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Home Remodeling Contractors Near Me
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If you are looking for home remodeling ideas and contractors, in our guide you will find all the costs involved as well as up to 4 free contractor quotes.
Home remodeling is one of the biggest projects a homeowner can undertake. It’s involving; it needs a lot of preparation and proper budgeting. If you own a home, you cannot escape from the occasional upgrade which could involve adding space to the existing rooms, changing your home’s design, painting, cabinet refacing, etc. Home remodeling can also be done to increase the value of a home to be able to close a sale deal; it could also be a new house, and you need to remodel it to suit your needs, theme, and personality.
Whatever reasons that prompt you to consider a home remodeling project, there are many factors that you need to put into consideration such as finding a good contractor to walk you through the remodeling project and also to be able to mitigate costs and plan.
It’s essential to note that remodeling even one room can be quite tasking if there is no careful preparation and planning. However, you can achieve a successful home remodeling project if you save ahead of time to be able to tackle multiple rooms at once. You also need to do thorough research and homework to prepare yourself for the challenges of the project as well as developing a sound budget.
Common Reasons for Home Remodeling
There are many reasons why a homeowner will consider renovating and remodeling their home. The most common ones include:
- Increase the Sale Value of Your Home
If you are planning on putting your home on the market for sale, a remodeling project should be on top of your list if at all you expect to get a good return on your investment. To be competitive, you will need to create an eye-catching outlook of your home. Fresh paint, a new roof, a replacement of the front door, an updated kitchen and a beautiful landscaping can help enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home and attract more buyers.
Most homeowner’s wish to get the best immediate return on investment and a remodeling project could potentially bring you closer to achieving your sales goals. For example, a bathroom remodeling can add an extra $3,500 to the overall price of your home meaning that you get close to 80% of your costs in home value. Further studies show that attic insulation can be a significant investment in your house as it can earn 107% return on investment in average.
- Increase Your Comfort in Your Home
This is one most common reason for home remodeling. The home is the place where everyone needs to feel safe and comfortable. For example, after a long day of working, you need to take a long relaxing bath in a well-done bathroom that creates a peaceful and spacious environment. For this reasons, a bathroom remodeling may help you achieve the needs you have for this specific room.
Another good example is the need for a functional kitchen that makes the process of preparing meals easier and more fun. You may consider doing an upgrade in your kitchen by adding island chairs to create a seating place, improve the style of your kitchen and create a bonding place for you and your family members.
The comfort of your house cannot be overlooked, and that’s why a home remodeling project is usually considered by a majority of homeowners. Your house should feel like a home, and if you create space, you will reduce clutter and drastically change your cramped house to a more comfortable environment.
- Additional Room in the House
As your family grows, you may consider adding bedroom or bathroom to your current home to be able to accommodate everyone. A home remodeling project can involve adding an extra room to ensure that all the family members have enough space and room in the house.
You do not have to move houses or a buy a new house. You can analyze your current home, and with the help of a contractor, you can be able to figure to out how to create an additional room. For example, if you love hosting house parties, you may consider adding your living room space to be able to achieve a bigger space for your visitors. Also, you can add an extra bathroom to reduce the inconvenience of having several family members sharing one, especially on the busy mornings.
- Reduce Your Energy Bills
A home remodeling project can seem costly, but it’s a project that pays in the long run. If you replace your drafty windows or doors with properly insulated ones, you will cut down the amount you used to spend on energy bills. You could also increase your home’s efficiency by replacing your water heater and save on utility bills every month.
- To Take Care of a Safety Issue
You might be experiencing an electrical problem or a leaking roof, or sometimes a structural problem such as a crack in your house’s foundation. These are critical issues that will necessitate a home remodel idea to ensure that your family’s safety is taken into consideration and avoid a catastrophic incidence.
