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HOW TO PLAN A REMODELING PROJECT
A major remodeling job can be one of the difficult and most exciting things a homeowner can undertake.
But it is also a significant financial investment that needs careful planning and experienced management overseeing the process.
Determine what you need.
Before you begin any home remodeling project, whether major or minor, you will need an idea. The first step is always to pinpoint your supreme target. Are you really converting a basement into a "man cave" replete with a pub, theater seating and floor-to-ceiling shelving for sports memorabilia? Perhaps you are planning on converting your family room into a relaxing modern retreat? Or your plans include restoring an aged but charming Victorian house to its former elaborate span condition?
Even if you just have a rough idea of what you want, it can be fleshed out as you speak with remodeling and home improvement professionals.
In case you haven't already, it's a good idea to take measurements of the space to be remodeled to use during the designing stage. Also, carefully craft the changes to be made to the space. If you're building an entirely new space or re-doing an old one, remodeling project design services that can include blueprints of the intended job or 3D renderings are often available from remodeling contractors.
Planning doesn't end with the blueprint of the space . Here are some other questions you will want to consider before you commence with your project:
What tools will you need?
Unless you are a contractor, you don't have an entire armory. Even if you have a hammer, screwdriver and other fundamental tools, you may need more heavy-duty equipment, according to the sort of remodeling work you want to finish.
If you anticipate purchasing supplies yourself, for your contractor or you, what kinds of building materials are you going to need?
You will want to get a rough idea of just how much construction materials you'll need to complete the job. This comprises not only the skeletal parts for example lumber, concrete and electric wiring, but also smaller items such as sandpaper, nails and screws, along with finish things such as paint, wallpaper and lighting fixtures.
How much electrical work will be needed to complete the job?
If your job involves transferring electrical wires that are existing or installing new wiring, you will definitely need the assistance of an accredited electrician.
Will the plumbing be affected?
Even moving drain pipes a few feet or plumbing for example water supply can require a substantial amount of effort and time.
If you plan on altering plumbing fixture locations or rerouting the plumbing of your home, the safest bet is to use service of an authorized plumber. Much like electrical work, many municipalities require that certain house pipe alterations be completed under permit, so an inspection can take place.
How long will the project take?
Of course you want the job done sooner than later so you can begin enjoying the finished product, but setting a realistic expectation of where possible delays may occur and the length of time the job may require can mean the difference between patience and discouragement.
Typically, the more you need specialized trades like plumbers and electricians, the more permits and inspections will be required and the longer the project will take overall.
Unforeseen issues such as defective wiring and undiscovered damage or deterioration that requires repair can also add weeks or days to your remodel. Often times, especially if you are undertaking a bigger remodeling job, you'll be without the use of large areas of the house for weeks. Plan ahead for these occasions and keep an open mind about the conclusion date. It's a great time to call on family favors!
What does your homeowners insurance say?
Some insurance policies require special actions when remodeling a home, such as hiring only accredited trades for plumbing and electrical work or having an agent inspect the house once the work is completed. It is recommended that you check with your insurance agent or carefully read your coverage policy to see if there are any stipulations or limitations for remodeling.
DECIDING HOW MUCH TO SPEND
Select materials that are popular in your neighborhood when remodeling. Do not invest in high end appliances and granite countertops if none of the other houses have them. You will not recoup this expense when you sell your home.
It is time to think if you're able to achieve your aims with your budget and about how much you really would like to invest. Think about some variables which will restrict how much you spend, before you invest to hiring a contractor or funding a home remodeling job.
How long do you anticipate staying in your home?
If you anticipate staying for just a couple more years, a smaller remodeling job that does not need time or extensive funding is a better choice. A bigger job can make more sense but only if you anticipate staying in your home for decades.
Do you know the values of similar houses in your area?
Make sure you consider the value of houses near yours, to understand whether enhancing the resale value of your property is possible w/ your remodeling goals. Adding too little value to your property when compared with other houses in the region can mean your home languishes when put on the market. Reduce the size of your job, or concentrate on finishes or smaller features that can help your home stand out.
Talking about the planned job and the characteristics of your house with an accredited realtor who knows your neighborhood can help ascertain if the project makes economic sense.
How much will it cost?
Now that you have answered questions about affordability and price, it is time to acquire some preliminary (non final) bids from a few local remodeling contractors.
Compile a short list of a few contractors you would hire for the job. Inquire with family members and friends whether they'd recommend them and which they hired for his or her remodeling jobs. Look for reviews and consumer evaluations on sites like Angie's List for the job kind and local firms.
To ensure the bids are realistic, prepare a 1-page description of the project including the names of specific materials, products and design ideas you have. Hand or email this to each bidder before asking for a number. Make sure you tell them you want a "near not to exceed" type of a bid.
Are you able to pay for it?
First, can you afford the expense necessary to finish the job?
