Select a Professional,
Reliable, Remodeling Contractor
Finding a qualified professional remodeling
contractor doesn't have to be a difficult task. By following
these guidelines you will make the selection process easier
and be better prepared to make an informed decision that
best suites your needs.
Employ a contractor with an established business in your
area. Local firms can be checked through references from
past customers in your community. Local remodelers are compelled
to perform satisfactory work for their business to survive.
Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed
and or bonded. Contact your state or local licensing agencies
to ensure the contractor meets all requirements.
Check the remodeling contractor with the government Consumer
Affair Office and the Better Business Bureau to ensure there
is no adverse file on record.
Ask to see a copy of the contractor's certification of insurance
and for the name of his or her insurance agency to verify
coverage. Most states require a contractor to carry worker's
compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance.
Make sure the contractor's insurance coverage meets all
the minimum requirements. If you solicit bids from several
different contractors, be sure they are bidding on the same
scope and quality of work. Discuss variations in bids and
beware of any bid that is substantially lower than the others.
Proper Planning is Important
Think your project through from start to finish. Careful
planning of your home improvement projects will enable you
to update your home, increase the value of your investment
and customize your living space — all for a lot less than
the cost of a new home.
Look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed?
What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and
determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors
can help you in your planning by outlining options and discussing
the improvements you can make within your budget.
Be sure to review your homeowner's insurance policy and
make adjustments for the added value of the work being done.
Financing Your Remodeling Project
There are various financing plans available to homeowners.
Among the most popular is the equity line of credit which
bases the loan amount on the equity in your home.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has loans specifically
for home improvements. They are available through many banks
and lending institutions. The FHA, however, requires the
contractor be approved by the lender. The FHA does not guarantee
the contractor's work.
Some institutions will allow you to borrow against the anticipated
equity in your home once your remodeling project is complete.
Think About Design and Function
Design and function should be foremost in your mind
if you're thinking of adding a room or converting an existing
room.
When planning a larger, more complicated project give thought
to details such as: where you want electrical outlets, telephone
jacks and cable hook-ups located: the type of lighting required:
your current and future storage needs: and whether you want
to include luxury items. These details will enable your
home improvement to better suit your needs and lifestyle.
A professional remodeling contractor should be consulted
about design and function of any remodeling project. He
or she can also help you with time and money-saving hints.
Comply With Local Codes and Permits
Building codes have been established by most cities, towns
and countries. They vary considerably from one jurisdiction
to another.
A building permit generally is required whenever structural
work is involved or when the basic living area of the home
is to be changed.
A professional who works in your city or town every day
will know the local requirements.
A Well Written Contract in Essential
Be sure the contract includes the contractor's name,
address, phone and license number (if applicable).
Detail what the contractor will and will not do.
Your contractor should detail a list of materials for the
project in your contract. This includes size, color, model,
brand name and product.
The contract should include the approximate start date and
completion dates.
Study all required plans carefully. Insist that you approve
them and that they are identified in your written contract
before any work begins.
Federal law requires a contractor to give you written notice
of your right to, without penalty, cancel a contract within
three business days of signing it, provided it was solicited
at some place other than the contractor's place of business
or appropriate trade premises your home, for instance, or
has financing provision.
Make sure financial terms are understood and spelled out
in the contract. The total price, payment schedule, and
any cancellation penalty should be clear.
A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum
of one year should be written into the contract. The warranty
must be identified as either "full" or "limited."
The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty
(contractor, distributor or manufacturer) must be identified.
Make sure the time period for the warranty is specified.
Thoroughly review the entire contract and be certain you
understand in before signing it.
Consider the scope of the project and make sure all items
you've requested are included. If you do not see a specific
item in the contract, consider in not included. Never sign
an incomplete contract. Always keep a copy of the final
document for your records.
Working With Professionals
Before work begins, ask your contractor what inconveniences
may occur while the project is underway and plan for them
accordingly. Be sure your contractor is aware of vacations
or special events so that he or she may schedule appropriately.
Move personal property from construction areas and declare
all work zones off-limits to children and pets.
Be sure to put all changes in writing if your remodeling
project is modified while work is being done. The amendment
should be signed by both parties.
Keep a job file including contract, plans, specifications,
invoices, change orders and all correspondence with the
contractor.
Request a contractor's Affidavit of Final Release be provided
to you at the time you make final payment and a final waiver
of mechanic's lien. This is your assurance that you will
not be liable for any third-party claims for nonpayment
of materials or subcontractors.
Choose a Course of Action
Depending on your needs and the size complexity of your
intended remodeling project, there are several different
options for you to explore before finalizing your plans.
Attempt to define which of the following alternatives represents
the best approach for your project.
The General Contractor
Many home improvements may not require professional design
services and can best be handled by an experienced contractor.
Again, be sure to deal with a professional. Even small jobs
need careful planning as their successful completion is
important to you.
The Design/Build Contractor
Design/Build is a concept developed to benefit the homeowner
with their (his or her) remodeling project by providing
both quality design and construction services within the
same company. A design/build contractor will be able to
see your project through from start to finish, keeping design,
engineering and budget in mind.
The Architect
Major remodeling projects require construction drawings
to define contracts and permits procurement. If your professional
remodeler does not provide design services, you can use
a professionally trained architect. It is best to work with
an architect experienced in remodeling, he or she will be
more sensitive to the special challenges that remodeling
represents.
