FAQ
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: Yes. Any major rebuilding requires that you have the necessary permits to do so. A good contractor will assist you in this process.
Q: What can I, as a homeowner, expect to do while a remodeling project is being done at my house?
A: The most important thing you can do is ask questions. If there is something that doesnt look right, or you think you ordered one thing, and something else is being installed, ask! A contractor wants to know if things are not right immediately. There are no dumb questions, remember, it's your money. Remember, there will be dust and dirt in your house. It doesn't matter how careful the contractor is, expect it. Make it easy for the contractor to have access to your house. There will be times when he will have to leave and come back. Give him a key if possible. It will make your life easier to schedule. If you are remodeling a kitchen, eat out a lot. Most kitchen projects take 4-6 weeks. Arrange ahead of time with your contractor to have the refrigerator set up in an alternate location, away from the dust and dirt. If you are remodeling a bathroom, and it is your only bathroom, make arrangements to have the toilet reset each day it is pulled.
Q: Should I get three estimates?
A: That depends. If you have lived a long time in your neighborhood and know a reliable contractor, then go with him. A realtor is often a very good resource for finding a good contractor, and the realtor who sold you your home is always willing to help. If you are new to the neighborhood, then it is always a good idea to get three estimates. Remember, going with the cheapest is not always the best. Ask to see some of the contractors work and ask for references. A reputable contractor will be more than glad to assist you.
Q: I have three different estimates, and the prices vary greatly. Why?
A: Good question. There are a number of different factors that go into pricing a remodeling job. Check the obvious first. Make sure that every estimate has the same scope of work. If the estimates are so vague that you cannot decipher that information, go back to the contractor for clarification, in writing, not just a "yeah, it's included" over the phone. If you cannot get satisfactory written results, eliminate that contractor from future bidding. The level of service given by a contractor greatly affects the cost. If the contractor spends lots of time picking out materials, attending to every detail, and taking care of all the little extras, so you don't have to, it will cost a little extra. When a contractor carries all the proper and required insurances, his prices will be higher than a 'pick-up contractor'. Quality of work, hard to show in a written estimate, is also a factor in costs. For example, our carpenters do very high quality work (their standards are usually much higher than our customers). Rarely, does the customer ever ask to have something re-done because of quality issues. That piece of mind is worth extra money up front to most people. This facet of the cost difference is usually only confirmed by calling references or visiting jobs the contractor has done in the past.