Ten Steps to Successful Remodeling

Start With A Clear Goal

• Write down your objectives

• List your priorities

Major Pit Falls of the Construction Industry

• Change Orders are the biggest game played in the industry.  Many contractors attempt to pad the contract by 30% or more.  Once they are in your home you will sign anything to have them complete the project and leave

• Identify as much of the scope and materials as possible, because once a contractor has your signature you will not receive their best price

• “Time & Material Contracts” are a conflict of interest for the client.  What is the motivation to reduce either?  As any qualified mechanic can tell you the time and materials needed to complete a brake job so should any reputable contractor be able to cost of your project

Look For A Specialist

• Kitchens & Bathrooms require specialized skills and tools

• Hire a deck person for decks, etc.

Reputable Business

• Bonded, licensed, established place of business, tenure, industry memberships and client references

• References-Most contractors do not place their worst client experiences on a reference list.  So you need to ask one additional question when calling references “did anything go wrong during the project and if so how was it resolve?”  This alone could be the difference between two close choices

Guarantee

• In writing and monetary

• Material warranties in writing

Defined Process “Their System”

• Methodical process, contracting is stressful, a defined process will help eliminate potential stress

• Critical Path Scheduling system

• Procurement process, all parts and materials should be on hand prior to job start to prevent any delays

• Employees  vs. Subs

Contract

• This is for your protection as well as the contractor

• This is your road map to success and problem resolution

Define the Budget

• A good designer will design to a budget

• Ask what hidden cost may arise, is everything included  

Payment Schedule

• Make sure that you are holding enough funds to motivate the contractor to complete the project, recommended 20% to 40%

Visit Their Place of Business

• Friendly, established, clean and organized

• View previous projects