SO YOU'VE DECIDED TO REMODEL.....NOW
WHAT???
How do you find a contractor that you can
depend on to see you through the endless stream of workers
trampling through your home ( for what seems an eternity ),
sinus clogging dust and making your morning coffee in the
garage?
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!
Here's how to find the right contractor for
you...
GATHER NAMES
Check out remodelers whose work you like in your neighborhood.
Referrals from friends, neighbors and business colleagues
are the best way to find a remodeling contractor. The National
Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI ) is a good referral
source. Call the NARI headquarters 800 440-6274 for the phone
number of the nearest NARI chapter to get a list of members
in your area. For a directory of contractors in Santa Clara,
San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, call NARI of San Jose at
408 559-4996.
Before you call the contractors on your list,
know the exact nature of your project. Contractors will want
to know when you would like the project to start and whether
you want "bare bones" construction or higher quality
construction using premium materials and finishes. Do you
have a working set of drawings? Is the design element completed?
WHAT DESIGN ???
The Design/Build Contractor Design/Build is a concept developed to benefit the homeowner by providing both quality design and construction services within the general contracting company.
A few of the advantages of working with a design/build firm are: Knowing the project costs - a good design/build contractor knows job costs, so throughout the design process the project is being engineered to fit your budget and needs. Communications - Remodeling is very complex. Developing clear specifications and precise responsible designs are crucial aspects of the entire process. The lines of communication that are developed in the design stage prepare the groundwork for a clear, well run remodeling project. Teamwork - When you contract with a professional design/build firm, you become part of a team whose goal it is to design and construct a project that will fit your needs.
You would like to redesign a part of your home, yet you have yet to come up with a design. In fact, you haven't
the slightest idea of where to begin. Depending on your own
needs and the size and complexity of your intended project,
there are options for you to explore in attempting to crystallize
your ideas. In order that you best achieve your objective,
you should define which of the following alternatives represents
the best approach for your project:
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 with remodeling;
he or she will be more sensitive to the special challenges
that remodeling presents. The decision to involve an architect
in your plans does not always pertain to a certain price or
size of job. Your own needs, desires, and ability to verbalize
and visualize what it is you want will determine whether or
not you need an architect. Choosing the right architect will
provide you with a person who is able to help clarify the
goals of your project and prioritize your remodeling agenda.
The architect can further assist you by recommending a competent
general contractor.
Contractor Many home improvements such as
roofing and window replacement 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. Here again, deal with a professional.
Even though the job may be relatively small, its successful
completion is important to you. Small jobs, too, need careful
planning and attention to details. A reputable remodeling
contractor will not give you a sketchy proposal hastily drawn
on the back of an envelope.
SETTING UP INTERVIEWS
Make an appointment to meet with the contractor, free from
any distractions (are the kids busy with something?) This
is a major investment, not to be taken lightly. Judge, not
just on skill, knowledge and business sense, but on trustworthiness.
Did the contractor listen to what you had to say? Did he/she
respond with questions and suggestions? Was he/she sensitive
to the issue of stress involved with a remodeling project?
Do you have a good rapport with this person?
REFERENCES AND BACKGROUND CHECKS
Ask for a list of past clients. Call several people on the
list. When talking with the homeowner, find out if the job
was completed on time and within budget. Was the contractor
sensitive to their needs before, during and after the project.
How was warranty work (if any) handled? Did the contractor
respond in a timely fashion?
Do not assume a contractors license is valid.
Before entering into a formal agreement, call the California
State License Board, 800 321 2752 ,to make certain the license
is in good standing. If the contractor you choose has not
met the stringent requirements necessary to become a licensed
contractor, he may not have the experience, nor the ability,
to complete the project to the satisfaction of the homeowner.
Make certain the contractor you hire is adequately
insured. Do they carry liability and worker's compensation
insurance? Accidents can occur during the project. People
can be injured, including those working on the job. It is
extremely important that these contingencies are insured to
protect you from liabilities. If the contractor working on
your home is uninsured, you will very likely be held personally
responsible to satisfy any claims.
Contact your local Better Business Bureau.
BIDDING THE JOB
When soliciting bids for your project, do not blindly accept
the lowest. Ask the contractor why their price is higher or
lower than another. Are all the contractors planning to build
the same project? Often times a higher price may be worth
the cost of better materials and service. Remember that your
remodeling dollars spent represent an investment in your home.
CONTRACT AND FEE STRUCTURE
The contract should describe the scope of the job, including
the dates for the start of the project, time it will take
to finish, the cost of the job and list the specific materials
to be used, i.e. quantity, color, size, quality, brand name,
etc. The contract should also include the size of the down
payment, the payment schedule and conditions for final payment.
There are three basic fee structures: a stipulated
sum, which means the entire cost of the job, not including
the design fee; cost plus, which means the cost of the materials,
permits, labor and the contractors fee and cost plus a set
fee to cover overhead and profit. Variations include ceilings
on cost plus contracts and combinations of lump sum (stipulated)
for some of the work and cost plus set fee for other parts
of the job.
A GUARANTEED SUCCESSFUL PROJECT
Follow these guidelines and above all, stay in communication
with your contractor. Big Sky Construction & Design welcomes
the opportunity to discuss your project with you.
Call 408 277 0542 for a free consultation.
Our office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
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