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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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