Slansky Builders
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 |
| 865-983-6144 |
| Home Improvements |
 |
 |
A successful home improvement project is dependent upon finding a reliable, ethical and competent contractor. This
is where your research must be as thorough as possible, including background checks, which will help to uncover any
"skeletons" now, rather than in the middle of your project when things begin to unravel.
I can't say it enough: Do your research before interviewing contractors, signing a contract and opening up your wallet.
The more you know before hand with careful planning will help to minimize your chances of finding yourself in a
home remodeling nightmare. Do not rely on ads in the newspaper or on the radio. These ads are not an indication of the
quality of work or business ethics of the contractor. Also, being a member of the Better Business Bureau or one of the
Building Associations is no guarantee that you are dealing with a competent, ethical contractor; they have simply paid
their dues to belong. There are many unethical contractors running around with a sticker on their trucks indicating they
are a member of one of these organizations. Don't let that fool you into believing they are to be trusted or are competent.
Take it upon yourself to learn what stages of the building process your city requires inspections. Find out what the
minimum code requirements are at each stage so that you're not completely left in the dark. Most municipalities have
informational pamphlets available on the various code requirements, the stages at which inspections are required and
staff personnel who can answer your questions. Remember, they represent your taxes hard at work, so if there is
something you don't understand or disagree with, ask for clarification.
Get acquainted with the Mechanics Lien laws and requirements for Preliminary Notices sent to you in your State.
You can check with your state's Contractor Licensing or Consumer Protection agency as well as your local Building
Department.
Check with your Contractor State Licensing Board or Consumer Protection Agency and find out what the laws are
concerning hiring contractors and payment schedules, particularly down payments. Those can be anywhere from 10%
to 30% depending on your State. Don't ever give anyone more than that without checking with your State's
requirements.
Consider hiring an attorney to assist you with the contract, especially if your project is a large one. The potential for
"what can go wrong will go wrong" is a very real risk. It is far better to spend 500-600 hundred dollars now for some
sound legal advice rather than 30 or 40 thousand dollars later. Not to mention the stress, disagreements and delays in
completing your project.
Be sure to set aside an extra 10% to 15% of the projected cost of the project for any unforeseen changes or additions
you may have to-or want to- make. If you can do it, shoot for 15 to 20%. The cost of items today is quite a bit more
than 5 or 10 years ago - especially the cost of lumber. And once you begin to see your project evolve there will likely be
some things you'd like to do differently or better. Now is the time to do it when everything is opened up.
Research the products and materials you'd like to incorporate into your project. The Internet has made it so much
easier for consumers to do this by visiting manufacturer's web sites. Durability, warranties, compatibility, maintenance-
anything you may have questions about can be addressed directly with the manufacturer. When you discuss your
choices with the contractor, you'll be better informed to make the right decisions for your needs rather than leaving it
solely up to the contractor. Good contractors appreciate working with knowledgeable homeowners-it makes their work
easier too
Get your plans drawn up by a licensed architect particularly if the project is substantial and is going to include
structural work.
A licensed Architect develops plans, produces construction drawings, and can also be involved in supervising the
contractor on your project. Professional qualifications typically include a degree from an accredited school of
architecture, a three year internship, and passage of a state-administered exam. Architects charge an hourly rate or a
percentage of the cost of home construction, or some combination of the two. Specialty designers, like kitchen and bath
pros, can handle smaller projects and often can be found at higher-end home centers.
Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you may find yourself working with a number of different
professionals. The following is a brief description of the various trades that may be involved in your project:
• General Contractors manage all aspects of your project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting
building permits, and scheduling inspections. They also work with architects and designers.
• Specialty Contractors include electrical, heating and air, plumbing, painting, stucco, drywall, scaffolding.
• Architects design homes, additions, and major renovations. If your project includes structural changes, you may
want to hire an architect who specializes in home remodeling.
• Designers have expertise in specific areas of the home, such as kitchens and baths.
is where your research must be as thorough as possible, including background checks, which will help to uncover any
"skeletons" now, rather than in the middle of your project when things begin to unravel.
I can't say it enough: Do your research before interviewing contractors, signing a contract and opening up your wallet.
The more you know before hand with careful planning will help to minimize your chances of finding yourself in a
home remodeling nightmare. Do not rely on ads in the newspaper or on the radio. These ads are not an indication of the
quality of work or business ethics of the contractor. Also, being a member of the Better Business Bureau or one of the
Building Associations is no guarantee that you are dealing with a competent, ethical contractor; they have simply paid
their dues to belong. There are many unethical contractors running around with a sticker on their trucks indicating they
are a member of one of these organizations. Don't let that fool you into believing they are to be trusted or are competent.
Take it upon yourself to learn what stages of the building process your city requires inspections. Find out what the
minimum code requirements are at each stage so that you're not completely left in the dark. Most municipalities have
informational pamphlets available on the various code requirements, the stages at which inspections are required and
staff personnel who can answer your questions. Remember, they represent your taxes hard at work, so if there is
something you don't understand or disagree with, ask for clarification.
Get acquainted with the Mechanics Lien laws and requirements for Preliminary Notices sent to you in your State.
You can check with your state's Contractor Licensing or Consumer Protection agency as well as your local Building
Department.
Check with your Contractor State Licensing Board or Consumer Protection Agency and find out what the laws are
concerning hiring contractors and payment schedules, particularly down payments. Those can be anywhere from 10%
to 30% depending on your State. Don't ever give anyone more than that without checking with your State's
requirements.
Consider hiring an attorney to assist you with the contract, especially if your project is a large one. The potential for
"what can go wrong will go wrong" is a very real risk. It is far better to spend 500-600 hundred dollars now for some
sound legal advice rather than 30 or 40 thousand dollars later. Not to mention the stress, disagreements and delays in
completing your project.
Be sure to set aside an extra 10% to 15% of the projected cost of the project for any unforeseen changes or additions
you may have to-or want to- make. If you can do it, shoot for 15 to 20%. The cost of items today is quite a bit more
than 5 or 10 years ago - especially the cost of lumber. And once you begin to see your project evolve there will likely be
some things you'd like to do differently or better. Now is the time to do it when everything is opened up.
Research the products and materials you'd like to incorporate into your project. The Internet has made it so much
easier for consumers to do this by visiting manufacturer's web sites. Durability, warranties, compatibility, maintenance-
anything you may have questions about can be addressed directly with the manufacturer. When you discuss your
choices with the contractor, you'll be better informed to make the right decisions for your needs rather than leaving it
solely up to the contractor. Good contractors appreciate working with knowledgeable homeowners-it makes their work
easier too
Get your plans drawn up by a licensed architect particularly if the project is substantial and is going to include
structural work.
A licensed Architect develops plans, produces construction drawings, and can also be involved in supervising the
contractor on your project. Professional qualifications typically include a degree from an accredited school of
architecture, a three year internship, and passage of a state-administered exam. Architects charge an hourly rate or a
percentage of the cost of home construction, or some combination of the two. Specialty designers, like kitchen and bath
pros, can handle smaller projects and often can be found at higher-end home centers.
Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you may find yourself working with a number of different
professionals. The following is a brief description of the various trades that may be involved in your project:
• General Contractors manage all aspects of your project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting
building permits, and scheduling inspections. They also work with architects and designers.
• Specialty Contractors include electrical, heating and air, plumbing, painting, stucco, drywall, scaffolding.
• Architects design homes, additions, and major renovations. If your project includes structural changes, you may
want to hire an architect who specializes in home remodeling.
• Designers have expertise in specific areas of the home, such as kitchens and baths.