- To Update Your Home’s Style
If you a have a dated home you may desire to remodel it to the new trends either for your style or to make it more marketable. You may want to achieve a different style that suits your personality and sends a message of class and sophistication. A home remodel is good chance to update the style and theme of your home. For example, simple lighting fixtures such as under cabinet lights can change the appearance of your kitchen.
- To Reduce Maintenance Costs
A remodel can save costly and time- consuming repairs. More than often, you will release your home needs regular repairs such as roofing, seals, windows, doors, etc. If these issues are neglected, you may have to spend more on repairs than you expected.
A home remodeling may help you discover issues that you may never have known existed in your home. In this case, you have a chance to repair all the major and minor problems present during the remodeling process at a much lesser cost compared to handling the repairs separately on their own.
Factors to Consider Before Starting a Home Remodeling Project
Before you embark on a home remodeling job, no matter how big or small the project it is; there are some essential factors that you need to consider which will help you plan and prepare adequately. As mentioned before, preparation and planning are the main aspects that will guarantee you a successful home remodeling project. But before you tear your whole house apart, consider these essential factors.
You Need to Budget
You need to be financially ready before you start a local home remodeling project. Ensure you make an overall assessment and proceed to list down all the things you will need to be able you to complete the home remodeling project.
You should do enough homework to get a rough estimate of the total cost you might spend depending on the size of your home remodeling project. You can ask a friend or someone close to you who has done a similar renovation or upgrade of their home.
And finally, talk to experts and home remodeling contractors to get valuable advice that will help determine how much you need for the project.
Research and window shopping will help you make a price comparison and enable you to see if the plan you have is affordable. However, it’s important to save up towards a home remodeling months before you plunge into the project. Make sure you set aside at least an extra 20% on top of your final budget to cater for the inevitable issues that may come up during the remodeling process.
Why Are You Remodeling?
The reasons why you are renovating will determine the direction and extent of the remodeling project. Who will benefit from the home remodel? Is it yourself? Or is it your tenants? Or is it for a buyer?
If you are remodeling for yourself, then your results should meet your lifestyle, taste, design, and most importantly, it should cater to your family’s needs. Put in mind that you will be living in your home for years and it’s only advisable to consider doing a home remodel that will be long lasting and meets your standards.
If you are remodeling for a tenant, you need to put your budget into consideration and make sure the results will be profitable in the end. Try as much as possible to maximize your income while at the same time making sure that the remodel meets your tenant’s needs and can attract potential ones when the current one moves out.
If you are remodeling to increase the value of your home in the market, the renovation should be buyer-based to be able to attract people to buy the home. Make sure the landscape and the exterior are well taken care of to create a first good impression.
Look For the Right Contractor
Your home is one of the most valuable assets. If you are planning to do a major remodel, that could involve structural changes you need to hire a competent and experienced professional. The results of the remodel project should reflect a great artistry with outstanding appearance and design. Make sure you do a thorough research and seek for referrals from people close to you to be able to get a trustable and reliable contractor who will deliver excellent results.
Be Realistic
A home remodeling project is a big project that requires a lot of input from your end. It’s possible to get carried away during the process when trying to accomplish your dreams. However, it’s vital to note that everything comes with a price; and to achieve the goals you had initially set for the remodel project, you need to work on your budget. Make sure you take your resources and budget into consideration before indulging in other home remodel processes that you had not planned before the project.
Home Remodeling Cost
A home remodeling project can seem like a daunting task, and it requires a lot of preparation, planning and an elaborate budget. To be able to save on a home remodeling project, it’s advisable you renovate multiple rooms at once. This way you will able to purchase supplies in bulk at a lower price and cut down on labor cost by increasing the efficiency of the project.
Several factors will affect the overall cost of a home remodeling project such as the size of the rooms to be renovated, cost of materials, existing issues that could arise during the remodeling process and many others. This guide will give you cost estimates on the most common remodeling projects to enable you to know the amount you might spend when planning for one.
What Is The Size Is Your Home Remodel Project?
