What to Ask Your Home Remodeling Contractor
Embarking on a home remodeling project is a significant investment of time, emotion, and cash. You spend countless hours pulling together design inspiration, researching and hiring the best contractors, and selecting the materials, fixtures, and finishes that will bring your dream space to fruition. Yet, do you really know what to expect once the sledgehammer is swung?
Before beginning a remodeling project, take the time to ask your contractor these 7 vital questions to help keep everything on the up and up.
What’s our schedule? Look for more than a start and end date; ask for an outline of tasks and deadlines to help you plan accordingly. For example, knowing when the kitchen cabinets are due to be installed helps determine the lead time for ordering counter tops and backsplash materials.
Who’s coming, and when? It’s helpful to know who to expect from day-to-day, whom to call with questions, and who is responsible for opening and locking up if you’re away while work is in progress.
How will my home and belongings be protected? Remodeling is messy, so how will rooms be protected from all the dust and dirt that accompanies your project? Ask what items you’re responsible for moving or securing, and make sure any dangerous tools or equipment will be safely stowed at the end of the workday.
How will we communicate? Perhaps your contractor prefers texting, but you prefer emails. Agree on a communication method that works well for both of you and provides the updates you depend on. Also, ask for after-hours contact information in case of emergency.
What concerns you about this project? In home remodeling, as in life, you simply can’t plan for everything. Ask your contractor what areas might trigger a change order (and potentially an increase in budget). Are there concerns about outdated electrical, load-bearing walls, or asbestos?
How will you handle change orders? Have a plan in place to document expected and unexpected changes, especially as they might impact your budget.
What documentation will I receive upon project completion? It’s finally over and you have your dream kitchen, bathroom, or family room addition. But that’s not all you should receive. Ask your contractor to supply lien releases, copies of any inspection reports, operating manuals for all appliances and equipment, and so on.
Certain projects create heightened home security risks, like knocking down an exterior wall to expand a family room. If you have a home security system but aren’t sure if it’s up to that challenge, contact Now Security Systems today for helpful advice and expert service.