1. What experience does your contractor have with this type of project?
How much experience does the home improvement contractor have in doing projects like yours? Does s/he specialize in this type of project, or will s/he be using your home as a learning project? Typically, contractors who have done several projects like yours will have a better idea of the actual costs and production issues involved in your project. Remember, however, that every remodeling project is a little different, and it is doubtful that any contractor has ever done a job EXACTLY like yours.
2. Who will be doing the actual work?
Will the individual you're talking to be doing the work himself, or will they be using subcontractors or employees? Each scenario has its own advantages and disadvantages, but make sure you know what to expect on your job. Who will you ask questions once the project begins? Should you talk to the subcontractors, a jobsite manager, or the owner of the business? It is very important you have one person who will consistently answer your questions and not give you the run around.
3. What happens if changes are required to the initial bid?
What is the contractors' process for making changes in the middle of the project? Most times you would like to avoid making changes mid-project but there can be unforeseen obstacles that arrive and it is good to know ahead of time how your contractor will deal with those obstacles. Most contractors use some sort of change order form that details the exact work and cost involved in changes once work has begun.
4. Am I prepared to be flexible when the unexpected arises?
Invariably, every job has something that wasn't planned on come up. Delays due to weather, unforeseen conditions which present themselves once walls are torn down, changes to design or material choices, and problems with employees or subcontractors can all upset the planned flow of the project. Are you prepared to be flexible and work with your contractor to find solutions when these problems arise?
5. How do I feel about working with this contractor?
What is your gut feeling on working with this individual? Do you trust him or her? How do you feel about their design ideas as compared to your own? Can you communicate openly and clearly with this person? If it's a remodeling project, how do you feel about this person being in your house for several days or weeks at a time often when you are not home? This is a really important factor to consider if you don't trust this person don't hire them.
This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.
Many Florida residents that have come from the North are... Read More
When you are choosing a new ceiling fan there are... Read More
Shopping for window shutters can become confusing because of the... Read More
If you have a two story house, and you are... Read More
It's amazing -- some people manage to get a complete... Read More
Fresh water is essential to our health and comfort. Not... Read More
Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides... Read More
You're all comfortable in your favorite lounge chair, reading your... Read More
Modern mailboxes are made predominately from cast aluminum or stainless... Read More
"Company's coming and my place doesn't look right?"You know how... Read More
One of the first steps in building a log home... Read More
Are your beautiful hardwood floors not so beautiful anymore? Maybe... Read More
Wholesale vinyl flooring is the perfect solution for people who... Read More
Many areas of your home can benefit from concrete waterproofing.... Read More
After spending hundreds of dollars on your favorite Picasso print,... Read More
When you add up all the money that you can... Read More
You may think choosing garage doors is straight forward, however... Read More
There are numerous styles of Persian carpets. In fact there... Read More
General advice.Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don't expect to get all... Read More
In recent years there has been many stories about dryers... Read More
The words "spring cleaning" can make the neatest person cringe.... Read More
When double glazing first became a popular window choice in... Read More
If you are looking to warm your floors with a... Read More
I recently visited friends who served me a dinner of... Read More
Your house doesn't have enough storage space, bathrooms, or counter... Read More
Creating a Designer Home With LightingTraditionally, spring is the time... Read More
After years of use, your floor will need to be... Read More
If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More
Hand hooked rugs are a great way to add splendor... Read More
Here are five important things to remember.1. Use a steel... Read More
It is inevitable, almost everyone no matter how long they... Read More
The following list offers some inexpensive ways to make your... Read More
Of the 359 homeowners in my area, 112 are running... Read More
A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm... Read More
If you are redesigning or decorating a room, or house,... Read More
Colors play an important part in your Home Decor process.... Read More
There are numerous styles of Persian carpets. In fact there... Read More
Unfinished furniture has started to become extremely popular in the... Read More
If you've ever had carpets or vinyl flooring you've probably... Read More
The tradition of hardwood floors dates back hundreds of years,... Read More
When you have reached the decision to purchase new windows... Read More
These days a lot of homeowners are replacing their old... Read More
The roof has had many different innovations in regards to... Read More
Probably the most intimidating part of building your own house... Read More
1. What experience does your contractor have with this type... Read More
Remember the old Calgon commercial-"Take me away Calgon!" There's only... Read More
The Ins and Outs Of Choosing Online Custom Home Plans!... Read More
Have you ever thought of your home as being healthy... Read More
A drill press, also known as a pillar drill, is... Read More
What can you do to "clear the air" indoors, at... Read More
1. Q. IS NATURAL STONE A GOOD CHOICE FOR HOME... Read More
Steel is gaining in popularity as a building material due... Read More
After spending hundreds of dollars on your favorite Picasso print,... Read More
The allure of carpet lays not only its soft and... Read More
A staple of healthy outdoor living, hot tubs equals to... Read More
The last thing you would think about when you are... Read More
When one is looking into marketing for the home builder,... Read More
There is a perception amongst most folk that every house... Read More
Colors contain underlying psychological meanings and evoke particular feelings when... Read More
Ladies, we spend a lot of time in the morning... Read More
Choosing a color scheme can be a nerve-wracking business. For... Read More
Asphalt paving or Hot Mix Asphalt is typically what one... Read More
Over the years, many studies have been done in countries... Read More
Whether you're buying a home, or just moving in to... Read More
Hand hooked rugs are a great way to add splendor... Read More
Hardwood flooring - its' traditional look is almost timeless, its'... Read More
Home Improvement |