make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. be as specific as possible be good to work with…that goes along way
Take the entire process one step at a time. Nothing can be more overwhelming to a home owner than to try to get multiple projects done to their home at one time. I would recommend starting with one bathroom, one bedroom & the kitchen first. So you will still have one bathroom & bedroom in operation while the work is going on. If dust is a concern & it is a one story home, I would ask the home owner when do they think is the best time to do the kitchen remodel so it will not inconvenience them too much. Once those three projects are done, then we can wrap it up with the one remaining bathroom remodel & updating the additional bedroom.
That is a very large project and you will need to verify the contractors that bid on your project. In our area (Southeast Texas) we were hard hit by Hurricane Harvey and the extension flooding that came after it. So many contractors are tied up rebuilding houses that if the project could wait until late spring or early summer you would have a better chance of securing responsible capable experienced contractors. That is larger that what we are undertaking at this time.
Good planning, the more detailed the information will insure your contractors are bidding apples for apples.
make sure you hire someone licensed experienced and insured and check their reviews and References
As a homeowner, you should know what you want your final project to look like. Looking up all finish material items, paint choices, any cabinet styles and color choices. envisioning the final product.
First: you should not stay in the home with major updates if possible. The amount of disturbance in your day to day routine takes a toll on your everyday life. If you do stay in the home it would be likely that an operating bathroom would have to be maintained while the work is underway and a temporary kitchen. Having the work done separately adds to the cost.
Second: Three bids minimum on all work to get a price comparison and a detailed description on what is to be done by each sub if you are hiring them separately. You want to make sure no unforeseen costs arise. Licenses and proof of insurance. A bond should be issued or a waver depending on the state and laws of the state. Go to your building department and inquire about what is needed to do the work ex. Permits, insurance, bonds, licensing, home improvement licensing. All local jurisdictions should be able to give you a list of what items require a permit. If your contractor tries to steer you away from permits then you should sheer away from that contractor. Permits a standard of work document. Inspections are done by a qualified licensed professional to ensure safety and standards. Permits also add to the resale of your home. A remodel with verified permits ensure the next home owner that the right steps were taken to do the work.
Third: Design- pick everything out upfront. Know what is going in to the project. Delivery time can be up to 6 weeks for items and longer if specialty items. Make sure you can get replacements for certain items like tile, or flooring. If you are buying tile but its the last of the lot and you don’t have enough it will be hard to mix and may not come out the way you would like. I always tell my clients to file away ideas and images they are interested in then during the design faze you can mix and match then eliminate the ones that don’t work. Prepare- prepare- prepare, the better you prepare your project the better it will flow. You will have challenges, you will find things in the wall s you did not expect, but a good contractor with years in the field of remodeling is like having x-ray vision. They have seen it and know what to expect and the in turn helps with every aspect of the job.
Forth: Do your homework. If it took you years to save for your project or your taking out a loan, you are not going to like paying that money out if you did not get what you wanted. Good intentions will not make a contractor better if they are not knowledgeable about the work they do. Lets face it, Do you want to be the person they practice on before they learn? I wouldn’t
SPP
Make sure to check if flooring contractor you are hiring has a good online reputation. By deciding in favor of a flooring contractor with a five star reputation you are doing the right thing.
Due diligence are the key words. Contact your contractors references. Visit supply houses to become familiar with all product choices. Prepare a realistic budget and share it with your contractor and designer. Try to partner with them and dont make adversary of them. Understand the proper sequence of construction phases and how the entireness of each phase minimizes punch lists and makes for a job well done.
There are also inconveniences to all envoled when doing a home remodel. Realize that the time it takes to do the project is only a faction of the time you will have to enjoy it. That’s why it is called" building" and not “delivery”.
There are a lot of items that can insure a good outcome when doing a larger project. We can name a few to help.
