| We typically take home renovation projects very | | | | one of the main responsibilities of a general contractor |
| seriously, yet there are so many things to think about | | | | is to hire skilled subcontractors (electricians, masonry |
| and mistakes can be fatal. Following is a great | | | | workers, plumbers), you might wonder: Can't I hire the |
| checklist of things you must take into account to | | | | subcontractors myself? Well, of course you can, but |
| ensure a successful project. | | | | make sure you can walk away from your job at a |
| Make sure you design your plan well. | | | | moment's notice to rush home and take care of a |
| Understand design trends before finalizing your | | | | sudden crisis. If your job is too demanding, consider the |
| remodeling plans. Home remodeling considerations | | | | alternative of hiring a professional that will take care of |
| most commonly include kitchens and private areas. | | | | things and manage the project in your absence. |
| Larger kitchens have a greater resale value than | | | | Get Everything in Writing |
| smaller kitchens. When coming to design the working | | | | Get a written contract to make sure you're protected |
| area it is recommended to set the appliances in a | | | | against lawsuits resulting from disputes, accidents, |
| triangular position. As for private areas, bedrooms and | | | | work-related injuries or damages to third parties. Any |
| bathrooms should be separated visually from the | | | | of these things can happen - even with the smallest of |
| working areas of the house. | | | | jobs. Your contract does not have to be complicated, |
| Write down every little remodeling specification detail | | | | but make sure you include the following: |
| Designing the remodeling specs is the most important | | | | · Contractor contact details such as name, phone |
| task that you will undertake. This task can be the most | | | | number, email, and address. |
| complicated since you need to detail everything about | | | | · A full description of the work contracted (including a |
| your remodeling plans so that you can bid the project | | | | detailed list of the materials and specifications of the |
| out to a contractor. Make sure you list down | | | | entire job). |
| everything you want to change, so the contractor will | | | | · The start date and the target completion date. |
| have a clear idea of what you want. This can prevent | | | | · The total renovation budget and payment method. |
| design conflicts in the future. Make sure you write | | | | · Your contactor's insurance plan and number, with a |
| exactly which type of new faucet you want for your | | | | list of covered items and the period of time covered |
| kitchen. Specify exactly which shade (and company) | | | | by the warranty. |
| of hardwood floors you want. No detail is too small to | | | | The big 5 |
| be overlooked here, since based on these | | | | There are five things every contractor must have. |
| specifications the contractor will quote you his price. If | | | | 1. If required by your state, a license. You can check |
| you want white Italian marble for your living room, it will | | | | the Web (contractors-license.org) for your state's rules. |
| be a very different quote than maple hardwood floors. | | | | Make sure your contractor is properly licensed, verify |
| Find a great contractor | | | | the license number with your state authorities or with |
| The home remodeling specs that you created will be | | | | the local licensing board. |
| used to bid the construction project. Take your | | | | 2. Liability insurance. This way your property shall be |
| specifications plan and follow these three important | | | | protected from damages that were caused by the |
| tasks: | | | | contractor or his employees. |
| Take your specification plan and have it reviewed by | | | | 3. Workers' compensation insurance. Without it you |
| an architect or other home designer. It will help them | | | | can be held responsible if someone is injured while |
| design or revise a house plan to fit your remodeling | | | | doing work on your property. |
| specs. Take the architectural plan and submit a | | | | 4. The subcontractors should be insured. The same |
| request for bids from remodeling contractors. The | | | | liability and workers' compensation insurance that your |
| architectural plan should include your construction | | | | contractor has should be carried by all the specialists |
| specs. | | | | (plumbers, electricians and others) he hires. |
| Make sure you research the contractors bidding on | | | | 5. A clean record in the Better Business Bureau. How |
| your project, and make sure you protect yourself in | | | | many complaints have been filed, if any? Remember |
| negotiation. You can find a builder by checking the local | | | | that misunderstandings do and will occur, so if there |
| newspaper, looking around in your neighborhood for | | | | was a complaint, see if it was resolved satisfactorily. |
| houses being renovated, referrals by friends and | | | | Are you ready? |
| associates, and referrals by the architect that looked | | | | You have to adhere to some standards too. It's |
| over your specification plans. | | | | important to be thorough about your wants and needs, |
| Get the bids | | | | but you also have to get along with your crew. |
| After you've done your research, it's time to take bids. | | | | "You've got to deal with these people; they're going to |
| The rule of thumb is to get three estimates, but try for | | | | be in your house," says Tom MacGregor, a New York |
| five - and then ditch the rock-bottom bid. | | | | contractor. Do your homework and try to be |
| "That's the guy you want to run away from," says R. | | | | consistent rather than changing your mind frequently |
| Dodge Woodson, a general contractor for 27 years | | | | about what you want or don't want to be done. If your |
| and author of "Tips & Traps for Hiring a Contractor." | | | | contractor is a reputable one, your goals will be the |
| "The typical game is to come in as low as you can so | | | | same: a fast and smooth job, well executed, that |
| you get the job, and then add extra after extra." Since | | | | everyone walks away from satisfied. |