I’m looking to do a rather significant home remodel that will include updates to two bathrooms, two bedrooms and my kitchen. What are the main things I can do as the client to help ensure a successful outcome?
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As the client, try to have everything picked out as far as the style of interior doors, trim, paint colors, finish flooring, bathroom materials, etc.
Before a job is started I make sure all materials are accessible if not make sure special order items are ordered right away. Section off our project from the text of the house to keep the customer happy with plastic on the doorways and tarps on the floors. And on the clients end you hires us to do your job know your responsibility and stay out of the project to not interfere and lastly we don’t work for free all extras need to be paid. We update Nd wLk through the project on a daily basis to ensure the customer is pleased because a good customer and company relationship is important for the project
Hire Contractors that are flexible and reliable. Have an idea of what you would like the outcome of your project to be. Be clear about how long the project will take. Know that if special items are wanted or needed this may make your project take a little longer to complete. Be open to the suggestions of the Contractors you are working with. Keep changes down to a minimum. Plan on living in another location while this remodel is being done.
First thing get some one you know about & look at 4 or more jobs they have done. Ask all the owners if the company paid for all the things they needed. Then ask them if they are happy with the work.
You need to follow a time line and budget. You need to talk to your client to keep him informed on the progress of his project.
As the client the biggest thing you can do on your end to make sure the project is successful is to just be prepared! Be prepared financially. Be prepared and ready to make decisions. Be prepared to encounter the unforeseen. Be prepared to be somewhat displaced during a big renovation.
As a contractor nothing is more stressful than a client that is surprised that we are in their way or invading their space, or not prepared to make decisions and worst of all is not prepared to write checks in a timely manner.
1st thing is locate a reputable contractor , just because they are a contractor does not make them capable of doing quality work.
Next check for references.
Have clear comunication with you contractors so your contractor can deliver what your paying for. And ask for and check refferances. Check with the BBB and state to insure proper licencing and insurance.
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Make sure you hire a reputable, licensed contractor. Get at least 2 estimates.
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Have a budget in mind and be realistic as to what you can afford.
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Timely decisions will keep your job running on schedule. Changes cost money and time.
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Move as much of your furniture and belonging out of the way as possible. For really large jobs, renting a “pod” for a month will help to keep your belonging clean and out of the way. The less “stuff” your contractor has to work around, the faster your job will go.
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Be patient, as remodeling takes time and causes disruption. Keep your “eye on the prize” and remember how fantastic the results will be!
Good definition helps your contractor know where he is going.
Set a budget, timeframe and communicate with the contractor on a regular basis.
Hire an experience professional General Contractor with thorough knowledge of ALL the trades.
Each of the standard 30 trades used to build a home have standards and certain benchmarks that experienced tradesman perform prior and during their work is installed. For example, you don’t install wood, vinyl or tile flooring on a concrete slab until you test the moisture/relative humidity lurking inside and within the concrete slab. This test is ASTM F 2170 which is highly successful method to determine the moisture content that will destroy a floor when moisture vapors come to the surface soon after flooring is installed. You also test the pH of a concrete slab and if it is above 10+ it could be wet with moisture and high alkalinity which is an indicator of moisture. Lots to do and think about during a construction project.
A clearly written contract that spells out all work to be done and materials to be used.
The most important part of a successful remodeling project is the general contractor you hire. There is nothing more crucial to a successful completion than the construction company you choose. The contractor that will guide you through the entire project should be the first and foremost thing to consider. Ask your friends. If any of them has had a large remodeling project completed. Ask them about their experience with the contractor. If they are happy with the work they had done… strongly consider using the same company. This is the best way you can insure that the company you choose will do a good job. If you don’t have any friends you can ask, check out local companies here on buildzoom.
Joel & Co. Construction - General Contractors
Make sure you hire an architect to draw you a master plan. From there it is easy to interview several general contractors and have them bid on your job. If you do not have a master plan each contractor will have to get individual plans for plumbing, electrical structural etc… it will cost more for individual plans than for one master plan. Good luck
Top 5 Checklist for a Homeowner Having a Successful Project
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Be prepared - Prepare yourself for a project by doing research and knowing what you want prior to scheduling a meeting with a GC. If you want a new deck, know your dimensions, select your material, know if a permit is required, etc. An experienced GC can walk the property, discuss the project and be able to provide you with a ballpark estimate before he/she leaves your home as long as you have all the information required to bid the project accurately.
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Get a general idea for the scope of work - If you are building a deck, understand that you need a permit and that you may need special order decking (in some cases); so, the project could take 3-4 weeks before the project actually starts.
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Know the cost - General construction companies are like any other for-profit business; the equation includes material costs, labor costs and profit. A project like a big deck can be very costly for a contractor especially with labor, so don’t be surprised by a project’s price tag. Know what is financially feasible for you.
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Be honest - If you want a composite wood deck with all of the extras, then give the GC your wish list. Let him/her bid on your dream deck and provide you with the highest price point, then work your way back down. At least you guys can work together to figure out what is the best deck for your price - it is not always the labor and profit costs; it could be the amount and type of material you are selecting that is pushing the costs higher.
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Know your budget - Understand your finances and determine what is the top price you would be willing to spend on your project. If it is $20,000 for a deck, then maybe you can get the composite deck with lights but you will have to cut back on the area of the deck. But don’t enter into an agreement or pursue a project that is beyond your financial capability. It can cause many problems that could have been avoided if you upfront with the GC.
These are my Top 5 items for a homeowner wanting a successful project. I hope that this was a helpful article. If you want more helpful hints, please visit our blog at www.ddthometransformations.com.
As I read all the other comments, I see a major factor left out—major protection of existing. If you have an AC/ Heat system, make sure it is OFF and dust is controlled… If AC /Heat is to be used, make sure HEPA filter is in place and changed when major dust demo / drywall sanding. Dust is a big factor in major remodeling projects, controlling it will reduce clean-up costs. All valuables covered and sealed. Make sure your contractor has a dust control plan in place. Also make sure all your door jambs are protected from incoming materials. Depending on crew size, you also need to make sure at least 2-20Amp circuits are available.
Sounds like a plumber and electrical contractor needed—make sure all lic./ ins., or demand contractor produces subs paperwork. View all inspection reports. Be ready to correspond to any contractor questions, or have a rep. on site. Examine all work, when work is not active. Make notes and take pics of questionable. A good contractor will look out for you, and correlate.
Dear Homeowner,
Be sure to hire a licensed, insured contractor for all remodeling needs. Keeping open communication with representatives is key, also, be sure to address all your needs/concerns directly, keeping a list will ensure a successful outcome.
Best Regards,
So Cal Home Remodeling, Inc.
855-899-1799
1.Know the project outcome you want. Nothing is more stressful or expensive as halfway through a project and a customer changes their mind repeatedly. Once a contractor agrees to a price on project most changes come with a cost. Many contractor make their living on change orders. 2. Enjoy and be involved in the project. Don’t hound your contractor but be involved in it at least a hr a day. No one knows your idea better than you (even on a blueprint). 3. Know some things can go wrong.