Second, do not forget that in the event that you are adding a substantial quantity of living space or square footage to your house, your insurance, utility and upkeep costs will also increase.
Third, are you prepared for unforeseen and sudden difficulties? Damage to other systems, pipes or wiring that must be upgraded to match current building codes can quickly increase the expenses of a home remodeling job. Many contractors advocate adding an additional 10 pct to the total price of your job in order to cope with these kinds of problems.
RESEARCH CONTRACTORS
Some questions to take into account when reviewing/selecting contractors:
Get detailed written responses to questions about licenses and permits.
What insurance does the business to protect its workers and the homeowner from harm or damage? Does the company carry any insurance and bonds to assure the job is finished promptly? Are they required to hold a permit, and in that case, do they have evidence it is held by them?
Ask for references
The firm should readily refer recent customers as references for jobs just like yours. Questions to ask the prior customers include:
PREPARING A REMODELING CONTRACT
If you are prepared to choose a contractor or remodeling professional, there are several important details that should be included in the contract for the job. The following provisions, clauses and conditions of a contract can protect the homeowner and the contractor.
Read your contract carefully!
Job description.
This should contain the extent of description and the work of materials needed to finish the work. If specified, the materials listing should contain special brands and what level of quality substance will be used. If plans or patterns are made for the job, copies should be a part of the contract.
Licenses, reviews and permits.
These records should be as unique as possible, including license numbers, at the same time as whose duty it's to get them. Generally, the contractor should get the required licenses for the work.
Job start and end dates that are final, with interim end dates for more, multiphase jobs. These dates also needs to establish day-to-day start and finish times. If you are concerned about a job extending way over its proposed timeline, talk about adding daily fees the project's end date is missed by it.
Payment due dates and amounts.
Recall, for jobs that are bigger, it is never wise to pay more than 1/3 of a job's no more and overall price upfront. State and municipal laws may also control the amount of money a contractor can need as a deposit. If the job will be finished in stages, making the payment due dates as end landmarks that were contingent upon real job period also needs to be a part of the contract.
The final payment is made and once the job is finished to the homeowner's fulfillment, discharge or a lien waiver suggests that if any provider or subcontractor is owed money by the contractor, it's the obligation, not the homeowner's of the contractor. A lien waiver will be able to help you prevent a or subcontractor.
But it is also a significant financial investment that needs careful planning and experienced management overseeing the process.
Determine what you need.
Before you begin any home remodeling project, whether major or minor, you will need an idea. The first step is always to pinpoint your supreme target. Are you really converting a basement into a "man cave" replete with a pub, theater seating and floor-to-ceiling shelving for sports memorabilia? Perhaps you are planning on converting your family room into a relaxing modern retreat? Or your plans include restoring an aged but charming Victorian house to its former elaborate span condition?
Even if you just have a rough idea of what you want, it can be fleshed out as you speak with remodeling and home improvement professionals.
In case you haven't already, it's a good idea to take measurements of the space to be remodeled to use during the designing stage. Also, carefully craft the changes to be made to the space. If you're building an entirely new space or re-doing an old one, remodeling project design services that can include blueprints of the intended job or 3D renderings are often available from remodeling contractors.
Planning doesn't end with the blueprint of the space . Here are some other questions you will want to consider before you commence with your project:
What tools will you need?
Unless you are a contractor, you don't have an entire armory. Even if you have a hammer, screwdriver and other fundamental tools, you may need more heavy-duty equipment, according to the sort of remodeling work you want to finish.
If you anticipate purchasing supplies yourself, for your contractor or you, what kinds of building materials are you going to need?
You will want to get a rough idea of just how much construction materials you'll need to complete the job. This comprises not only the skeletal parts for example lumber, concrete and electric wiring, but also smaller items such as sandpaper, nails and screws, along with finish things such as paint, wallpaper and lighting fixtures.
How much electrical work will be needed to complete the job?
If your job involves transferring electrical wires that are existing or installing new wiring, you will definitely need the assistance of an accredited electrician.
Will the plumbing be affected?
Even moving drain pipes a few feet or plumbing for example water supply can require a substantial amount of effort and time.
If you plan on altering plumbing fixture locations or rerouting the plumbing of your home, the safest bet is to use service of an authorized plumber. Much like electrical work, many municipalities require that certain house pipe alterations be completed under permit, so an inspection can take place.
How long will the project take?
Of course you want the job done sooner than later so you can begin enjoying the finished product, but setting a realistic expectation of where possible delays may occur and the length of time the job may require can mean the difference between patience and discouragement.
Typically, the more you need specialized trades like plumbers and electricians, the more permits and inspections will be required and the longer the project will take overall.
Unforeseen issues such as defective wiring and undiscovered damage or deterioration that requires repair can also add weeks or days to your remodel. Often times, especially if you are undertaking a bigger remodeling job, you'll be without the use of large areas of the house for weeks. Plan ahead for these occasions and keep an open mind about the conclusion date. It's a great time to call on family favors!
