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| Remodeling |
The statutorily-mandated periods are: one year for workmanship and materials; two years for plumbing, electrical, heating and air-conditioning delivery systems; and ten years for major structural components. There is also a ten-year warranty of habitability.
Each period begins on the earlier of: occupancy or transfer of title from the builder to the initial homeowner or if not a new home, the date the improvement is substantially completed.
Paying for the Work
It is normal for a contractor to ask for partial payment in advance, and provided that you have taken the precautions recommended above, you should expect to provide a part of the cost before the work begins. However, it is notorious that scammers involved in door-to-door rip-offs will ask for payment in full in advance, and then abscond without completing (sometimes without even starting) the job.
Even with a reputable business and a sound written contract in place, you should not pay in full until the work is complete and you have inspected it yourself and found it satisfactory. A partial payment schedule will usually specify what part of the job has been done when a partial payment is due. Inspect the work and make sure the contractor has met the schedule before you make your payment.
If you are asked to sign a certificate of completion, do not do so until all the work is completely finished, the site is cleaned up, and you are satisfied.
Working with Remodeling Professionals
Before work begins, ask your remodeling 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 their job site time appropriately.
Here are other points to consider:
— Determining the Scope of the Project
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.
Building a home involves many different skilled professionals. As you learn about the process, it’s important to know the roles that key professionals play. Here is a brief summary of job titles and descriptions in the home-building process.
Architects represent the most highly educated and trained category of designers. The title requires a college degree and state certification. Architects are able to translate your ideas into detailed plans and list material specifications. They can also oversee your project while it is in progress and are an excellent resource for other professionals, since they have already established a pool of designers and general contractors they have worked with in the past.
Designers are skilled in the design/building process, but are not licensed or regulated in most states. If you’re planning to work with a designer, be sure to verify his or her experience and professionalism. You’ll want to review the designer’s portfolio and look for design degrees from accredited universities and membership and/or certification from professional organizations, including as the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the National Council of Building Design Certification (NCBDC), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), among others. These organizations help assure professional standards of education, field experience and adherence to a code of ethics.
Residential Designers (Space Planning) are trained to use space most efficiently and tend to focus on floor plan design, detailed lifestyle evaluation and design functionality. If you’re considering a floor plan, a family room, bathroom or kitchen, you may wish to consult with a residential/interior specialist. This specialist can spend additional time and attention to specific areas of the home that are especially important to you and your family. Oftentimes residential designers’ expertise can overlap with interior designers because they both offer advice about the latest trends and products.
Structural Engineers need to be consulted if your project requires any structural alterations to an existing building. The role complements the work of architects, who are the spatial and aesthetic experts of building design and construction. A structural engineer can provide advice on any strengthening required and the design of new lintels, beams, walls or foundations that may be needed. Structural Engineers can also perform a site inspection to establish the nature of the ground and then design suitable foundations for the building.
Kitchen and Bathroom Designers provide expert product knowledge within their specialties, but they may lack construction experience or miss design opportunities associated with additions or movement of walls, according to building experts. If the project involves high-dollar budgets where expensive cabinets, materials and appliances will be used, consider either of these professionals.
Each period begins on the earlier of: occupancy or transfer of title from the builder to the initial homeowner or if not a new home, the date the improvement is substantially completed.
Paying for the Work
It is normal for a contractor to ask for partial payment in advance, and provided that you have taken the precautions recommended above, you should expect to provide a part of the cost before the work begins. However, it is notorious that scammers involved in door-to-door rip-offs will ask for payment in full in advance, and then abscond without completing (sometimes without even starting) the job.
Even with a reputable business and a sound written contract in place, you should not pay in full until the work is complete and you have inspected it yourself and found it satisfactory. A partial payment schedule will usually specify what part of the job has been done when a partial payment is due. Inspect the work and make sure the contractor has met the schedule before you make your payment.
If you are asked to sign a certificate of completion, do not do so until all the work is completely finished, the site is cleaned up, and you are satisfied.
Working with Remodeling Professionals
Before work begins, ask your remodeling 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 their job site time appropriately.
Here are other points to consider:
- Consider moving 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. Both parties should sign the amendment.
- 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.
— Determining the Scope of the Project
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.
Building a home involves many different skilled professionals. As you learn about the process, it’s important to know the roles that key professionals play. Here is a brief summary of job titles and descriptions in the home-building process.
Architects represent the most highly educated and trained category of designers. The title requires a college degree and state certification. Architects are able to translate your ideas into detailed plans and list material specifications. They can also oversee your project while it is in progress and are an excellent resource for other professionals, since they have already established a pool of designers and general contractors they have worked with in the past.
Designers are skilled in the design/building process, but are not licensed or regulated in most states. If you’re planning to work with a designer, be sure to verify his or her experience and professionalism. You’ll want to review the designer’s portfolio and look for design degrees from accredited universities and membership and/or certification from professional organizations, including as the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the National Council of Building Design Certification (NCBDC), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), among others. These organizations help assure professional standards of education, field experience and adherence to a code of ethics.
Residential Designers (Space Planning) are trained to use space most efficiently and tend to focus on floor plan design, detailed lifestyle evaluation and design functionality. If you’re considering a floor plan, a family room, bathroom or kitchen, you may wish to consult with a residential/interior specialist. This specialist can spend additional time and attention to specific areas of the home that are especially important to you and your family. Oftentimes residential designers’ expertise can overlap with interior designers because they both offer advice about the latest trends and products.
Structural Engineers need to be consulted if your project requires any structural alterations to an existing building. The role complements the work of architects, who are the spatial and aesthetic experts of building design and construction. A structural engineer can provide advice on any strengthening required and the design of new lintels, beams, walls or foundations that may be needed. Structural Engineers can also perform a site inspection to establish the nature of the ground and then design suitable foundations for the building.
Kitchen and Bathroom Designers provide expert product knowledge within their specialties, but they may lack construction experience or miss design opportunities associated with additions or movement of walls, according to building experts. If the project involves high-dollar budgets where expensive cabinets, materials and appliances will be used, consider either of these professionals.
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