Before you start budgeting for a home remodeling project you should consider the extent of the project. The cost of the project will largely be determined by the amount of work to be done. For example, remodeling a home that measures around 1,000 square feet will cost an average of $18,347 while a bigger home of around 3,000 to 4,000 square will cost an average of $36,121 to remodel.
Here are some of the average costs for the common remodeling projects among most homeowners.
Cost of Adding Square Footage and Bringing Down Walls
One of the reasons for carrying out a home remodeling project is to add space to your existing home. To be able to get an additional square footage, the process will probably involve knocking down interior walls.
The average cost of bringing down interior wall ranges from $300.00 to $500.00. However, there are factors that will influence the cost of knocking down an interior wall.
Load-bearing wall
This is a structural wall, which bears the weight of your house including the roof, the upper floors down to the foundation. Bringing down this kind of a wall requires the expertise of a structural engineer and careful planning. The process of knocking down such a wall is complex, and there will be a need for extra framing and an addition of a header beam to provide support after the load-bearing wall is brought down.
Walls with Mechanical Elements
Some walls have plumbing work, electrical wiring, heating or cooling ducts passing through them. Removing such a wall can be quite involving and all the elements inside need to be handled with care. Expect to pay more if your additional square footage involves knocking down this kind of a wall.
Lead paint
For some older homes, there is a possibility of the wall having lead paint which requires special attention making the removal process longer hence increasing the costs.
Before considering the idea of additional space, it’s crucial to involve a professional to assess the kind of wall you want to remove and determine the cost implication. Most homeowners spend an average of $7000.00 to $100,000.00 to add square footage during home remodeling projects. The average cost being $40,915.00 which is dependent on the size of the project and the finishing materials being used.
Cost of Remodeling the Basement
Basement remodeling is one of the biggest projects. The cost of remodeling your basement will be determined by its state and the remodeling house plan you have in mind. Other factors that will influence the remodeling costs include the building of walls, installation of new floors, additional electrical wiring, plumbing lines and furnishing.
The average cost of remodeling a basement comes to around $18,711. Most homeowners spend around $10,569 to $27,000 on basement remodeling. The overall cost will be influenced by the cost of materials you choose to use, the size of your basement and other additional requirements. Some homeowners opt to add a bathroom or a guest suite in the basement which will require additional services of a plumber.
Cost of Remodeling a Kitchen
Kitchen remodeling will depend on the state of the kitchen and the style you wish to achieve. The average cost of remodeling a kitchen comes to around $20,474. Most homeowners are reported to spend around $4,500 on a smaller kitchen remodeling work to the highs of $49,000 for the more expensive and larger kitchen projects.
The bulk of expenses in most kitchen remodeling projects goes to cabinets and hardware which take roughly 29% of the overall cost and installation 17%. Other major costs such as appliances costs take about 14% and countertops 14% while flooring will cost you around 7% of the total remodeling budget. The cost of remodeling a kitchen can be on the higher or lower side depending on the materials and appliances you use.
Here are some of the major features that are involved in the most kitchen remodeling projects.
Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen cabinets are one of the essential features in a kitchen. A majority of kitchen remodeling projects will involve upgrading or installation of cabinets. They contribute extensively to the overall appearance of the kitchen and the style.
Below are the costs of different types of kitchen cabinets:
Stock cabinets – they are pre-made ready for installation. They have limited styles and sizes. Their costs comes to an average of $60.00 to $200.00 per linear foot
Semi-custom cabinets – almost similar to stock cabinets but you can add a few additions such as resizing drawers and doors to suit your preference. They cost about $100.00 to $650.00 per linear foot.
Custom cabinets – these are designed to suit your preferred designs and styles. They can be designed to fit even the odd shaped kitchen. They are the most expensive option. The average cost of custom cabinets comes to about $500.00 to $1,200 per linear foot.
Other kitchen cabinet options include:
Refinished cabinets – in this process, the cabinets are given a fresh new look without replacing any part. The drawer fronts and doors are removed, sanded and then stained to your preferred look. Refinishing cabinets cost around $1,400 to $3,500.
