Elect a Point of Contact
By establishing a point of contact, you avoid “he said, she said” run-around. Appoint someone to stay in contact with contractors and have them relay the information to the rest.
Ask Questions!
We can’t stress how important this is. You should never feel like there is a dumb question or too shy to express your concerns. Many times, bad experiences can be traced back to poor communication. Voice your question/opinion and rest easy that no leaf was left unturned.
Choose a Personality You Like
You’re going to be spending days, maybe weeks of time with your contractor. Make sure you’ve chosen someone who compliments your style and taste.
Shop Around
Your project could very well run in the tens of thousands of dollars. Just like any other large purchase i.e. automobile, real estate – you owe it to yourself to shop around before committing to anything. Things to look at in contractors are: experience, references, insured/bonded, contracts, effective communication, language barriers, and length of time in business to name a few.
Trust Your Gut
Unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world. Some contractors will say anything to earn your business. Little do they know, you’ve done your homework. Typically if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Also, if something just doesn’t feel right, trust your gut! If you receive an estimate that is significantly lower than the others it could mean the contractor is using incorrect and/or cheap materials, lack of knowledge or even fraud! Other areas of concern are deposits and timeframes. NEVER agree to more than 30% starter cost unless it is relevant and stated in the contract. If the estimated time is much longer than others, it could mean a shortage in manpower. Too fast of a turnaround time could mean inexperience or empty promises.
After much consideration, you’ve found your contractor. They’ve earned your trust and are as eager as you are to start on your project. What comes next? Here are some topics to help you get the ball rolling without any snags.
Make a Wish List
Make a wish list and share it with your contractor. This will give him/her insight on your vision. Together you can work on making the list happen within the scope of your time and budget. Remember communication is key.
Keep Changes to a Minimum
Change is good, but too much change can eat up time and money! Remember that the more you change the plans around, the longer it will take for the project to be completed and will cost you more money. When going over your wish list, come up with 2-3 variations and vote on the best one.
Set Limits
For your safety and that of the contractor, set limits inside and outside of the home. Inside, protect your valuables by locking them in a safe or moving them elsewhere. Keep in mind that there will be dust and debris around the worksite. If you have a habit of leaving your Nobel Peace Prize laying around, we suggest you put it away. Outside, make sure to indicate the perimeter of your property and what parts are off limits. The last thing you want is your neighbor asking about the stack of materials on their property. Lastly, when it comes to sharing the restroom, we suggest budgeting in a portable. Most places will rent them for under $100 per month, which includes delivery, and pick up.
Create a Contact List
Depending on the size of your project, you may have anywhere from 1 to 10 separate entities working in your home. Create a list of all your points of contact for easy communication.
Meetings
It’s important to stay informed with the progress of your renovation. If your project is a lengthy one, schedule weekly meetings with your contractor for all updates. On a side note – remember that you hired your contractor to supervise the project. Any concerns or questions should be addressed with him and never the crew.
The last paint strokes are being applied and cleanup is underway. What started as a vision, is nearly a reality. This last bit of information addresses the final steps of your project and what comes next. Enjoyment of your newly remodeled home or room is right around the corner.
Perform a Final Walk-through
Grab some paper and a pen, its time for a punch list. Take your time and make sure to ask questions if there is something that you don’t understand. Keep your list and revisit it when your contractor states it will be done.
Create a File
Whether it’s hard copies or digital, make sure to keep all receipts and records from your project. Some items such as appliances, light fixtures, ceiling fans may come with a store or manufacturer warranty. Keep your records in a safe place incase you have to access them later.
Final Payment
How you wrote up the contract will vary in percentage, either way, its time for the last installment. Make sure that all work has been completed to your satisfaction before releasing payment and signing off on anything.
You project is now complete.
How was your experience?
References and Referrals
Your project is finally done! Be sure to share the experience by referring friends and family. Also, a good contractor will keep a list of references for future prospects to refer to. Help them out by agreeing to be a reference.
Feedback
If you were refereed by a third party such as Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor, be sure to leave feedback. Most companies also have a Facebook page or are part of the BBB. Let others know how well your experience went.
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