Contractor of the Year Awards
1996 Residential
Bath Under $15k

1995 & 1998 Best
Specialty Remodel

2005 Residential
Bath $30-$60k

Remodeling Made FUN!

By Van & Jan Berg

Remodeling can be fun, rewarding, and painless. No matter how small or large, a remodeling undertaking is often times somewhat stressing to homeowners. But, with some prior planning, a little patience, some inconvenience, a little noise and dust, a reliable contractor, and good communication, the project can be FUN and very rewarding.

Planning. After browsing through magazines and touring model homes and showrooms, prepare and prioritize a wish list to discuss with your contractor (have FUN; be creative). If you have a good idea of what you want, you might even sketch the design. Consider what you want to spend, being careful not over-build your neighborhood, possibly discussing the project with your Realtor. Evaluate funding alternatives -- saving, investments, or financing, so you can provide your contractor with a budget in which to work.

Contractor Selection. Contact a few contractors to discuss the project over the phone. Ask them specific questions, such as are you licensed, do you carry liability and worker's compensation insurance, do you provide a written contract (with material specifications) and warranty, do you issue change orders. Also ask, may I have a list of your references, do you assist in the design of the project, who will personally oversee my project, will I receive lien releases, and so forth. Make a preliminary appointment to discuss your project in some detail, provide the contractor with your prioritized wish list and budget (allow yourself some money for contingencies), and solicit ideas on the appropriate building materials and the design to meet your needs. Ask to see some photographs of previously completed projects.

Decide on at least two of the contractors you feel the most comfortable with, check out their references by telephone, contact the California State Contractor's License Board to ensure their license is in good standing, and then select your contractor. Having done your homework, you'll appreciate that price is only one consideration. There are many other factors to consider, also -- the consistent use of quality material, good workmanship, creativity, flexibility, reliability, availability, confidence, written contractual documentation, and, most importantly SERVICE.

Design & Evaluation. While we recommend that you select a design-build contractor or get the contractor involves before getting the plan drawn professionally, you may, instead, plan to obtain bids from more than one contractor. If this is the case, it is important to provide each contractor with the same plan and material specifications. This is the only means of truly comparing the bids. In any event, make sure there are no hidden costs, such as site preparation work, clean-up/hauling, building permits, or fees. If, rather than specifying all building materials, the contractor provides allowances, ensure the dollar amount of each allowance is specified in the bid (identifying whether it applies to the cost of labor, material, or both). If the cost of your selections exceeds your allowance, you will pay the difference. On the other hand, if your allowance exceeds the cost of your selections, you will be entitled to a refund. Review the payment terms. Generally, the contractor will ask for 10 percent down, not to exceed $1000, as permitted by law, and the remainder either upon completion or at various stages of completion, depending upon the scope of the project.

Assuming, you have decided to select a design-build contractor or to get the contractor involved in the design and planning stage, your contractor will offer practical and inexpensive alternatives. When reviewing your preliminary plans, request a three-dimensional drawing of your design so you can visualize what the finished project will look like. Computer technology is such that revisions can be made quickly and easily for on-screen viewing. Once you've decided on the design, ask the contractor for an estimate, possibly accommodating a few options depending upon your budget constraint and prioritized wish list. Remember, it is generally less costly to do one larger project than splitting the same project into two or more smaller ones. However, if this is not feasible, ask your contractor for advice on how best to phase the projects.

Selection of Materials. Work with your contractor in selecting building materials to best meet your needs -- the contractor has interior decorators, suppliers, and subcontractors which have been carefully screened to ensure the project is completed to your satisfaction. Some contractors recommend showrooms, interior decorators, or have their own staff to assist you in selecting paint, floor, wall, or window coverings; countertops; lighting and plumbing fixtures, appliances, etc.

Ready for the FUN. Now that you've selected your contractor, the design for your project and you've signed the detailed contract, you are almost ready for the FUN to begin. But first, your contractor must obtain the building permit and allow you the right of recision. This is a good time to remove personal items from the construction area and to take pictures so you can compare them after the project is complete. It's FUN to look back on them years later.

Communication. While the remodeling project is underway, maintain open and timely communications with your contractor. Remember, your contractor is there to provide you with the technical and professional expertise for which he or she was hired. The only dumb question is the question which was never asked. As such, simple misunderstandings can be costly in terms of the project schedule, materials, labor, and relationships.

Let your contractor know of any problems you see before or during construction. Following completion, stay in contact with your contractor occasionally. And, most importantly, should you have any problems, advise your contractor immediately so they may be corrected timely. A good contractor takes pride in a job well done and in exceeding the expectations of his or her homeowners.

Enjoy. Take photos of your completed dream project and enjoy your beautiful new home for years to come. Celebrate!!!

If you like this article please feel free to link to it or our home page: http://www.bergrescon.com