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| Remodeling |
Questions To Ask Potential Contractors
Timing and money are the most common questions a home improvement contractor hears, but during an interview, homeowners should be asking about credentials and verifying business practices. Instead, what is often heard is, “When can you start? When will it be finished? How much will it cost?”
These simply aren’t enough. If you are going to have a successful remodeling project, you need to learn the right questions to ask and how to ask them.
Start by asking questions about a company’s business practices and experience in a similar type of project. If you decide you want to hire a particular remodeling contractor, then you can discuss when he or she can start, what time he or she can knock on your door each morning and when you will have your home to yourselves again.
Here are more questions:
It’s also important to realize that sometimes it’s not the answers you get that are significant, but what you don’t get. Asking the right questions is not enough. You need to pay attention to your instincts and to what information is missing.
Unlike your accountant or stockbroker, your remodeler will be a part of your daily life and available for some on-the-job education. He or she will be privy to your personal life, more so than your doctor or lawyer. Your contractor will know how you look early in the morning and how well behaved your dog is. It makes sense that you should take some time to carefully select this person and make sure that it is someone to whom you can ask questions.
Proper Planning is Important
For considerably less than a new home, 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. As part of the planning process, 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.
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, intended use of the space, flow of the space, 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 your lifestyle.
A professional remodeling contractor or design service 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 counties. 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 or footprint of the home is to be changed. Ask your real estate agent or your insurance agent about the local requirements in your area. Also, if you live in a deed-restricted community, be sure to review your copy of the homeowners agreement. Under some agreements, it’s your responsibility to notify your homeowners association if you intend to make any home improvements. This may include getting the plans approved by a design committee.
A Well Written Contract is Essential
Before any remodeling work can begin, there must be a complete contract. This holds the job together and ensures that all parties involved agree to the same vision and scope for the project.
Timing and money are the most common questions a home improvement contractor hears, but during an interview, homeowners should be asking about credentials and verifying business practices. Instead, what is often heard is, “When can you start? When will it be finished? How much will it cost?”
These simply aren’t enough. If you are going to have a successful remodeling project, you need to learn the right questions to ask and how to ask them.
Start by asking questions about a company’s business practices and experience in a similar type of project. If you decide you want to hire a particular remodeling contractor, then you can discuss when he or she can start, what time he or she can knock on your door each morning and when you will have your home to yourselves again.
Here are more questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
- Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
- What is your approach to a project such as this?
- Do you have a website that shows photographs of completed projects as well as projects under construction?
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?
- Can you provide a list of reference from those projects?
- Can you provide a list of business referrals or suppliers?
- What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
- What is a typical remodeling budget for your company?
- Are you a member of a national trade association?
- Have you or your employees been certified in remodeling or had any special training or education, such as earning a Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS) or Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) or Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR) designation?
It’s also important to realize that sometimes it’s not the answers you get that are significant, but what you don’t get. Asking the right questions is not enough. You need to pay attention to your instincts and to what information is missing.
Unlike your accountant or stockbroker, your remodeler will be a part of your daily life and available for some on-the-job education. He or she will be privy to your personal life, more so than your doctor or lawyer. Your contractor will know how you look early in the morning and how well behaved your dog is. It makes sense that you should take some time to carefully select this person and make sure that it is someone to whom you can ask questions.
Proper Planning is Important
For considerably less than a new home, 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. As part of the planning process, 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.
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, intended use of the space, flow of the space, 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 your lifestyle.
A professional remodeling contractor or design service 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 counties. 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 or footprint of the home is to be changed. Ask your real estate agent or your insurance agent about the local requirements in your area. Also, if you live in a deed-restricted community, be sure to review your copy of the homeowners agreement. Under some agreements, it’s your responsibility to notify your homeowners association if you intend to make any home improvements. This may include getting the plans approved by a design committee.
A Well Written Contract is Essential
Before any remodeling work can begin, there must be a complete contract. This holds the job together and ensures that all parties involved agree to the same vision and scope for the project.
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