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Finding the Right Contractor For Your Home Addition
Is your family growing while your house seems to be shrinking? Or, have you decided the most economical way to get a larger home with the features you want means you need to put on an addition? Either way if your project is just too big to take on yourself, you’ll need to find a a reliable contractor. We’ve all heard horror stories about home contractors who disappear or home additions gone really badly, so finding the right contractor is important. In reality, most contractors do try to do a good job and be reliable but sometimes they can get overextended financially or just take on a job that’s too big for them. Here’s some suggestions about how you can find a reliable contractor for your home renovation. Start by creating a list of potential contractors: - Talk to friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives about their experiences with contractors and find out anyone they might recommend. If you’re looking to do a major addition, don’t bother with contractors who have replaced some windows or upgraded a bathroom. You want to find contractors who have done jobs of the same size as yours.
- Check at the local building centers where contractors buy their materials. They may have a list of contractors they are willing to recommend or point you to some contractors who do the kind of work you’re looking to have done.
- Another good source of reliable contractors is local real estate agents. They often know reputable builders in the area and could be looking to build some good will with potential clients.
Narrow your list by talking to the contractors and asking questions: - This doesn’t need to be a detailed or drawn out conversation at this time. One of the important things you need to find out is if your personalities mesh. During an addition, there will be lots of conversations and inevitably some stress and discussions. You want to feel comfortable with the person you will be hiring and working with.
- Ask how long they have been in business and if they have ever done a job similar to yours before, as well as how that job went. You also want to know if they belong to any professional builders associations, carry workman’s comp and personal liability insurance to cover sub trades working on your property.
- Many states and counties require home contractors to be licensed, if your state is one of these find out if the contractor is licensed to do a major addition such as the one you’re planning.
- Get the names of some clients for whom they have done a similar job and let them know you will be contacting these people to get their feed back and impressions of both the contractor and the work. Don’t just say you are gong to do this, actually do it. Even better, if you can arrange it, actually go and see the finished job and talk to the homeowner about how the contractor and his crew were to work with. Did they show up when they said they would and if they did everything they said they would prior to the job. It’s also important to find out how any disputes or misunderstandings were settled.
Once you’ve had your conversations you can decide which three or four contractors you’d feel most comfortable working with and ask them to provide a written estimate and bid for your job.
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The results of the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report for 2010-2011 (Remodeling magazine) are out and I'm more convinced than ever that it really is what's on the outside that counts (see last week's post). The report ranks the most popular home...
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Interior architecture and design is a continually evolving industry. Just like fashion, we can't help but notice the ever-changing design trends of the season particularly when magazines, newspapers and television shows keep us abreast as to what's...
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Basement remodeling can be done by the homeowner himself with some skills in carpentry and interior design. Those who think they are lacking in these departments may be surprised to learn otherwise. The area can be turned into a gym, a laundry room,...
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Upgrade Siding
When your siding has seen better days, upgrading it just might be one of the best investments you can make for your home, no matter what the economic climate. Since siding functions as a shield for the materials it covers, the better...
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A small affordable remodeling project that can have a big impact is a master bathroom remodel. Any changes you make to your master bath are guaranteed to make a difference in your daily routine.
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Though homeowners spend quite a bit of time on living rooms, kitchens, and bathroom remodels, guest rooms are one of the most often neglected spaces in the house. If you're planning on having overnight guests within the next year, consider remodeling your guest room to make it more appealing and welcoming.
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Does your kitchen fit your busy lifestyle? Today's kitchens are at the hub of family life, serving as a dining area, office, and gathering place. Whether you choose a major kitchen remodel or just want to rejuvenate one aspect with new lighting, appliances, cabinetry or tile, updating your kitchen can make it easier to accommodate your family's daily routine.
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Before you begin shopping for kitchen cabinets, the most important thing to do is establish a budget. Remember that cabinets are harder to change than anything else in the kitchen since everything else has to come out when you change the cabinets, so this is a decision that will affect your kitchen in many ways.
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Negotiating the planning/permitting process and actually starting construction comfortably within the same building season is tough to pull off. Home remodels are big jobs, and many homeowners are simply ill-prepared when they go into a project.
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One of the easiest ways to "add a new room or rooms" to your home is to better utilize the space you already have. Most basements are dark areas where we store seasonal decorations, old toys, sporting equipment and anything else not used on a regular basis.
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Any real estate pro can tell you there are 3 important areas to consider if you're selling your home: curb appeal, kitchen and bathrooms. But, why wait till you sell your home to shape up these areas? Follow the advice of real estate professionals to put your home's best "face" forward even if you're not putting it on the market.
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Most home remodeling projects, especially popular home improvements like bathrooms and kitchens, have substantial long-term returns in areas such as quality of life, increased resale value, and lower energy costs.
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Taking on a home remodeling project is a huge decision. You don't want to use just anybody, or you risk wasting your hard-earned money. Even though you are not buying a product, the contractor's services you choose are going to determine the quality of the finished product (your remodeling).
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For your basement remodeling projects, as with any remodel you will want to asses your own priorities and budgetary requirements prior to making commitments.
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Insulating your home is pure and simple the number one way to save money on energy costs. In the old days floors and walls were lined with just about anything to keep the moisture and cold air out of home. Renovations have revealed that even old newspapers were found packed into wall and floor boards.
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Doing it yourself can save thousands of dollars. But making mistakes during your remodel can be costly and dangerous. The key is to plan ahead, use common sense and take some tips from the pros.
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To start, it is important to take note that no matter how big or small the budget, or how minor or major the kitchen remodeling will be, the keys to project success are: a well-detailed plan, craftsmanship and quality products and materials.
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Start Right with an Energy Audit
To exactly know where your home stands when it comes to energy efficiency and get specifics on which area of your house and property needs concentration, an energy audit conducted by a professional would serve as a...
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RTA Cabinets
One of the hottest when it comes to today’s kitchen commodities is RTA cabinets that have long since proved that they are more than hype. What started out as a cheap alternative to traditional choices became one of the best ways...
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