Spring has arrived and it's time to get serious about that house improvement project that your family has been waiting for. In case your remodel is in depth, or involves structural modifications, you should first consult with an architect. You may think that getting started is as straightforward as interviewing contractors listed in the phone book.
However, before you make that call, it is advisable do some research to acquire names of reputable builders. If any friends or neighbors have not too long ago completed a remodeling project, you need to ask them about their experience. The Chamber of Commerce can refer you to members and, after getting some names to consider, you possibly can contact the Higher Enterprise Bureau to evaluation their rating. Internet websites and building trade organizations can also be used to acquire referrals.
Contacting tradesmen is one other way to discover a reputable basic contractor. Plumbers, heating and air conditioning and electrical contractors are likely to have established relationships with a number of normal contractors in your area. Architects, residential designers, and lenders will have experience with builders in your space and may refer you to candidates.
After you could have a "brief list" of three to 5 candidates you, should prepare a list of inquiries to ask throughout your first conversation. The most important initial screening criteria are their license status (if required by your state or municipality), insurance (liability and workers comp), and their ability to provide references. If any of your candidates can't pass this initial test, remove them from consideration.
Most small contractors work out of their houses, whereas bigger corporations may have an unbiased office and showroom. Having a big, fancy showroom is just not indicative of a contractor's ability to handle your project. Contractors with a showroom are likely to have a bigger quantity of projects and may not provide the personalized service that a builder working out of their dwelling would.
As you continue with the screening process, a meeting at your house is necessary to view present conditions and "feel out" the builder to find out if this is the type of project that they are interested in. Additionally, touring your home and discussing your plans will provide the opportunity so that you can assess the ability of the contractor to speak with you.
Before you commit to anybody, be sure to contact provided references and, if possible, visit the completed projects. The ability to speak "one-on-one" with the houseowner of a completed project will enable you to find out the level of their satisfaction with the contractor. If a former shopper seems very neutral, with no reward forthcoming, you may need to interpret that as a "less than glowing" report. A very good question to ask is "Would you hire them for an additional project?" Also, this dialogue will provide you with the opportunity to inquire about the process and what to expect alongside the way.
After you have selected "Mr. or Ms. Right", do not proceed until you have a signed contract in place. In addition to defining duties and responsibilities, the contract will state the proposed construction schedule, payment arrangements, scope of work and material specifications. In case you are working with an architect or designer, the plans and specification prepared by them should be referenced within the Owner/Builder Contract.
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