So you've decided that you want to renovate your house. Great, there is no better way to create a home that reflects your tastes and style than renovating your own home.
Home improvements can raise the value of your home and create a better lifestyle for you and your family.
Planning home improvements generally fall into two categories. There are the Do It Yourself home improvement projects where you supply all the work. Then there are the home renovations where you hire a contractor(s) to complete the work for you. We will focus on the second type of home renovation.
The best place to find skilled contractors are referrals from family or friends that have had similar work done to their own homes. You can also use one of the on-line services that will refer pre-screened contractors for your project. Make sure to check with the Better Business Bureau under the company and personal name of the business owner for anyone that you are considering.
Before you even get to the bidding process you need to call and verify that each contractor has workman's comp, property damage and personal liability insurances. They should also be licensed as needed for the work they are doing. Make sure that they understand that if they are requested to bid they will need to present proof of this information and that all work must be to local building codes.
Next step is for you to whittle down your list to the best three or four possibilities. You do this by requesting at least three referral names and phone numbers for completed work that is similar to your project from each potential contractor.
Don't be shy about asking each referral for a chance to see their finished renovation work. Ask questions about the timeliness of the project and whether it was completed on budget. Most people will be happy to share with you and may even have a couple of good ideas to pass along.
After this you should be able to choose the best three or four contractors who you then ask for a bid based upon the same exact work and materials. Don't automatically pick the lowest price.
At this point, you should start expecting to feel a certain chemistry with the individual contractors. Remember that the home renovation contractor that you choose will be in and around your home for the duration of your project. You need to feel comfortable with them.
Make sure that you understand whether or not each contractor is doing multiple jobs and whether you can expect them or a foreman to be on site during the work.
Once you choose the contractor that you want to use, make sure that you get your agreement in writing. This is the time to ask for a copy of their contractors license and insurance binder that state you are covered for your project.
Make sure that the entire scope of your project is outlined including items like who pays for everything from trash hauling to the porta-pot. The agreement needs to outline who is going to be responsible for demolition, materials and clean-up.
Try to think off everything that will be used or needed. It is only fair that a contractor charge extra for extra work so if you forget something it can easily cause your project to go over budget.
When specifying materials avoid the use of the terms comparable or equal. Make sure that you check on-line or at a hardware store so you understand the costs of materials, electrical fixtures and plumbing fixtures and materials. Any changes in the specific materials or brands should require you to sign off on and agreeing to the change.
Make payments as the work progresses. Try to keep the initial deposits as low as possible. You should be aware that subcontractors can place a lien on your property if they are not paid. Make sure that as you pay for each portion of the completed work you get a release of lien signed or at least proof that your contractor is paying the subs in a timely manner.
Do not sign any type of completion document or pay the final balances until all work has passed the final code inspections.
Finally, you should also be aware that during renovations of older homes surprises can appear. Things that couldn't be expected until actual demolition started. Make sure that you keep an extra reserve funds for those situations. It will allow you to take them in stride and make sure that your whole renovation project gets completed just the way you envisioned it.
You can make your next home renovation project go smoothly following the tips and suggestions of author Bob Current. For more information and ideas check out http://www.homeimprovementtips.info
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