Choosing to renovate or remodel your current home is an important decision in any homeowner's life. While many people are handy and can handle the average home repair themselves, even the best DYI enthusiasts should consider hiring a professional to complete any major remodeling projects.

In an effort to better your process follow the easy three step system to select the right contractor for your project. It is important to know your rights and be educated before you start. Check out the home repair consumer rights form to better understand how to avoid home repair fraud.

Preparation

Evaluate your budget - One of the first and most important steps in planning your remodeling project is deciding on a budget. Evaluate what you want out of your remodeling project and be reasonable about what you are willing to pay. Always plan a contingency amount of approximately 5-10% of the construction cost to cover any unforeseen construction defects or required updates. Financing options are available, be sure to ask each contractor if they have a program in place.

Choose a timeline - Decide upon a realistic timeline in which you would like the work to be completed. This is important information to discuss with potential contractors to be sure they can meet your goals. Some major improvements may require you to move out during the build, be prepared and have a plan. If you need the project done within a small time frame, additional man power will be required and can result in increased costs.

Choosing a Contractor

Research the company online - Visit each company website and take a look at 'before and after' photos as well as completed projects. Evaluate the company structure and resources such as architects, designers, field staff, craftsman, and material suppliers. Verify each companies process and selection methods. This will give you an idea of the level of service and experience each will provide.

Check references - Ask each contractor for references or customer testimonials and follow up with a few. Ask the important questions: Were the references satisfied with their jobs? Were the quality of service and material worth the price? Were the projects done on time and within the specified budget? Checking references will give you a better idea of what you can expect during your project. Be extremely wary of contractors that will not provide you with references. This is an industry standard practice and credible firms should have their references readily available.

Find out what kind of licenses the company holds - Verify each contractor carries the appropriate license, insurance and bonds for your area. In an effort to cut costs some contractors may not be licensed or insured putting you at risk in the event of an accident. Hiring non-licensed work force you may be subject to a stop work order as well as any associated municipal fines and penalties. It is also important to be sure all contractors are EPA certified if your home was built before 1978. This ensures the proper handling of hazardous materials and lead paint.

Ask about warranties - Look for final walkthrough procedures and levels of completion at the end of the project. In addition, does each company have a warranty available and what are the specific terms? Be sure the contractors offer a change-order policy that says in writing any modifications to the pricing or specifications during the build. This will prevent any unexpected cost overages at the end of the project.

Evaluate the Bids

Check for Inaccuracies - With each bid, ensure the work scope and allowances are alike. Inaccuracies in allowances and scope are the leading cause of budget overruns. Each bid should be specific enough for you to compare work fairly between different contractors. Materials drastically vary in level and price, be sure you are getting the quality you expect.

Be wary of low prices - Good contractors do not charge bargain basement prices. Extremely low prices usually indicate something is missing from the bid which will end up surfacing when the project is underway. The alternative is the contractor will take short cuts to get the project done for a lower price. These shortcuts usually mean extremely poor quality work that will lead to problems in the near future.

Final Selection - Keep in mind pricing and specifications are always negotiable. Once you have done your research, select the contractor you feel is highly qualified for the job and most importantly who you will be comfortable dealing with during the project. If pricing is an issue, discuss cost saving options with the contractor and let them help you reach your budget.

If you have any questions or would like some more information concerning pricing or options for remodeling your home through Silver Leaf, please contact us at 708.398.3222 or at mailto:Sales@SilverLeafConsturction.net.