Refacing – it’s one of the most popular options for most homeowners doing a kitchen remodel. The process involves replacement of the cabinet’s doors, drawer fronts and hardware with new ones. Expect to spend about $4500 to $9100 of kitchen cabinet refacing.
Kitchen Countertops
Countertops play a major role in the kitchen. They provide a working space for meal preparation in the kitchen. Expect to spend an average of $905.00 to $7,500 in installation and replacement of the kitchen countertops. It’s important to note that kitchen countertops are some of the most used features in the kitchen and therefore when choosing the materials, you need to consider one that will withstand scratches, burns and can resist water and stains.
Here are the costs of some of the kitchen countertops materials:
Concrete countertops – these are durable, heat and stain resistant and blend well with your décor and style. Concrete countertops cost about $2,600 to $5,300.
Laminate countertops – they come in different colors and can be shaped into various designs. However, they do not do well with heat. Expect to spend an average of $1,200 to $2000 on laminate kitchen countertops.
Solid surface countertops – they include Quartz, Corian, Wilsonart, and avonite. For the solid surface, you will spend about $1,500 to $3,000.
Stone countertops – these type of countertops are durable, resistance to heat and bacteria and they are easy to clean. Expect to spend about $4,000 to $7,000 if remodeling your countertops with a stone material.
Kitchen Flooring
When it comes to flooring options for your kitchen, you have a wide variety to choose. During remodeling process, it’s essential to note that flooring is a long-term investment and therefore, you should choose materials that reflect your taste, lifestyle and most importantly easy to clean. The quality of material you choose will determine the average cost of flooring your kitchen. For laminate flooring expect to spend about $2,500, while ceramic tiles will cost you an average of $1,300. If you opt for vinyl, the cost will come to about $1,500, and wood flooring will cost around $4,000.
| Stock cabinets | $60-$200 per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Semi-custom cabinets | $100-$650 per linear foot |
| Custom cabinets | $$500-$1200 per linear foot |
| Refinished kitchen cabinets | $1400-$3500 |
| Refacing kitchen countertops | $4500-$9100 |
| Kitchen counter tops | $905-$7500 |
| Flooring | $1300-$4000 |
Cost Of Remodeling A Bathroom
Remodeled bathrooms add value to your home, accommodate a change in your needs and may transform your very dull house into a stylish and beautiful one. The cost of remodeling a bathroom will vary depending on the type of materials you choose to use for your cabinets, countertops and the kind of fixtures you want. The average cost of remodeling a bathroom ranges from $6,000 to $14,000. The cost can soar up if you choose to add spa-like qualities to your bathroom like steam showers.
Here are some of the most common features in bathroom remodeling project and their cost.
Bathtubs – the cost of installing bathrooms comes to an average of $400.00 to $1,500 for a basic bathtub while a mid-range bathtub will cost you around $2,600- $4,100. You can also spend up to $ 8,000 for the high-end bathtub such as jetted tubs. The cost will be determined by the size and the type of a bathtub you want.
Cabinets – installing new cabinets can range from $1200 to $3500 for basic ones to $4000 – $7000 for the mid-range cabinets. However for custom cabinets, the cost of installation can go up to $8000 depending on the style and design you choose.
Countertops – prices will vary with the type of material you choose. For basic countertops such as laminate and tiles, expect to spend an average of $900.00 to $2,000. Or, you can opt for a solid surface or granite which will cost you around $2,800 to $4,100.
For high-end countertops such as stone, granite, or quartz the cost of installation will come to an average of $5,000 to $6,500.
Flooring- there is plenty of choices when it comes to flooring. Expect to spend an average of $800 to $2000 for a basic flooring option or about $3,000 for a mid-range flooring material. However, for high-end flooring options such as hardwood flooring, the cost can go as high as $7,000.