What does your homeowners insurance say?
Some insurance policies require special actions when remodeling a home, such as hiring only accredited trades for plumbing and electrical work or having an agent inspect the house once the work is completed. It is recommended that you check with your insurance agent or carefully read your coverage policy to see if there are any stipulations or limitations for remodeling.
DECIDING HOW MUCH TO SPEND
Select materials that are popular in your neighborhood when remodeling. Do not invest in high end appliances and granite countertops if none of the other houses have them. You will not recoup this expense when you sell your home.
It is time to think if you're able to achieve your aims with your budget and about how much you really would like to invest. Think about some variables which will restrict how much you spend, before you invest to hiring a contractor or funding a home remodeling job.
How long do you anticipate staying in your home?
If you anticipate staying for just a couple more years, a smaller remodeling job that does not need time or extensive funding is a better choice. A bigger job can make more sense but only if you anticipate staying in your home for decades.
Do you know the values of similar houses in your area?
Make sure you consider the value of houses near yours, to understand whether enhancing the resale value of your property is possible w/ your remodeling goals. Adding too little value to your property when compared with other houses in the region can mean your home languishes when put on the market. Reduce the size of your job, or concentrate on finishes or smaller features that can help your home stand out.
Talking about the planned job and the characteristics of your house with an accredited realtor who knows your neighborhood can help ascertain if the project makes economic sense.
How much will it cost?
Now that you have answered questions about affordability and price, it is time to acquire some preliminary (non final) bids from a few local remodeling contractors.
Compile a short list of a few contractors you would hire for the job. Inquire with family members and friends whether they'd recommend them and which they hired for his or her remodeling jobs. Look for reviews and consumer evaluations on sites like Angie's List for the job kind and local firms.
To ensure the bids are realistic, prepare a 1-page description of the project including the names of specific materials, products and design ideas you have. Hand or email this to each bidder before asking for a number. Make sure you tell them you want a "near not to exceed" type of a bid.
Are you able to pay for it?
First, can you afford the expense necessary to finish the job?
Second, do not forget that in the event that you are adding a substantial quantity of living space or square footage to your house, your insurance, utility and upkeep costs will also increase.
Third, are you prepared for unforeseen and sudden difficulties? Damage to other systems, pipes or wiring that must be upgraded to match current building codes can quickly increase the expenses of a home remodeling job. Many contractors advocate adding an additional 10 pct to the total price of your job in order to cope with these kinds of problems.
RESEARCH CONTRACTORS
Some questions to take into account when reviewing/selecting contractors:
- How long has the contractor been in operation?
- What kinds of jobs do they focus on, typically?
- Has the contractor ever finished jobs like yours or a remodeling job?
- Does the contractor use full time employees, subcontractors or both?
Get detailed written responses to questions about licenses and permits.
What insurance does the business to protect its workers and the homeowner from harm or damage? Does the company carry any insurance and bonds to assure the job is finished promptly? Are they required to hold a permit, and in that case, do they have evidence it is held by them?
Ask for references
The firm should readily refer recent customers as references for jobs just like yours. Questions to ask the prior customers include:
- Were there problems or any postponements with the occupation?
- How were they solved?
- Did the contractor, subcontractors and workers do an excellent job with communicating?
- Was the job website safe and cleaned?
PREPARING A REMODELING CONTRACT
If you are prepared to choose a contractor or remodeling professional, there are several important details that should be included in the contract for the job. The following provisions, clauses and conditions of a contract can protect the homeowner and the contractor.
Read your contract carefully!
Job description.
This should contain the extent of description and the work of materials needed to finish the work. If specified, the materials listing should contain special brands and what level of quality substance will be used. If plans or patterns are made for the job, copies should be a part of the contract.
Licenses, reviews and permits.
These records should be as unique as possible, including license numbers, at the same time as whose duty it's to get them. Generally, the contractor should get the required licenses for the work.
Job start and end dates that are final, with interim end dates for more, multiphase jobs. These dates also needs to establish day-to-day start and finish times. If you are concerned about a job extending way over its proposed timeline, talk about adding daily fees the project's end date is missed by it.
Payment due dates and amounts.
Recall, for jobs that are bigger, it is never wise to pay more than 1/3 of a job's no more and overall price upfront. State and municipal laws may also control the amount of money a contractor can need as a deposit. If the job will be finished in stages, making the payment due dates as end landmarks that were contingent upon real job period also needs to be a part of the contract.
The final payment is made and once the job is finished to the homeowner's fulfillment, discharge or a lien waiver suggests that if any provider or subcontractor is owed money by the contractor, it's the obligation, not the homeowner's of the contractor. A lien waiver will be able to help you prevent a or subcontractor.