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According to building inspector for 12 years, Jude Bennett of
Bennett Builders, and Mike Miller from Webster Construction, there
are other important things a homeowner should find out from a
contractor before a remodel is started:
- A contractor should provide Proof of Insurance and any
license applicable to the job.
- It is really important for a potential customer get more
than one itemized estimate, and compare in order to get the best
pricing. Most estimates are not going to be exact but should be
within 10% of the actual cost of the construction unless the
homeowner makes a change during the job.
Bennett shared, “An estimate is an estimate. You get what you
pay for. Taking the lowest bid is the worst idea.”
- A contractor should be willing to help the customer with
design ideas, but should never make a decision without consent
from the homeowner. Style, colors, brands of material, etc.
should all be decided before the renovation begins. The
contractor input is valuable because he/she knows:
- The best price
- The best quality of materials
- Timely and best service
- A homeowner should read and ask questions about
the contract before signing. It is important that
the customer feel comfortable with all the terms on
the contract.
- Any contractor who is not comfortable sharing
references and/or a portfolio of previous work
should not be considered. It is okay for a consumer
to question if the contractor is on Angie’s list or
a member of the Better Business Bureau.
- A payment schedule needs to be agreed upon
before any construction begins. Once a payment
schedule is arranged, it is important for the
customer to pay on time. It is not unusual for a
contractor to ask for some payment up front. Any
change orders requiring the payment schedule to be
modified should be in writing.
- The contractor should be aware of building codes
for the particular area they are working in. Many
jobs require a building permit from the city and/or
county. It is the contractor’s responsibility to get
these permits and post them accordingly.
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- It is important to know if the contractor is going to be
doing the work or subcontracting to another company. A good
contractor acknowledges his weaknesses and knows other experts
in the building profession who can assist with completing the
job. A homeowner should know if the subcontractors are reputable
and have insurance and/or licenses required.
- Unforeseen damage can happen, especially with older homes:
termite damage, walls that are not plumb, water damage, etc. It
is necessary for the contractor to present these possibilities
so the customer is not completely shocked should things not go
exactly as planned. There are always unknowns about a project
and talking about concerns ahead of time can save unnecessary
stress for both parties.
- In order to maintain trust with the homeowner a contractor
should be in constant communication including the little things,
like when running late to a job site. The homeowner and
contractor should agree ahead of time how communication will
take place: emails, text, or daily phone calls.
Weekly meetings are a good idea to be sure that everyone is on
the same page and schedules are on the right track.
- A customer should expect a guarantee from the contractor. A
contractor should take the time to fix things that don’t go as
planned. There may be other documentation at the end of the
project that the homeowner will find valuable: pictures of
before and after, operating manuals, care instructions for
countertops or flooring or tile, and a well-marked electrical
panel. Confirming receipt of this paperwork before the job
starts can save headaches after the job is complete.
The best remodel is when the homeowner and contractor walk
away satisfied. No matter the style or size of the job; proper
planning, communication, and commitment from everyone involved
is necessary to deliver the remodel the homeowner has been
dreaming about.
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