Lighting Fixtures – Lighting ideas depend on your preference. You can choose to have a vintage look by installing pillar candle fixtures with bulbs. If you opt for a stylish modern look, a column light build with light cylinders incorporated with LED light might be the ideal choice. For basic lighting expect to spend in a range of $120 to $900, while for a more stylish lighting options the price can rise to about $1,100 to $1,700.
Shower Heads – Most traditional homes have bathtubs. However, with modern showers becoming a must have, you may want to alter your bathrooms to accommodate showers. Should you opt for both, make a decision which bathroom to install both. The cost of installing shower heads varies from basic to high-end ones which include multiple shower heads. Expect to spend as low as $3000 to the high side of $10,000.
Sinks and Toilets – just like all the other bathroom features, you can install basic to mid-range and high-end sinks and toilets depending on your budget. You will spend around $190.00 to $900 for a basic sink or even up to $6500 for the high-end ones. Toilets also range from $340.00 to $780 depending on your preference.
| Low to High-end average costs | |
|---|---|
| Bathtubs | $400-$8000 |
| Cabinets | $1200-$8000 |
| Countertops | $900-$6500 |
| Flooring | $800-$7000 |
| Lighting fixtures | $120-$1700 |
| Shower heads | $3000-$10,000 |
| Sinks | $190-$8000 |
| Toilets | $340-$780 |
Cost of Updating Appliances
One the most common reason for remodeling a home is to cut down on energy bills. Updating your appliance is one way of reducing the cost of your utility bill. Even though the initial installation may be costly, in the long run, you will save money.
The amount you spend on appliances will depend on your budget and preferences. For example, the basic appliances will cost you around $100 to $2,000 while appliances from high-end stores can range from $300 to $5000. You can also opt to install the EnergyStar appliances which will cost you about $200-$3, 5000. Some homeowners choose to have custom built-in appliances to suit their styles and preferences. The cost f installing the custom built-in appliances ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
Cost of replacing HVAC units
Your old inefficient HVAC model will need replacement during the home remodeling process. The comfort of your home should be number one priority when doing a home remodeling project. Also, an energy efficient HVAC unit can save you a lot of money on your subsequent utility bills. To Install a new AC unit, you will spend an average cost of $5,234.
Other common options that will manage your home’s climate control system include installing a furnace at an average cost of $3,942 and installing a heat pump comes to around $5,285. You can also consider your home’s insulation to help keep your home cooler during summer. The cost of installing insulation ranges about $ 1,533 and installing ducts and vents will cost you around $1,050.
Cost Of Repairing /Replacing a Roof
A home remodeling project will involve taking care of roof to protect all the other elements of your home. Roofing materials last about 20-30 years and therefore, you will need to carry out occasional repairs and replacement. The average cost of replacing a roof ranges around $6,838. However, the cost will depend on the factors such as roof pitch, the size of the roof and materials used.
| Types of roofs | Description | Average cost of professional installation costs |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | Most popular | $1700-$8,400 |
| Wood shakes | Has a good aesthetic view but does not last long | $6,800-$20,000 |
| Metal roofing | Durable, has a variety of finishes | $5,100-24,200 for steel and aluminum $25,500-439,600 for copper |
| Tile roofs | Durable and easy to replace | $7,650-$60,000 |
| Slate | Long lasting and has a natural look | $17,000-$120,000 |
Additional cost considerations
When getting estimates for the home remodeling project, you need to consider the other cost factors that come with the remodeling process.
Contractor’s Fee
You will need a contractor to oversee the remodeling project. Most general contractors will charge 10% to 15% of the total cost of the home remodeling cost. Therefore, the amount you pay the contractor will depend on the size of your project and how much it will cost.
However, if there expect to do structural changes like changing the layout of a bathroom and removing some walls; you will need the services of a plumber, electricians, and structural engineers.
Plumbers – during a home remodeling project, some of the work will need the expertise of a plumber. Most plumbers charge an average cost of $299.00 while others charge an hourly rate of $45.00 to $150.00.
