Contractors: Remodelers & General
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Contractors: Remodelers & General Articles
Where to Begin
Start by asking the big questions. Carefully consider what you think you want, focusing on what you’d like to gain and possible options for obtaining it.
Finding Design Help and Making a Plan
If you’re adding new rooms, making substantial changes to the existing floor plan, or dealing with complex structural or functional questions, you’ll need to hire professional design help. There are several design options and combinations of options.
Thinking Like an Appraiser
Many homeowners try to take into account how much the improvements will increase their homes’ market value. Don’t overestimate that increase, especially if you will not be selling in the near future.
Make a Short List of Contractors
Though some homeowners leave the vetting and selection of contractors to their architects or house designers, most make the call themselves—and rightly so. Hiring a contractor who can successfully build what you’re planning, at a favorable price, is the most important step in any remodeling project.
Check Out Likely Candidates
Make a list of companies that seem suitable for your project; then get in touch and schedule consultations. Your objective is to compile a list of at least three companies, but preferably five or more, from whom you’ll ask for proposals and pricing.
Collect Proposals and Bids
Checkbook’s mystery shoppers asked contractors to bid on two different projects. For one of the jobs, price quotes ranged from $113,000 to $205,000; for the other, prices ranged from $26,000 to $61,000. The lesson? Get several bids.
Doing the Deal
Once you’ve picked a winner, have the company prepare a written contract. Many companies’ proposals serve as contracts. The contract should include the following information for medium-sized and major projects; but even if your project is small, many of these points also apply.
Your Role During the Remodel
You can do a lot to help the job run smoothly, finish on time, and produce the best possible results. And you can also help by avoiding classic mistakes. Here’s a rundown of what to do and what not to do.
Buying Products Yourself
You can use our advice and price ratings to pay less—often a lot less—for appliances, fixtures, flooring, plantings, and many other products that you can buy on your own, rather than having your contractor buy them for you. But should you?
Financing Options
You have several options to pay for your project. Cash certainly is the easiest: no applications, no forms, no appraisals, no debt, no interest. However, many homeowners borrow to cover large remodeling jobs.
More Articles »
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