home remodeling planning with notes and material samples
Home remodeling can be a great project, but choosing the wrong contractor can quickly turn it into one you will regret. If you are redoing your kitchen, updating your bathroom, finishing a lower level, or reworking the layout of your house, the contractor you work with will influence everything from the quality and cost of the work to the overall experience.
An excellent contractor not only finishes the work but is also a source of effective communication, project management, scheduling and trade coordination, problem-solving and general oversight of the work to safeguard your investment. Prior to hiring, you should know what characteristics to look for.
Lay Out the Basics of Your Home Remodeling Plan
Prior to reaching out to contractors, outline the general scope of your home remodeling project. You do not need every detail worked out, but you should at least know which areas of your house are involved and what improvements you want to make.
Focus on the main goals of remodeling. For example, do you want to increase storage, improve the overall flow of the home, upgrade finishes, make it more functional or improve the resale value of your house? Clear objectives will help the contractor provide more helpful information and quotes.
It also helps to have a general idea of your budget. Your contractor should be able to let you know what you can realistically achieve within that range, and they should also be able to let you know how costs might change if you upgrade certain materials, are required to obtain additional permits, have existing structural challenges or uncover existing damage.
Check for Relevant Experience
Not all contractors are equipped for all types of home remodeling projects. For example, the contractor who handles small, everyday repairs and maintenance may not be the best choice for redoing your kitchen or reworking an entire floor in your home.
Request information regarding home remodeling projects they have done recently that are like yours. Experience of this type gives them better insight into the process, what challenges could arise and how to schedule subcontractors accordingly.
Here are some helpful questions to ask:
- Have you done a project like mine before?
- What work is completed daily and who will be on site?
- What portion of the work will be subcontracted?
- How do you handle project changes?
- What are some potential issues with this type of work?
You should look for answers that are specific, realistic and easy to understand.
Check Licencing and Insurance Coverage
Your home remodeling contractor should be properly licensed within your jurisdiction and should have appropriate levels of insurance coverage. It may sound routine, but knowing about these issues matters.
Licencing ensures that the contractor meets the standards of your municipality or state, and insurance coverage can help protect you in the event that there is damage to your home or an injury to someone during the course of your project. A home remodeling contractor who does not answer these questions readily or cannot give proof of both is a warning sign.
Ask about permits and if they are necessary. Depending on the scope of your project, there may be permits you must obtain (navigate to this website), and there may be others that are required for specific tasks, such as electrical, plumbing or structural work, or a major renovation. Your contractor should be able to walk you through what must be permitted, and how and when the permit process will take place.
Assess Estimates Other Than Price
The easiest option might seem to be going with the cheapest bid, especially if costs for a home remodeling project can be substantial. However, this could not be farther from the truth.
A good estimate should list the scope of the work, materials, labour, allowances, a payment schedule and the estimated length of the project. Estimates that are vague can lead to issues later on.
Take note of the following when comparing estimates:
- Quality of materials
- Demolition and final cleanup
- If permits are included and how they will be handled
- Allowances for fixtures, finishes and similar items
- Any warranty on workmanship or defects
If one estimate is significantly lower than the other options, ask why it may be different. For example, it could mean that not all of the necessary work is listed, or there are other assumptions that will impact the final cost.
Consider Communication
Good communication is critical in any home remodeling project. In early communications, see if the contractor is listening, is able to answer questions directly or follow-ups as promised.
Review the Contract Before Signing
Do not trust verbal promises alone; have everything documented. A written contract (there is a helpful breakdown at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles) will establish clear expectations for both sides of the agreement.
Getting Started on Your Home Remodeling
Take the time to choose the right remodeling contractor as it is an important part of any project. Compare work experience, credentials, estimates and communication style. Taking this approach to your project could help it go smoothly, from the first planning conversation to the last inspection.
home remodeling estimate with plans and calculator