One is that you need to identify your wants in the project for layout, sizing, finishes, colors, etc. If you have a good idea of what you want you can then get pricing from contractors and vendors. Also having an understanding of how you will live in the home while construction is going on and what type of inconvenience there maybe along the way. Looking and having an understanding of what is being done on your project and what you are getting for your money is very important. Do not have buyers remorse by not picking the right finishes you want or having the layout you actually wanted. There are plenty more but these are a few very important keys to sucess
- Backhaus Industries
Hiring an experience General Contractor that has strong relationships with many good quality subcontractors is essential. Additionally, look for a General Contractor who will be applying for building permits on your behalf (you should never take out building permits) and verify the licensure and insurance of your GC. Ask how their process works from top to bottom and always review materials and techniques for the best outcome. Hire an interior designer if needed.
A solid contract that outlines the responsibilities of the contractor and the homeowner to start off. This will ensure that there are no misunderstandings as to what is included and or what is whose responsibility. This would include start date, projected time for the contract to that place, drawings, permits, open communication with your contractor. Do not forget that hiring a fully licensed contractor (some states require that the individual be licensed thru the state not just a county license) with years experience and a portfolio with references. A project that large requires a knowledgeable contractor.
As a homeowner make sure that you hire a licensed, and fully insured contractor that will work with you and your time frame. If it’s a kitchen or bathroom or any other major home improvement project make sure you know what you want it to look like, but be openminded to what the contractor has to offer. You should also go online and look at different versions of the project that are related to the one you want to do, and find which idea suits your interests. Another thing that you can do is to order the materials you discussed with the contractor prior to the start of the job because some of the materials you may need might have to be custom made therefore it takes longer to deliver to your house.
My first suggestion is “Do Not take or allow short cuts”, short cutting on a job will lead to a bad outcome every time. Make sure that you and your contractor are thorough and detail minded when your tackle a project.
Second suggestion is “Communications”, make certain your contractor fully understands what you want, miscommunication is 98% of any problem. Talk to them!
Don’t be afraid of giving a contractor money upfront for materials, most small contractors usually can’t afford to pay for the materials for your project out of their own pocket, and it’s unfair for you to ask them to. If you don’t trust a contractor, then you should rethink hiring that person. Investigate a contractor first, it’s as simple as calling the BBB, or looking on Social Media like Facebook, and other sites. Once you’re comfortable with a contractor, make sure he is well funded enough to get your project done.
make sure you have all details ready for the contractor including things like paint color what type of trim or what you want for a back splash in your kitchen , make sure you get the right contractor so your not having a contractor that mainly does roofing or concrete remodeling your bathroom and don’t take the cheapest bid they are normally hacks
choose a right contractor for the remodeling project of your home, a get a firm bid and a good understanding from the contractor, knowing precise the type of materials the clients wants to use.
Main things you could do is make sure you have AFCI and GFCI protection and view other codes for structure and plumbing.
First, always take detailed notes on everything, including saving all your email communications. I prefer to keep my information online, in the cloud, so I can grab it from anywhere.
Second, if your contractor is not supplying products, make sure you shopping and ordering is done long before these items required. Check delivery times.
Third, since most problems on projects stem from lack of communication, don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Make sure that you spend time with your contractor, laying out specific plans including dimensions, color, style (of cabinetry, flooring and walls)
Make sure your contractor is LICENSED! If they are using sub contractors, make sure they are licensed as well
DO NOT PAY to much money upfront!!! Most contractors will secure 1/3 of total contract upfront, this will enable the contractor to pay sub contractors or pay for material needed to start. When the job is 1/3 complete, to your satisfaction, then another 1/3 will be due. Make sure the contractor PUTS THIS IN WRITING.
Do not sign contracts that state “fees above and beyond” work performed will be the clients obligation. DONT SIGN THAT! There is nothing specific in that comment and you can be liable for fees beyond your control!
Make sure that when you first meet the contractor, you go with you gut feeling! If you feel rushed or uncomfortable in anyway, move on! TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!
hire the right person