Finding the right contractor to work with you on your project will be a challenge but if you follow these steps, the outcome will be very rewarding.
As remodeling is big business, there are contractors who specialize in everything from replacing windows to whole-house remodels. One of the best ways to find a contractor is to get referrals from your friends or neighbors who have just completed projects that are similar to yours.
Before you call the contractors, check with your local licensing department to see if they are a licensed, bonded and insured contractor, if your state requires this. Check to see if they are in good standing with the department. Ask your friends and family to tell you honestly what they liked best and least about the contractor, are they happy with the outcome, and would they use them again. These answers definitely will let you know if it would be wise to interview the contractor.
Plan to interview 3 contractors in your home and ask them how they would approach the project. The contractor's response will give you their work ethic and what you can expect while the work is being done. You also what to know if they offer architectural services as well as plumbing and electrical. Will this contract include all of the finish materials for the project or do you, as the homeowner, supply cabinets, sinks, light fixtures, etc? Does the contractor have company crews or is the work sub-contracted out? Will there be a project supervisor on the site?
One of the more important issues is how the contractor deals with change orders. As you may know, the less change orders you have, the more "in budget" your project will be. Hence, the reason for working with a designer at the beginning of the project is to have more control over the pro
ject.
By doing your homework, you and the designer indicate on the drawings, what cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring, etc. you want. The contractor than bids the project with these specified items. There is no reason for change orders in these areas, unless of course, you change your mind.
Changes can be costly if the items have been ordered and restocking fee is charged or if the changes effect labor (adding more outlets or re-routing plumbing, as examples). Most contractors add a percentage to cover the change order which typically includes time for paperwork and possibly interruption of the job schedule.
A change order may be necessary to cover any unforeseen items, as noted in his contract, during a remodel. This is common because you don't know what is in the ceiling or behind the walls until you remove the drywall. This is definitely a legitimate change order, but only if the contractor explains the issues to you and gives you a cost in writing before the work is starts. The less surprises, the better.
In addition to work, experience and reputation, it is very important to mesh personalities. Remember that you will have people in your home from early in the morning to late afternoon on an almost steady basis until the project is complete.
Are you satisfied with the explanations to your questions? Is the contractor reachable by phone at reasonable times? Will the contractor be on the job every day or pop in once a week? What is the expected completion schedule?
It's time to now decide whom will get your contract. Price will be one of the deciding factors, but all the bids should come in fairly close, and if not, determine why. Pick your contractor wisely. Remember, this is your project! You are paying the bills!
As remodeling is big business, there are contractors who specialize in everything from replacing windows to whole-house remodels. One of the best ways to find a contractor is to get referrals from your friends or neighbors who have just completed projects that are similar to yours.
Before you call the contractors, check with your local licensing department to see if they are a licensed, bonded and insured contractor, if your state requires this. Check to see if they are in good standing with the department. Ask your friends and family to tell you honestly what they liked best and least about the contractor, are they happy with the outcome, and would they use them again. These answers definitely will let you know if it would be wise to interview the contractor.
Plan to interview 3 contractors in your home and ask them how they would approach the project. The contractor's response will give you their work ethic and what you can expect while the work is being done. You also what to know if they offer architectural services as well as plumbing and electrical. Will this contract include all of the finish materials for the project or do you, as the homeowner, supply cabinets, sinks, light fixtures, etc? Does the contractor have company crews or is the work sub-contracted out? Will there be a project supervisor on the site?
One of the more important issues is how the contractor deals with change orders. As you may know, the less change orders you have, the more "in budget" your project will be. Hence, the reason for working with a designer at the beginning of the project is to have more control over the pro
ject. By doing your homework, you and the designer indicate on the drawings, what cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring, etc. you want. The contractor than bids the project with these specified items. There is no reason for change orders in these areas, unless of course, you change your mind.
Changes can be costly if the items have been ordered and restocking fee is charged or if the changes effect labor (adding more outlets or re-routing plumbing, as examples). Most contractors add a percentage to cover the change order which typically includes time for paperwork and possibly interruption of the job schedule.
A change order may be necessary to cover any unforeseen items, as noted in his contract, during a remodel. This is common because you don't know what is in the ceiling or behind the walls until you remove the drywall. This is definitely a legitimate change order, but only if the contractor explains the issues to you and gives you a cost in writing before the work is starts. The less surprises, the better.
In addition to work, experience and reputation, it is very important to mesh personalities. Remember that you will have people in your home from early in the morning to late afternoon on an almost steady basis until the project is complete.
Are you satisfied with the explanations to your questions? Is the contractor reachable by phone at reasonable times? Will the contractor be on the job every day or pop in once a week? What is the expected completion schedule?
It's time to now decide whom will get your contract. Price will be one of the deciding factors, but all the bids should come in fairly close, and if not, determine why. Pick your contractor wisely. Remember, this is your project! You are paying the bills!
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