Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
If you haven’t already done so, here are some important issues to follow up:
1) Call the references.
-Check the Better Business Bureau & the licensing authorities, as well. A contractor in good standing will be proud of his good reputation & make this easy. The person who referred you is a good starting point, but be responsible for the choice you make.
2) Clarify, Clarify, Clarify!
– Get your bid in writing, with detailed descriptions of the work to be performed.
– Determine how changes will be handled. What if something unexpected happens or you decide to add or subtract from the original bid?
– Will there be subcontractors on the job? How will they be supervised?
– What scheduling issues will you need to coordinate? Will you need to be there? If not, how will the property be secured? How long can you expect the project to take? Will the crew work exclusively on your project until completion, or will they split their time waiting for sub’s & materials?
– How will project cleanup be handled? Can you expect barriers to avoid cross contamination of non-project areas? Will you be responsible for material disposal?
– Understand the payment process. Some contractors need partial payment up front or prepurchase of materials. Will there be terms or payment in full upon acceptance of the work?
– Determine who is the “point person”, both with the Contractor & the Property Owner. A contractor who gets conflicting directions will end up charging more to redo a project. Likewise, the painter needs his supervisor to keep him within the scope of his work; the Supervisor is responsible to the Homeowner for the quality of the project.
– Know how to expect problems to be handled. Will you give the contractor the leeway to make substitutions within certain limits? Will work stop until an issue is resolved? What will happen if you cannot come to an understanding?
3) Have a backup plan.
– Cost overruns are common. Variances of 10% or more are not unusual.
– Time overruns are just as common. Materials shortages, transportation issues, emergencies & unforeseen complications all factor in when you start a project.
– You may not be comfortable living with the dust, traffic & noise. Consider what you might do to work around such inconveniences.
– Consider ancillary costs. When your Kitchen is torn apart, you will need to purchase more convenience foods, freeze prepared meals or eat out. You may need to move items to storage, or pay movers to rearrange large pieces of furniture on the property so that you can avoid other expenses. Budget time & money for these possibilities.
4) Get lien waivers. From everyone.
-If Subcontractors are part of the plan, remember that if they are not paid by your General Contractor, they may file a lien against your property, even if you have paid the General. Lien waivers are your insurance against such claims. Protect yourself.
5) Know that there may be a “domino effect”.
-When one area is fresh & new, you might look at other areas that need attention. Prioritize, evaluate practicality & plan. Every project should have one of two purposes: your enjoyment & potential improvement of your property value. Few projects pay for themselves immediately. Some never do. Make sure that you understand what improvements will pay you back before investing in a project that you hope will improve your property value.
