Select the Right Remodeling Contractor...The First Time

Investing in a home upgrade is serious business. When it's time to take on that big project, how will you pick among dozens of choices? From a mailbox flyer? A friend’s referral? The Yellow Pages? Something else? How will you be sure the people you’ve invited into your home get in, get out and get it done right?

Here are 10 questions you can ask that will help you get it right the first time and avoid surprises:

1. Who have they worked for? Start with a good contractor who has experience and a good reputation. Just about anyone can give you the names of someone who will vouch for them and certain "watchdog" organizations are open to virtually anyone willing to write a check, but a personal referral is usually a very good indicator. If your neighbor, friend or worker was pleased and happy with the work that they give you the contact information, it is likely a good starting point. Having legitimate credentials, insurance and being affiliated with real organizations is important too.
2. What’s the estimate? Get three or four, not 11. Expect the numbers to vary. If they seem radically different, ask why. A contractor may be using different technology or materials that may increase the cost. The saying "compare apples to apples" is difficult to actually see in many instances because of numerous variables. See if you can find out why costs A are different than B or C. Beware of contractors who merely buy components and "plug them in" as opposed to ones who can truly remodel. Those with more capabilities are usually superior.
3. Do they encourage you to ask questions? Not only about pricing, but contracts, pay (draw) schedules, materials, processes, subcontractors and the like. Milestone or draw payments are the industry norm. A contractor is rarely the funding or banking entity, nor should they be expected to receive payment at the very end of a job. They have materials and vendors, as well as employees and subcontractors to pay. The economy demands that these people be paid in a timely manner, much faster than in years past. Many items are now special order as suppliers are trying to hold inventory costs down. That said, beware of a contractor who asks for huge percentages up front.
4. What’s in the fine print? A contract should be complete in its scope and transparent in its language. Regarding estimates, if it is in black and white, you are entitled to it. If not, do not assume that it is included, so ask. Estimates should be itemized and set up as a menu-type listing. Do not accept estimates that are vague or short on detail. I once was shown an estimate by a woman who received a piece of paper with the words "kitchen remodel" and a price at the bottom. This is an extreme example but the message is simple, too much room for interpretation. Your idea of what this means and his are likely to be vastly different. Do not try to renegotiate the deal midway through the job. Contracts should be thorough, not a 5,000-page document. Beware of loads of fine print.
5. What about change orders? These mini-contract addendums are items that you have elected to change in the midst of the job. Most homebuilders or remodelers will charge a fee, plus whatever the cost of the change is. Usually they are payable at the time they are rendered. A colleague of mine was building an addition and the customer’s spouse made many changes during the build out. When the time came to settle up, the bill was thousands of dollars higher. That became an issue because the work was complete and the customer happy with the quality, but upset with the price. It was a bad situation for all parties.
6. What do your instincts say? This person and his crew are likely to be inside your home for several weeks or months. If you are uncomfortable with his attitude, tattoos, smoking, cursing or appearance, he may not be right for you. You are beginning a short-term relationship with long-term ramifications. That means that I need to understand your needs, wants and desires, as well as your budget. Note the politeness, appearance and quality of vehicles, tools and such. Nothing is carved in stone, just be mindful of the whole package.
7. Who will be on site? A dedicated project manager needs to be on site frequently, if not daily, depending on the scope of work. They must know the details of the project and the design specifications. They must be able to communicate with you and should be available. English as a first language may be important to you.
8. Who’d be cleaning up? Remodeling is messy. Ensure nailers, saws, and other sharp or potentially harmful items are secured or removed from the jobsite at the end of each day, especially if there are children, pets or curious spouses wandering around. People are curious and the site should be secure and cleaned daily.
9. Can they prove they’re responsible and responsive? Contractors work for you and should provide you with paperwork and such in a timely manner. Phone calls should be returned in a timely fashion. If there is an issue, the contractor should provide you with support and warranty.
10. What are your expectations? Help your project go smoothly by moving antiques, family heirlooms and fragile items out of harm's way. We can move these things, but it is best if you move them to safety. There will be noise and dust, expect it and prepare. A good contractor will protect your things, but even with the advanced air scrubbers and vacuums we utilize, it is not 100%.

These items cover a lot of information, and they are certainly not meant to cover all variables. Sometimes things are encountered that are beyond our control. Perhaps the home was built improperly, a past owner did something incorrectly, and there is water or termite damage.

Be flexible and work with your contractor. They are there to help you and make your project's outcome be a positive one. It is in everyone's best interest.

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