on the residents should you decide to live in your home during a large remodel, prepare yourself to live in a construction site for a few months, ask your contractor what to expect.
Take the time with your family & Interview 2 or 3 reputable potential contractors and choose the contractor not only on budget but trust your gut here too.
Most remodels have tight time frames & budgets are set, I would plan on budgeting a 10% contingency into the overall cost for changes caused by either unknown conditions that will need to be addressed or changes initiated by you, keep in mind additional work typically requires additional time to complete.
Take the time to have regular progress meetings with your designer & contractor it will provide you more insight, give you more control on your budget & timing by being involved.
Talking with a previous client that we have worked for goes a long way, even seeing our completed work and hiring people that have been in the trades a long time and that still do the work and not hiring out inexperienced help!
I would first ask the contractor company you are working with to take you to a few of their jobs to see if you like the way that they work. Secondly, I would go to CSLB and check that their license is valid. Third, I would meet with a few people from their crew and if you’re comfortable with them, I would go for it. Make sure your contract is detailed and leaves to room for error. If you’re located in California we could absolutely do the project for you! We provide quality work.
Silverline Home Remodeling Inc
855-884-4790
You want to start off by finding the type of fixtures that you would like installed. Either having the cut sheets or the actual fixtures onsite will ensure that the fixtures are placed in the proper location and heights. This will leave the plumber and home owner confident that everything is at proper heights and locations so when the drywall and paint or tile goes up everything will match perfect to customers fixtures for trim out.
Ask questions and get answers. Communicate with contractor and have hime follow contract.
As a homeowner, in order to make sure your remodeling project is successful, you need to read reviews about the construction company, to make sure the company has satisfied customers and successful projects in the past.
You need to choose 3 contractors and ask them for an estimate, After that, ask to see projects the company has completed and meet with the contractor’s customers in the past.
Once you have a detailed estimate, a price that fits your budget and previous customers that are satisfied, you have a very good chance to be succeed in your project too.
Since it is a new experience for the customer; it is common to feel stressed with all kind of work around the house. Our first recommendation before hiring a contractor is to make sure they are licensed and bonded. Then, ask for pictures of recent jobs and make sure the contractor is responsive and a clear communicator. Once you decide to work with the contractor, read carefully the contract. Don’t sign anything if it is not entirely detailed. Don’t accept any verbal agreement. Don’t pay upfront.