Modern Designs has developed a list of
"Questions & Answers" that will help you in
your next "Remodeling Decisions and Choices".
For future help, give us a call at 800-564-1677.
- Q; Do I
need an architect for my project?
- Q; What do
I need in the way of plans to get started?
- Q; Do I
tell the contractor how much I want to spend and when?
- Q; How long
should it take to get preliminary estimates?
- Q; How many
estimates should I get?
- Q; How will
I know that I have found the right contractor?
- Q; How will
my project affect the value of my home?
- Q; Should
my contractor have insurance?
- Q; Are you
sure I should remodel, it seems like so many pitfalls await
me?
- Q; Should
I request references?
- Q; When
should I pay the contractor?
- Q; Should
I expect "extras"?
Q; Do I
need an architect for my project?
A; Generally an architect is not needed for
residential remodeling projects unless very extensive attention needs to be
paid to detail such as elaborate ornamental detail or very involved load
bearing problems. A good contractor, ideally one with an engineering background
should be able to draw, design and predict unusual circumstances associated
with your project.
Q; What do
I need in the way of plans to get started?
A; Any contractor that you will want working on your
home will be able to help you plan your project with a few basic drawings or
sketches. A simple napkin sketch with some basic dimensions should suffice. He
will ask many questions in order to get to know you and your wants. He must
understand your life-style and what you are trying to accomplish. Be open
minded because he may have great ideas that will enhance your initial plan. Let
him use his years of experience for you. Remember, this may be the only project
you have ever been involved in. He will have done hundreds of projects. Explore
carefully all alternatives. He could have great ideas that you may have not
thought of.
Q; Do I
tell the contractor how much I want to spend and when?
A; This answer will surprise you. Tell the
contractor almost immediately what your budget will allow. The contractor you
want to select will honestly build the most for your dollar. Let him do some
value engineering and material selections to get you the most for your money.
Being secretive about your budgets is not being honest. Disclosing your budget
as a first course of business gives every bidder the same base line to start
with. It will allow the builder to be more creative. Your early conversation
should be something like this; Mr. Builder, my wife and I would like to build a
family room to be about 14' x 16' and I think we could justify spending about
$25,000.00. Is it possible and could you help us maximize the investment?
Q; How long
should it take to get preliminary estimates?
A; For most projects contractors with experience
will be able to give you an estimate within about 10% during your first
meeting. Be sure when you make an appointment with a contractor that you expect
them to send you an experienced person that has the ability to discuss cost
with you at the first meeting. Although certain items such as cabinets and
floor coverings have large price ranges depending on quality, your contractor
should be able to discuss these price ranges with you. Remember, your project
can be broken down into several smaller understandable components making early
preliminary estimates rather easy to calculate. This early pricing will end the
frustrating wait associated with getting "estimates". Imagine how your project
might go if you hire a contractor that takes weeks to bid your plans!
Q; How many
estimates should I get?
A; Very
simple, as many as it takes to feel comfortable with your contractor. Your
confidence in your contractor is a must to have a successful project completed.
Is he experienced (a little gray hair doesn't hurt) and does he know his
business? People are very instinctive, trust your instincts. You may need to
discuss your project with several contractors to become comfortable with one or
you may be lucky and find your contractor with the very first visit. There is
one very basic truism that you must understand. If you are shopping to get the
lowest most rock bottom price without regard to anything else, good, reliable,
quality contractors will want nothing to do with you, and you deserve what you
get. "THE CHEAPEST PRICE IS NOT GENERALLY THE LEAST EXPENSIVE".
Q; How will
I know that I have found the right contractor?
A; Two things happen, (1.) You will have a feeling
of confidence in the person because of his personal interest in your project.
You will have dealt with someone of substance in the company not just a hired
salesman. He will have developed a plan that addresses your needs and is within
your budget.( 2.) Most importantly, be sure your contractor wants to do your
job. Good contractors will turn down as many jobs as they do because there must
be chemistry between the home owner and the contractor for the whole process to
work. He must trust you and you must trust him. If there is no mutual trust
there will be problems, guaranteed. Quality contractors will not do work for
the people they do not trust and neither should you.
Q; How will
my project affect the value of my home?
A; No easy answer here but your contractor should
give you an honest opinion based on the area you live in and the value of the
surrounding neighbors. There is at the end of this brochure some interesting
comparisons provided by the Milwaukee/NARI. Don't make your decision based
entirely on potential return investment. Remember the improvement will make
life more enjoyable and that has tremendous value beyond money.
Q; Should
my contractor have insurance?
A; Absolutely- he should have a minimum of workman
compensation insurance and general liability. Ask for certificates of insurance
if in doubt. Q; Will I need a permit? A; In almost all remodeling projects a
permit is required by the local municipality. Many complications can occur if
work is done without a permit. Significant future problems can occur for you if
work is done without a permit. Permits insure that work will be done by
licensed contractors and inspected by someone representing the proper codes for
your area. Your contractor should handle all permits and associated paperwork.
Q; Are you
sure I should remodel, it seems like so many pitfalls await me?
A; Hire the right contractor, let him
do his job and you will enjoy your improvement for years to come.
Q; Should
I request references?
A; Yes,
but only after you feel comfortable with the contractor. Don't allow the
contractor to use his references as his salesman. You must be sold on him first
then reinforce your decision by contacting his references. After all, is he
gong to give you a bad reference?
Q; When
should I pay the contractor?
A;
Be leary of contractors who want more than 30% down. It is important that you
pay as work progresses. This allows you to finish the project should something
not work out with the contractor. Generally most contractors request 25% down
to pay for long lead time items like windows and cabinets and to reserve time
in their schedule. Another 25% is paid shortly after the project is started.
This is working capitol to pay wages and day to day material purchases. Pay the
third 25% when the project is 1/2 to 3/4 complete and the balance upon
completion. If the project requires small adjustments like back ordered items
or minor repairs a small amount could be held back from final payment until all
details are finished. If you have selected the right contractor paying him will
be a pleasure. Do not expect the contractor to build your project with his
money.
Q; Should
I expect "extras"?
A; No, not
if you have thoroughly discussed and thought out your project. If you change
your mind during the project and it is more expensive for the contractor you
must expect to pay extra. Your contractor should be able to predict most
"Hidden" items in walls etc. if he is experienced, although discuss this with
him. Generally, any extras are paid for in full at the time the extras are
ordered. If in doubt about any extra cost get a written quote before they are
done.
