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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.
