Complimentary Guide :::
Real value in a changing world!
With some strategic thinking about design, materials, & timing you can cut cost without cutting corners.
1.Hire a bonded, licensed and insured contractor.
Make sure they have:
A) Worker’s Compensation
B) Liability Insurance
C) Bond
Ask and take advantage of any promotions being offered.
2.Have a detailed plan and stick to the plan. This may seem obvious but having a detailed plan of your remodeling project before getting started can save you money. Make sure you ask your contractor lots of questions during the planning stages. This can set realistic expectations and avoid additional expenses.
3.Have a budget, Knowing your budget and sticking to it is one of the most important parts of your renovation project. The quickest way to blow through your remodeling project is to stray from the original plan, While unexpected plans are a possibility, try to stick to the original plan as much as possible and keep in mind to make room for a 10% contingency.
4.Choose a company that can help you from start to finish with design and built, especially when planning on a room addition or large project. Avoid miscommunication on your vision.
5.Plan your lighting carefully.
Study your lighting needs. It’s more cost effective to introduce lights during a remodel than after. The good news is that CFLs and LEDs have come a long way in the past few years and many are available on dimmers. They let you completely control the light and are well worth the extra dollars. Be aware of natural lighting. Lighting is the key in the overall design. Consult with the contractor.
6.Spend on door hardware, light fixtures, and faucets. Details that get used daily need to be good looking but also durable.
7.Plumbing-if your house is built on the slab and you’re planning on moving the plumbing; make sure your contractor is scanning/x-ray the area before jackhammering the concrete.
8.Increase efficiency and save on utilities. Request an energy audit. See how much energy you’re losing in your home. And talk to a contractor about more energy efficient options that will save you money long term.
9.Be careful with cheap materials. As they may not last as long as you need them to, and will add up to additional expenses or expensive repairs. Keep in mind cheap is not always cost-effective. Cheap doesn’t always speak about money, it can also refer to the quality of work.
“Cheap is Expensive and Expensive is Cheap”
10.Make sure to consider other minimal fees involved in renovation, such as building permits. Many homeowners consider getting permits as an unnecessary headache.
Permits are a necessary part of the process, that if not obtain can come back and hunt you! You will have inspection; a second set of eyes over looking for the safety of your home. Making sure the building meets structural, fire safety and code standards.
Remodeling with no permit can be expensive for a few reasons :
A) Insurance companies can deny claims if anything goes wrong.
B) You can receive a fine. And then have to pay for the permit anyway in addition to the fine.
But on the plus side, permits in some cases can be tax-deductible.
11.Time frames and timelines
Make sure your contractor is on time from the start. That they give you time frames and timelines they’ll follow, to avoid delays and additional unplanned expenses.
12.Communication with your contractor is key for a successful remodeling of your home. Make sure you have someone that will answer your questions and concerns; and that will stay in contact with you throughout the process. Always making sure they are upfront with realistic expectations and delivering what they promise.
13. When deciding for a contractor ask to speak to past clients, before and after pictures, and video testimonies.
14. Make sure the contractor is taking payment in stages, from 10% to 25%.
15. Trust your intuition when hiring the right contractor for your home remodeling and design.
