Home remodeling with a contractor can be a daunting task, especially if you and your contractor are not on the same page. There are a number of reasons why certain contractors may not work out. For example, perhaps you have a specific vision for your house, but your contractor may have objections based on time, cost, or other factors. If you’re looking to remodel or upgrade your home efficiently and come away completely satisfied, It’s very important that you know the dos and don’ts.
Home remodeling with a contractor: plan carefully
You are letting someone in your house and in your life for the duration of the project. Being comfortable with the team that will accomplish what you envisioned is essential. But no matter how much confidence you have, contracts protect everyone and prevents items to be lost in translation.
Do: Research to select the contractor right for you
A contractor with experience is pretty important, but that’s not all that goes into choosing a contractor. As you’re checking the credentials, find out what you can about the way they handle the clients by checking references, reviews, and the like. Take it a step further and interview a few of the more promising candidates.
Do: Get everything in writing
Once you’ve chosen a contractor, make sure you hash out all the details of the work to be done. These include things like timelines, costs, schedules and sequences of work to be completed, and measures to settle disputes or failures to pay.
Don’t: Go in without a backup plan
This is definitely something that number 2) applies to. In general, however, you need to have a contingency plan and some extra finances available in the event that projects cost more than anticipated, or changes need to be made.
Trust the professionals and step back
Unless you are in the business, chances are there is a lot you don’t know. General contractors have the skills and the experience that make the difference between concept and reality. Let them guide you, work out the kinks, and go away.
Don’t: Dismiss the advice of the contractor
This is not to say that you need to agree with everything the contractor says, but that it’s important to listen if they come to you with concerns regarding the plan. If you were an expert, you would not be reaching out for a contractor.
Don’t: Check up on them constantly
Yes, you are impatient to see progress and a remodeling project never goes fast enough. Be aware that “popping in just to see how it’s going” will pull the crew from what they are doing to indulge you. Don’t slow them down. Not to mention your visit could happen at the wrong time, or put your safety (and theirs) at risk.
Home remodeling with a contractor doesn’t have to be tedious or stressful. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Do your homework. Find the right person for the job, formulate a plan, and stick to it as closely as possible. It never hurts to have a contingency plan in case of trouble, but remember: your contractor is working with you, not for you. Play nice.
You deserve the Collom Construction quality.
