Choosing a Home Improvement Contractor

So you’ve decided to renovate your home. There is no better way to create a home that reflects your tastes and style than to remodel your own. The Interesting Info about CBS Renovation.

Home improvements can increase your home’s value while improving your lifestyle and your family’s.

There are two types of home improvement projects to consider. First, there are Do It Yourself home improvement projects where you do all the work. Then there are home renovations where you hire contractors to do the work for you. We’ll concentrate on the second type of home renovation.

Referrals from family or friends who have had similar work done in their homes are the best place to find skilled contractors. You can also use an online service to find pre-screened contractors for your project. Finally, check the Better Business Bureau under the company and personal name of the business owner for anyone you are considering hiring.

Before you begin the bidding process, call each contractor and confirm they have workman’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability insurance. They should also be licensed for the work that they do. Assure them that if asked to bid, they must provide proof of this information and that all work must adhere to local building codes.

The next step is for you to narrow down your options to the top three or four. You do this by asking each potential contractor for at least three referral names and phone numbers for completed work similar to your project.

Don’t be afraid to ask each reference if you can see their finished renovation work. Please inquire about the project’s timeliness and whether it was completed on time. Most people will gladly share with you and may even have a few good ideas.

After that, you should be able to select the best three or four contractors and request bids based on the same work and materials. Don’t always go for the cheapest option.

At this point, you should expect to develop a rapport with the individual contractors. Remember that the home renovation contractor you choose will be in and around your home for the project’s duration. It would be best if you felt at ease with them.

Check to see if each contractor is doing multiple jobs and whether you can expect them or a supervisor to be on-site during the work.

Once you’ve decided on a contractor, ensure you have your written agreement. This is the time to request a copy of their contractor’s license and insurance binder stating that you are covered for your project.

Make sure the entire scope of your project is defined, including who pays for everything from trash collection to the porta-potty. In addition, the agreement should specify who will be responsible for demolition, materials, and clean-up.

Consider everything that will be used or required. It is only fair for a contractor to charge extra for extra work, so your project can quickly go over budget if you forget something.

Avoid using the terms comparable or equal when specifying materials. Instead, check online or at a hardware store to determine the costs of materials, electrical fixtures, and plumbing fixtures and materials. Any changes to specific materials or brands should necessitate your approval and signature.

Make payments as the work is completed. Keep your initial deposits as low as possible. You should be aware that subcontractors can place a lien on your property if they are not paid. As you pay for each portion of the completed work, ensure you get a release of lien signed or proof that your contractor is paying the subs on time.

Sign no completion documents or pay final balances until all work has passed final code inspections.

Finally, you should be aware that surprises can occur during renovations of older homes. Things that could not be predicted until the demolition began. Make sure you have an emergency fund set aside for such occasions. It will allow you to take them in stride and ensure your entire renovation project is completed exactly as planned.

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