Home Remodeling Benefits

Many people take on remodeling projects at all times of the year.  Obviously, outside projects are best tackled when the weather cooperates and inside projects can be done year round. New Jersey has multiple seasons so plan your projects accordingly. Renovations will always run into a few snags or bumps along the way.  It’s wise to prepare for these bumps by making preparations that should bring them to a manageable level.  Listed below are some ways to do this.

Know what you want in the remodel / renovation

If you the home owner, tell the contractor specifically what you want (and don’t want), you will find out what the contractor knows, how approach the situation and usually the quickest way to do it.  If it’s something he can’t do, he should tell you this.  Of course every contractor will say “sure I can do that”.  Do your homework on the materials you want to use (quartz, granite, plaster, concrete, etc.).  Talk with a friend who knows remodeling and tell him what you want and what problems he has experienced. Prior to work starting, a professional property appraiser, like Abbe Edelman, should give a property appraisal. When the project is done, call Abbe back to see how much the value of your home has appreciated.

Hiring the first contractor that comes along

With all the excitement the homeowner has about the remodel, the homeowner may get lost in the excitement and lose their focus on getting the best person to do the job.  Everyone has been guilty of this so stay focused on the hiring process.  Ask for references and check them (before he gets started!). Talk to other consumers who used the same contractor.  Were they happy with the job?  Would they hire them again?  Have there been any complaints lodged against him/her?  A unique way of doing this is to find out where the contractor buys their supplies from and talk to the owner of the supply company.  Suppliers are knowledgeable about good and bad contractors as many buy from the same supplier and talk shop.   Naturally, asking to see completed work is expected.  If it’s an exterior job, you can drive by and take a look.  But remember, what looks great isn’t always structurally sound.

Bids and contracts

Get 3 bids as a minimum.  Most throw out the lowest automatically.  Use the multiple bids as leverage.  Pit one against the other regarding what you want and the prices given.  Often, a contractor may need the work for cash flow and will settle for a lower price than he normally would charge.  You will have to sift through the details until you feel you are getting the best bang for your buck.  If a contractor can’t hold a good dialogue with the homeowner with ease, best to reconsider.

A contract should be very specific and detailed.  This includes naming the type of materials you want (plaster, drywall, wooden or composite doors, etc.). If you have a preference on a supplier, state who you want to use.  Make sure the guarantee on the work is locked down and air tight.  Leave no room for interpretation as it may come back to haunt you.  Go over this point verbally as well as writing it.

Setting a payment schedule

A homeowner should always have a payment schedule drafted before any work begins.  There may be some negotiation but make sure it stays to the homeowner’s advantage.  Too many times you hear of contractors walking away from the job after they have the money without completing the work.  Court is usually the only recourse.  That isn’t fun nor cheap.  A suggestion is to keep the largest chunk of payment until the job has been completed and inspected.  Make sure the payment schedule is in the contract.  A common distribution is to give no more than 30% upfront or enough to buy supplies.  Future payments should be made as segments are completed.  This will not only assure the job will get done but that it will stay on track time wise.  Any deviations should be discussed and mutually agreed upon.  This should all be done before the first nail gets pounded and as the job progresses.