How to choose a remodeling contractor How do I find a contractor? Where should I invest my remodeling dollars? Good questions. I hope that you find that the following information is useful. A successful home remodeling project is dependent upon finding an ethical, reliable, competent and experienced contractor. Here are some tips from homeowners who are overseeing either large or small remodeling projects. Remodeling your home should be an exciting venture, not a trek through alligator-infested waters. Knowledge is powerful. Understanding how contractors work and especially how you can work as a team with your contractor is your best step towards having a successful start-to-finish remodeling project. TIP #1 - Spend more time checking out your contractor than your countertops The most critical factor in any remodel is your contractor-without him or her, nothing happens. First check out whether your candidates have current licenses and insurance (worker’s comp and liability), and how reputable they are in their business. Next, talk to several past clients both recent (12 months) as well as the last three years. Finally, make sure you are comfortable with how this person works with you. Does she or he answer questions? Pay attention to details? Listen to your wants and concerns? TIP #2 - Don’t take the lowest bid It’s tempting to go for the lowest price, but this isn’t like shopping for an item online or in a store. Every contractor offers a different level of service and skill. In most cases, the lowest bidder is offering the lowest level of quality and skill. Remember, more experience means more money, but do you want your house to fall down around you? It’s ultimately your call! TIP #3 - Don’t bite off more than you can chew at one time To maintain both your finances and your sanity, don’t try to turn your dreams into reality all at once. Stage your project by deciding which things you need to correct first in your house – it may not always be the fun stuff like redoing a kitchen or creating a master bath. Start with projects that involve the structure including basics like windows and major systems; then move to updating appliances, faucets, floor coverings and finishes. TIP #4 - Don’t cheap out on what’s inside the walls, roof and floor The finishes are what you’ll be showing off to friends and neighbors, but it’s the insulation, and electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems that make your home safe and comfortable long after the finishes wear out. Spend the extra dollar here. If you don’t, it is very expensive to go back and correct later. TIP #5 - Invest in windows and doors - you won’t regret it Windows and exterior doors can be a big part of your remodeling budget, but they aren’t the place to cut costs. When you research window options, for instance, look for the brands with the best energy efficiency and lowest maintenance possible. For instance, quality vinyl windows that can be used in any climate and can be ordered with Energy Star approval. Pay attention to both doors and windows as to how well they operate, how they seal to the weather, and the quality of the hardware used. TIP #6 - Plan on spending at least 15% more than the contract price If you’ve talked to friends, family and neighbors about their remodeling efforts, you know that the final bill ALWAYS costs more than the estimate. Why? Undiscovered surprises like the electrical line running through the wall where you wanted an opening and the 'While we’re at it" decisions. Remember, everything you add that wasn’t on the original bid, is an extra cost. TIP #7 - Get some design help early on with floor plans The key to how well your remodeled home will "live" is the new floor plan you create. There are lots of standards that need to be applied that will help you size rooms effectively and create a traffic flow that works. For example, independent designers, who sometimes set up their own offices, but more typically work with a kitchen and bath showroom or even home centers. Architects, though more expensive, should be considered if you’re considering major changes to your home. TIP #8 - Make sure the plans include everything you want stated in the bid Be very specific regarding the quality of materials, name brands, colors, sizes, etc. that will be used or installed on your remodeling project. This is where the specifications must contain every detail that you’re expecting to have included or installed. This way each contractor who is bidding are your job are comparing apples to apples. This will help minimize confusion, assumptions and questions for everyone. TIP #9 - Choose classic for a finished look that will last Its fun to create a kitchen with the latest look, but if you keep the trendiest elements to easily replaceable finishes, it will be easier and less expensive to update in the future. Use classic materials, styles, and colors throughout the room and updating won’t be a topic anytime soon. TIP #10 - Never let your payments get ahead of the work Contractors, like anyone in business, are anxious to please their customers in order to secure the next payment. It’s important to keep this leverage so your contractor’s attention doesn’t wander. Remember you are competing with your contractor’s other clients to a degree. You can take all this information and apply it, but the bottom line is Go With Your Gut Feeling. If you don’t feel comfortable with the contractor don’t use him.