Remodeling continues to maintain strength as homeowners live in their homes longer or look for an alternative to add value to their property. Even the smallest of projects can re-imagine a space. I recently refinished hardwood floors in my home, and drastically stained the floors from a honey color to a dark mahogany. If done right, these changes can renew your enthusiasm of coming home.
Having gone through several projects myself, I learned a lot along the way, some after the fact.
The Basic: As many guides will tell you, get a few estimates to compare. Check references and ask to visit job sites/past projects. Look up the company in the BBB and make sure they are licensed, insured and will pull appropriate permits.
The Details: Make sure your contract is extremely complete, thorough and includes work to be completed (it should not just say “install light fixture”). The contract should also state the material used, who will be responsible for material selection and purchase. From the previous example, specify who will purchase light fixture, the type/brand. Also, doing some homework and can save a lot of frustration and hassle later – specify if job includes wiring, pulling new wires, installing light switch, installing a junction box, etc. Being as specific as possible on the job and materials used helps avoid confusion.
For each project you are considering, I highly recommend reading DIY forums, watching videos or going to your hardware store and asking someone. This will give you insight on what your project involves appropriate materials to be used and a rough estimate on cost of materials. This will also help you avoid using sub par/outdated materials and negotiate specific items in contract. I have seen a bathroom rehab where the contractor installed whiteboard in the shower/tub area because homeowner did not know the difference between white / green / cement boards.
Contract should also specify who is responsible for cleaning up and taking debris with them. Some areas do not allow construction debris to be tossed in city garbage bins. Some internet companies and 3rd parties charge a few hundred to clean up and take debris with them, depending on total weight of material. I have found a nearby dumping station that only charges $32 p/ ½ ton of debris, although you are responsible for cleaning up and bringing to their site.
You should also inquire whether the contractor is using his own crew or if subcontractors are being used which can affect cost and time of project.
One of my contractors gives me a contract that separates the cost of materials, and labor. Very cut and dry. I know whether his material cost is realistic or if it’s exaggerated.
I also get interior designers involved early in the process, especially for big projects. This can save you cost on going back if things to do match up with each other or your furniture.
In the End: You should specify that final payment is dependent on your approval of project on final walk through and a final delivery date / project complete date is included in contract.
Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations. This can save you money later especially if you are rehabbing your home for resale as almost all buyers will have the home professionally inspected. Some contractors will allow job approval to be given by an inspector, although I have met many who were somewhat hostile to this, which made me wonder why…
Sherwin is a REALTOR® in the Chicago & Suburban area with @properties. Questions can be forwarded to Sherwin Sucaldito
”Livin’ in the Details” by Sherwin Sucaldito is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at Realty Evolved
