Tips for a Flawless Remodel
Remodeling your home can be a daunting task. You have a vision of exactly what you and many questions. Do you have enough money? How will you figure out who to hire? What type of inconveniences should you expect? How long will it take to finish? Will the delivery live up to expectations? Here are some straightforward tips for a flawless remodel.
Determine Your Budget Before You Begin
Remodeling jobs can differ considerably in price. Materials chosen can have a great impact on labor costs and the overall project cost. For example, it is significantly less expensive to install vinyl flooring than marble tile or hardwood. However, the labor cost of laying different types of square foot tile, whether it is ceramic, porcelain or slate, should be similar.
Find Some Examples and Document the Project
Visit friends or show rooms, open magazines and books, and determine what you want. Prepare documentation including scope of work, floor plans, color schemes, quality of raw materials and timeframe expectations. Be specific and consistent. Make sure you provide each contractor with the same information so you can compare apples to apples when the final bids are delivered.
Define Success
Prioritize the features that are most important to you. Are you willing to sacrifice some quality of material to keep the project price low or is quality of the utmost concern. Spending a little extra for these features of your remodel may pay off in the long run. For example, if you are remodeling a basement and creating a home theatre you may want to spend a bit more of your budget on the TV and spend a bit less on the hardwood floors and wall coverings. It is all a personal choice.
Find a Reliable Contractor
The most difficult part of any remodeling job is finding a reliable contractor. AAA Screening can help you with this piece of the puzzle by interviewing references, verifying licenses and insurance, checking criminal and civil history, as well as performing a credit check to ensure the contractor pays subcontractors and suppliers in a timely manner.
AAA Screening will provide you a complete report with detailed results and suggestions to help ensure you are completely comfortable with the contractor’s ability to deliver your vision. Contact AAA Screening at 800.289.7015 or visit http://www.aaascreening.com for additional information
Get It in Writing
As with most contracts, a little extra time goes a long way. The contract should include detailed scope, financial terms, payment plans, specifics on supplies, timelines, permits, inspections, work schedules, procedures for change orders, expectations of daily and end of project clean up, warranty or guarantee information final deliverables, and the checklist or "Punch List" used to solidify project completion. The contract should be very specific. See below for examples.
| The good | The bad | The ugly |
|---|---|---|
Install kitchen cabinets manufactured by XYZ Company, model ABC, per plan. |
Install oak country-style cabinets. |
Install some cabinets. |
Brand XYZ kitchen faucet in style ABC and color 123. |
Kitchen faucet replaced if necessary. |
Kitchen fixtures. |
During the Project
Regularly walk around the project with your contractor. Don’t hesitate to point out items that don’t seem to meet specifications. Typically the key to resolving remodeling conflicts is early detection.
Chances are there will be subcontractors doing many parts of your project. They are not authorized to make substantive changes in your project. You should discuss all changes with the contractor - and be sure that physical change orders, including any changes in price, scope of work, time frame adjustments or material substitutions are put in writing BEFORE the changes are undertaken. This will avoid conflicts at the end of the project, and insure a smooth finish to your project.
Keep a File
Maintain a file of all documents pertaining to the project. These items include the contract, change orders, plans and specifications, bills and invoices, cancelled checks, lien releases, notes and correspondence with contractor, subcontractor detail and pictures of the job.
Close Out the Project
The final walk-through is a critical element to completing your job. Before making your final payment, ensure that all items on your "Punch List" have been completed. Both you and your contractor should sign the checklist. It is common for there to be "little things" that are still to be completed, so don't be frustrated. Being clear and specific during this walk through will make the final steps to completion go smoother.
Sit back and enjoy the results
Your home is the biggest investment most people ever make, and a beautiful remodeling project is something you and your family will enjoy for years to come!