Electrician – in case you are knocking down walls that have electrical wiring, you will need to hire an electrician to redo the wiring system. Professional electricians charge an average cost of $322.00 or $50.00 to $100.00 per hour.
A structural engineer – a home remodeling project can involve removal of the load –bearing wall, adding a room, or changing the stairs. These are changes that will require the input of a structural engineer to ensure that the plans can be achieved safely. The average cost of hiring a structural engineer is $512.
Permits
As mentioned at the beginning of this guide, a home remodeling is a significant undertaking that could involve structural changes, additional rooms, and change of a home’s layout. It’s advisable that you check with your local authority for any permits that may be required by the building codes.
Building permits cost an average of $911.00. It’s a good idea to acquire the permits before you start your home remodeling project. However, depending on your region and the extent of the project, most homeowners spend around $398.00 to $1,456 on permit fees.
| Description | Average costs |
|---|---|
| Total cost of remodeling | $16,860-$62,964 |
| Removing walls | $300-$500 |
| Adding square footage | $7,000-$100,000 |
| Remodeling basement | $18,711 |
| Remodeling kitchen | $20,474 |
| Remodeling bathroom | $6,000-$14,000 |
| Updating appliances | $100-$10,000 |
| Replacing HVAC unit | $5,234 |
| Installing a Furnace | $3,942 |
| Installing heat pump | $5,285 |
| Installing insulation | $1,533 |
| Installing ducts and vents | $1,050 |
Hiring the Right Contractor
A major home remodeling project requires a competent and reliable local home remodeling contractor to steer and head the process to a successful completion. Even though there are many options out there, you need to sort through the list and settle for someone who will work with you to achieve outstanding results that meet your expectations.
Before you make a call to several contractors, you need to establish what you require for the home remodel project. Which rooms or parts of the house need a renovation and an upgrade? If possible, sketch a layout of bathroom, basement, kitchen, living room or the porch to see the rough picture of the changes you want to achieve.
Once you have established your needs, you can research to find out estimated costs and the challenges of doing the project before you embark on a journey to search for a contractor.
Here are several tips that should help you in your search for a competent contractor for your home remodeling project.
Do Enough Homework/Research
For your home remodeling project, you need to have enough information of what is expected and all the processes involved. Research from the internet and lifestyle magazines and compile all the ideas to help you with the remodel plan. Have a clear budget of the amount you expect to spend not forgetting to slot a 20% extra to cater for unforeseen emergencies and issues that may come up.
As for the contractor, ask around from your friends, neighbors or relatives for referrals. Sometimes, recommendations from people close to you can help you secure a local contractor helping you reduce the cost of transport and other related expenses.
You can also make use of the search engines and look for home remodeling contractors near you. Make sure you read widely and research to get enough details about the professionals online. Reviews and ratings should help you narrow down on the list of contractors you come across on online platforms. Look closely at how the contractor responds to complains and if they have a trail of happy and satisfied customers.
While searching for a contractor, it’s important to focus on professionals who have enough experience in the type of project similar to yours. Look through the samples to determine if their work is satisfactory and determine if they will achieve your desired home remodeling vision.
Contact Interviews
At this point, you have already narrowed down your search to at least two or three contractors. Schedule for meetings and discuss the project further into details. Make sure you ask questions that will help you determine if the contractor can handle the scale of the project. Can they get the required permits for the job and do they have all the needed credentials such as building certificates, insurance covers and licenses?
While interviewing, listen keenly to how they answer your questions, how they address your concerns and if they have any ideas to add to your input. Are they professional and courteous? How is the customer service delivery? You should work with someone who knows how to handle clients. Did the contractor arrive on time for your appointment? Do they seem organized and confident? These are important details that will determine the nature of your working relationship.
