Step One:
Assess your current situation. Make sure you have the financial
resources, time, and patience to undertake a remodeling project
before you start. |
Step Two:
Decide how long you intend to live in your present home. If
you plan on selling your home in the next few years, check the
real estate comparisons for your neighborhood to see how much
you can invest in remodeling and still recoup those costs when
you sell the home. |
Step Three:
Define the areas of the home you want to change. Have some
idea of what you want the remodeling project to include and
what rooms you would like to change before calling a contractor.
Make a list of the rooms you would like to remodel as well
as the reasons for the changes. You may want to look through
consumer magazines for ideas. Depending on your need and the
size and complexity of your intended remodeling project, there
are several different options for you to explore to begin
your remodeling.
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The Architect—Major
remodeling projects require construction drawings for
the purposes of defining a contract and procurement of
permits. In cases where your professional remodeler does
not provide design services, you may wish to seek the
assistance of a professionally trained architect. It is
best to work with an architect experienced in remodeling--he
or she will be more sensitive to the special challenges
that remodeling represents. |
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The General Contractor—Many
home improvement projects may not require professional
design services and can best be handled by the experienced
contractor whose knowledge of materials and methods has
been gained by years on the job. Even small jobs need
careful planning and attention to details. |
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The Design/Build
Contractor—Design/build is a concept developed
to benefit the homeowner by providing both quality design
and construction services within the same general contracting
company. A design/build contractor will be able to see
your project through from start to finish, keeping design,
engineering and budget in mind. |
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Step Four:
Allow plenty of time for the remodel. Keep in mind that possible
delays may occur during the project due to materials shortages,
weather and unforeseen problems. Delays are especially common
for special orders and kitchen cabinets. Take these into account
when creating a timetable with your contractor. An unrealistic
time frame will only add to the difficulty and stress. |
Step Five:
Hire a reputable contractor. The best way to protect yourself
is to hire a professional. Horror stories abound from homeowners
who have hired disreputable contractors. Choose a contractor
who is insured, meets any state licensing requirements, and
is a member of a professional trade association such as NARI.
Most cities, towns and counties have established building codes.
They vary from one jurisdiction to the next. A building permit
generally is required whenever structural work is involved or
when the basic living area of a home is to be changed. If you
have a home with an unfinished basement and would like to finish
off a portion of it for a family room, you would need a building
permit because you have changed storage space to livable space.
Do not obtain your own building permit. In most jurisdictions,
the person obtaining the permit is considered to be the contractor
and is, therefore, liable if the work does not comply with local
building codes. The complex elements of local building codes
and permits are familiar details to a professional remodeling
contractor. |
Step Six:
Create a realistic budget. Decide how much money you can spend
on home improvements before undertaking the project. |
Step Seven:
Get a comprehensive proposal from your contractor. This allows
you to know upfront how much money the project will cost. The
proposal should also include the types of products that will
be used. |
| Step Eight:
Get a signed contract before any work begins. The contract
should detail the scope of the project, start and approximate
completion dates, a payment schedule, product types, and responsibilities
of the contractor and any subcontractors. The contract should
also include provisions for change order procedures, warranties,
and alternative dispute resolution clauses.
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Specify all materials. Your contractor should
detail a list of all materials for the project in your
contract. This includes size, color, model, brand name
and product. |
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Study all required plans carefully. Insist
that you approve them and that they are identified in
your written contract before work begins. |
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Federal law requires a contractor to give
you written notice of your right to, without penalty,
cancel a contract within three business days of signing
it, provided it was solicited at some place other than
the contractor's place of business or appropriate premises--your
home, for instance. |
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Understand the financial terms. Make sure
that the terms are spelled out in the contract. The total
price, payment schedule and cancellation penalty should
be clear. |
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A warranty covering materials and workmanship
for a minimum of one year should be written into the contract.
The warranty must be identified as either "full"
or limited." If it is a "full warranty,"
all faulty products must be repaired or replaced, or your
money returned. A "limited warranty" indicates
all replacements and refunds of damaged products are limited
in some regard. The name and address of the party who
will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor, or manufacturer)
must be identified. Make sure the time period for which
the warranty is offered is clearly specified. |
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A binding arbitration clause is also a good
inclusion in the event a disagreement occurs. Arbitration
can enable you to resolve disputes more quickly and effectively
without costly litigation. |
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Thoroughly review the entire contract and
be certain you fully understand it before signing it.
Consider the scope of the project and make sure all items
you've requested are included. Never sign an incomplete
contract and always be sure to keep a copy of the final
document for your records. |
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Be sure to put all changes in writing if
the scope or complexity of your remodeling project is
modified while work is being done. The amendment should
be agreed upon and signed by both parties. |
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Keep a job file including the contract,
plans, specifications, invoices, change orders and all
correspondence with the contractor. |
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Request a contractor's Affidavit of Final
Release be provided you at the time you make final payment.
This is your assurance that you will not be liable for
any third-party claims for nonpayment of materials or
subcontractors. |
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Step Nine:
Tie payments to work stages. Avoid contractors who ask for the
total cost or a large sum of money up front. Contractors will
usually split payments into percentages of the total cost of
the project. These payments are typically tied to significant
stages of the project, and payments are rendered as parts of
the job are completed. Kitchen remodels, however, often require
a large amount of money at the beginning to cover the costs
of ordering cabinets and appliances. |
Step Ten:
Keep your perspective. Remodeling is disruptive to your normal
household environment. It is important to take a deep breath,
keep your focus, and work toward the end result. If problems
occur, talk to your contractor about your concerns. Remember,
remodeling is fun and before you know it, you'll have the dream
home you've always wanted. |
