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10 Tips for a Smooth Home
Remodel
Follow these 10 tips when you embark on an
exciting home remodeling project.
1.
Establish good two-way communication with the home
remodeler. It is essential to
have good communication for a smooth home remodeling project. Does the
remodeler listen? Does he or she answer questions clearly and candidly? Can
you reach him when you need to? Does he return phone calls promptly? Does he
let you know when problems arise and work with you on solving them?
2.
Make sure you have compatibility and "fit" with the
contractor. You'll spend a lot of
time with your remodeler so it is important to have a good rapport and trust
in him.
3.
Set a clear and mutual understanding about the
schedule. You and your home
remodeler should agree on the schedule up front to avoid conflict and
problems later in the project.
4.
Request a written proposal. Often times, two people remember the same conversation
differently. Get the proposal in writing and work with the remodeler to
ensure it reflects your wishes.
5.
Determine a clear and mutual understanding on the
miscellaneous details. There are
a lot of little details that need to be settled before work starts. What
times of day will they be working? How will he access the property? How will
cleanup be handled? How will they protect your property?
6.
Remember to be flexible. Remodeling is an interruption of your normal life. Remember
to be flexible during the project so that you can handle the unexpected and
go with the flow.
7.
Create a clear and mutual understanding of how Change
Orders will be handled. With home
remodeling there is always the chance you may want to change materials or
other project details during the job. Agree with your home remodeler on how
these changes will be handled before the start of work. Also understand that
changes could affect the schedule and the budget, so it is important you have
all changes in writing.
8.
Agree on a well-written contract that covers all the
bases. The contract should
include these elements: a timetable for the project, price and payment
schedule, detailed specifications for all products and materials, insurance
information, permit information, procedures for handling change orders, lien
releases, provisions for conflict resolution, notice of your right under the
Federal Trade Commission's Cooling Off Rule (your right to cancel the
contract within three days if it was signed someplace other than the
remodeler's place of business), and details on the important issues (such as
access to your home, care of the home, cleanup and trash removal).
9.
Ask for a written Lien Waiver from the home remodeler
upon completion of the work. If
the rhome emodeler hires
subcontractors for portions of the work it is their responsibility to see
them compensated. In order to ensure this has been done and to protect
yourself, ask for a written lien waiver when the work is finished. This
document will verify everyone has been paid.
10.
Establish a project plan, covering all phases and
dependencies in the work. Plan
your big picture goals with the home remodeler and talk out your needs. Hire
a home remodeler who will plan it out with you, listen to concerns, and answer
questions.
--From How to Hire Your Dream Remodeler by Tom Higgins,
Superior Products Home Improvement, Littleton, Colo.
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