Get Multiple Quotes
After contacting the interviews, request for quotes of the total cost of the project. The contractor should include the cost of materials needed for the home remodeling project as well as the cost of labor. If there are any expected cost additions, let the contractor include them the quote.
It’s essential to note that, a cheap quote is not always the better option and an expensive quote does not always mean quality work. As mentioned in the guide, do your homework and have price estimates for the type of project you have in mind. This way, you will be able to tell if the price quoted is too high or low. Make sure you take factors such as experience and available samples into consideration. A more established professional is likely to charge slightly higher, but the work might be worth the cost in the long run.
Have a Written Agreement
If you have managed to get the right contractor for the job, you need to make sure that the terms of the quote are put down in a legally binding contract. The written contract should include the scope of work to be done, brand of materials to be purchased, contractors fee, start and finish dates, and the payment process.
Also, the contract should include any other expected expenses that can come up during the project. Ensure that the contract defines the process to be followed should there be a change in the original contract. A written contract protects both the contractor and the client. It gives a channel for legal recourse should something go wrong during the home remodel project. A competent and trustable contractor will not have a problem drafting a legal contract.
10 Questions to Ask your Home Remodeling Contractor
When doing an interview, you need to have a clear guide on what to ask before you hire a contractor. These questions will enable you to clarify essential details and also determine if the contractor is qualified to handle a home remodeling project.
Here the most important questions to ask your home remodeling contractor before you decide to hire.
1. How long have you run Your Home Remodeling Business?
Hiring a contractor who has specialized experience in your type of your project is vital. Hire someone who has knows the exact details of what is required and can address any unexpected issues that may come up during the remodeling process.
Also, an established contractor has probably built a working relationship with suppliers which means that they know where to get authentic materials for your remodeling projects. A good reputation is not built in a day. Therefore, an experienced contractor has established a name for themselves, and they would go to great lengths to deliver excellent results to preserve what they accomplished over the years by maintaining a good performance record.
2. Can you supply me with references?
A trustable and reliable contractor should have a list of clients whom they have worked for in the past. Ask for two to four contacts of their recent clients and give them a call. If possible, you can ask the referees if they can give you a chance to see the work done by the contractor. Also, make sure you get relevant details about the contractor’s performance and working relationship.
3. Are you a member of the home builders association?
An established and reliable contractor who has an excellent record should be a member of the local builders association. These are organizations that register qualified contractors and have laws that govern them. The association has a record of outstanding members and can also give you information on contractors to avoid.
4. Are you licensed?
It’s safer to work with a licensed contractor. Ask for a copy of license and if possible note the license number for confirmation with the local authority. A serious and dedicated contractor will ensure that their business is authentic and recognized by the local authority by acquiring the right operating license. Also, ask the contractor if the sub-contractors they will use have licenses, i.e., plumbers, engineers, and electricians.
5. Are you insured?
A reputable contractor should have a general liability insurance cover, a workman’s comprehensive cover and should be bonded. You need to be sure your property is protected and that you will not be held liable should any accidents happen in the course of the home remodeling project.
6. How long will the remodeling project take?
Find out how long the contractor intends to take to complete the project. It’s advisable to have a start and finish dates well indicated in the contract. Should there be unexpected issues that delay the project, the contractor should communicate the delay in advance and have the reasons put down in writing for clarity purposes.
7. Can you provide a written contract?
A home remodel project is a significant project with a lot of details and processes that will require a properly written contract that is legally binding. To avoid regrets and misunderstandings in the future, make sure your lawyer looks over your contractor before you sign it.
8. Do you put changes on writing?
During remodeling process, some changes may come up; for example; you may not find the exact materials for cabinet fixtures or flooring that had been specified in the contract. Should the contractor consider doing a substitution or changes, they will have to get your approval and have the changes put down in writing.
9. Do you need an advance before the projects commences?
The required amount that you are allowed to pay beforehand is 10% to 20% to show your commitment and for contractor’s protection. All the other payments should only be made when the agreed milestones are completed and as stated in the contract.
