If you want the job done fast then hire a big contractor (Brodt Construction is a small contractor). Be aware big construction firms may miss some details, and bring workers to the job you are not comfortable with. That being said, if you’re not pressed for time, then break down your overall job into smaller projects and commit to one project at a time until the overall job is completed. This will insure the project is successful but will take longer.
Do your homework, understand your role, make decisions, have open mind toward unforeseen conditions & code upgrades - they can result in change orders which lead to budget increases.
“I always refer to the 5 Ps: Proper planning prevents poor performance.” This is to say, the more time you invest in the beginning the better. The best advice I could ever give a client is that they do a great job with all the leg work and make sure they have their ducks in a row before they begin construction. After that, the most important thing is the relationship between the entire team involved in the project. The designer, architect, builder and homeowner need to have a great working relationship.
-Steve Soto, Co-Owner Tri-Tech Construction
Clients need to have realistic expectations and their numbers need to be in line. We have to communicate things clearly to make sure they understand everything the execution will entail. Many of our clients want to push the envelope and do things that haven’t been done before, so it is important for us to show them what this will actually look like and what this will cost.
Clients have to start with a budget that is realistic. Clients have to do a lot of research to understand they’re constraints and to know what they want. Then I highly recommend staggered deposits and payments. That way the homeowner is paying a deposit for the next step of the project and only paying for the work that has been completed. It also puts my incentives in line with my clients.
Homeowners have to start with a budget that is realistic. Clients have to do a lot of research to understand they’re constraints and to know what they want. Then I highly recommend staggered deposits and payments. That way the homeowner is paying a deposit for the next step of the project and only paying for the work that has been completed. It also puts my incentives in line with my clients.
- After interviewing a few reputable/licensed/insured contractors, work with one to establish a clear and complete scope of work (including design, engineering and permitting).
- Make sure you receive a detailed estimate, work/payment schedule and, if you proceed, contract.
- Hold the contractor accountable to the contract. Don’t let them charge you for any work or materials not yet complete/received.
Good Morning
Seems you have received many of the obvious ones about finding the right contractor. However, one more important factor is that you the homeowner are making certain that you have all the necessary decisions and choices ready to go.
Once the project starts is very hard to stop in the middle of the process for material or color selections. Be ready, be prepared and many contractors offer design and consultation services for those of us homeowners that need an extra helping hand. Be ready with your end and expect the contractor to do the same.
Maintain a constant dialog with your contractor. Schedule regular walk-thrus on the project to be sure the project is running on time and on budget. Be sure that inspections are being conducted and passed. Question everything, it’s your project and you have the right to know what’s going on at all times. Remain positive and optimistic - a great attitude is contagious.
Communication is the KEY. Communicate with the references before you hire a contractor.
Ask as many questions about the process as you can think of; ask your friends what problems that arose with their projects. Always talk about any changes either in structure or materials and have a change order in writing so that you verified the change.
Every customer is given a detailed schedule and calendar of events before the project begins. This allows the homeowner and workers to accurately follow and manage the project timeline.
Time management is very important! Make sure your contractor is scheduling a realistic timeframe for completion
As a homeowner, please ask any questions about anything that you are not sure on or are confused about. I would rather you ask, then be unsure about something that I am doing that you don’t understand.
Homeowner,
As my experience as a contractor, clear communication throughout the entire project with your designated project manager or owner for smaller companies is the key to a successful remodel. When going over things with your contractor, make sure they are writing things down. Everyone forgets things, and even follow up with a email confirming what was discussed.
Understand your contract with your contractor and what all is being covered, what is not and how you are covering change orders if they come about. Understand how long the project should take and selections reviewed and signed off on so there is no confusion for either party involved.
Anytime you have a question or concerns about the job, how something is being done or you don’t understand something, always contact your project manager on the job or owner of the company, not necessarily whoever is on site.
Be open to any suggestion from your contractor; chances are they might have come across a similar situation a time or two and/or possibly have a great design sense.
Make sure your contractor is licensed, insured (and not just the state minimums) and look for some reviews on your contractor of choice.
Good luck,
RestoreBuild LLC
(844) 365-PLAN
Be absolutely sure about the scope of work you would like to have done. Changes to a project can result in additional costs that may be excessive.
Well, to me its always very important to have good communication with my clients and understand what they need.
Start by doing your research on your contractor: have they done this type of work before, if so how long ago? What did it come out like? Was the customer satisfied?
Next, try not to deviate from the original plan if possible. I know most homeowners decide to change certain things mid project. If you do this you need to expect that its going to throw the whole project off the original plan. As contractors, we go into a project expecting certain things and working on a certain time frame. If a change postpones the finish of a project or changes the expected area around it, you must be prepared. Last and most importantly, this is the real world; this isn’t HGTV. Projects take time and money. The shows you see are only an hour long and they have huge crews working day and night with special permits. Most contractors work normal hours and have somewhat of a family life. Don’t expect an addition on your house to only take 7 days from foundation to finish, its not reasonable.
First of all, when you sign a contract, make sure everything is written down in detail, including scope of work, quality of materials, payment schedule etc. Second, before the job starts, make sure all the necessary permits have been pulled. Then, as the job goes along, make sure you are updated with the work progress. If any question arises, talk it through with the contractor as soon as possible to sort it out.
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First of all, you have to look for a contractor with a valid California Construction License, current liability insurance and bond, and also has a worker’s compensation policy as well. Then, you have to go through different websites, including contractor’s website (if available), to ascertain if they have enough experience and good reputation in what they are doing. Then you have to contact selected contractors based on what has been mentioned and ask them to give you an estimate of the project. Then you have a good base to compare and choose your next contractor.