10. Will you obtain the necessary building permits?
A home remodeling project requires building permits, inspection and other approval requirements for plumbing and wiring. The contractor should be aware of the required permits and should be ready to obtain them before the start of the project.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed During a Home Remodeling Project
It’s impossible to do a home remodel by yourself, and therefore, at some point, you will require the services of a contractor. Unfortunately, some contractors are not trustworthy and are out to con unsuspecting homeowners. There are, however, honest, contentious and hardworking contractors, you just need to exercise a bit of caution to ensure you are working with the right person.
Here are ways to detect contractor scams and how to avoid them.
Avoid Door-to-Door Contractors
Avoid people who appear on your doorstep and claim to have noticed some issues with your home that require some work. They further claim that you will be saving money if you hire them immediately to do the repairs and renovations for you.
Such contractors will claim to have all the materials needed for the job coincidentally. You need to be wary of such people. First because allowing a stranger in your home is risky, and secondly, you may not know the origin of the materials being used and the quality of services being offered. Should anything go wrong after the remodel, you may not have enough legal recourse to cover you.
Up-Front Payments
Any contractor who asks you for full payment before they begin their work should ring alarm bells. Such an arrangement could leave you with a disappearing contractor and a shoddy job that leaves nothing to be desired. As mentioned in the guide earlier, the only amount you can pay upfront is around 10% to 15% of the costs agreed and the rests to be paid upon completion of specific tasks according to your agreement.
Have a Written Contract
Verbal contracts are not legally binding. Ensure that anything agreed upon about the whole remodeling process is put down in writing. Before signing the contract, confirm with your lawyer if the agreement is legally binding and authentic.
Avoid Contractors Who Insist On Not Getting Permits
If you are going to have any significant construction project for your home remodel process, the contractor is legally required to obtain a building permit. The permits allow the local building officials to make occasional visits to the site and confirm that the contractor meets all the necessary safety codes.
DIY Home Remodeling Project versus Hiring a Professional
This is a question most homeowners ask themselves when faced with a home remodeling project. For such a project, labor is one of the biggest expenses. Even though there are some job repairs that you can do like painting, there are complicated tasks such as electrical wiring, plumbing works, structural changes, tile setting that need to be left to a professional.
The tricky part in DIY comes in when you have to figure out the kind of jobs you can do on your own and the ones that need a professional hand. The answer lies in your level of skills, expertise and amount of time you have to spare.
Here are some of the essential factors to consider when deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional.
Safety
Some jobs such as roofing and roofing are too risky to tackle on your own. Ask yourself what’s the worst thing could happen during the process is. If the answer scares you, it would be a good idea to leave the work to a professional. They possess the right safety equipment and know how to handle themselves on such jobs.
Can The Work Potentially Destroy Your Home?
Some jobs such as plumbing work or removing walls could lead to disastrous results should they be handled inappropriately. For example, a poor plumbing job could lead to slow leaks which could eventually cause a wall to collapse in the future. It’s safer to let the right professional do the task if you are unsure about the whole process.
Does The Job Require Permit?
A job that requires building permits could mean that it’s too big for you especially if you are not specialized and trained in the building field. You need to think carefully and weigh your options before tackling a job that requires permits. It would be safer to work with a licensed contractor in such situations to avoid causing damages to your house. It’s important to note that small mistakes can be costly and it is better to be safe than to be sorry later.
Conclusion
A home remodeling project can be costly and sometimes an inconvenience. But after its completion, the benefits of the whole process will come out, and most definitely the value of your house will go up. A remodeling project enables you to upgrade your home to a modern and stylish look, get extra space for your family members and simply give an overall aesthetic appeal for your home.
When remodeling, it’s critical to come up with a list of things you need to accomplish and overall changes you need to achieve. Draw up a budget to avoid getting overwhelmed and save towards your project. Once you are ready for the remodeling project, hire the right contractor to oversee the process and deliver on your expectations.
