How Do You Get Started?
3 Steps to Choosing Your Remodeling Contractor
What is Design/Build? One Stop Shopping
The "Three Bid" Myth
Get It in Writing

How Do You Get Started?

Remodeling is an exciting adventure, with many opportunities and choices. Unfortunately, information overload when combined with too many choices can overwhelm and confuse even the hardiest enthusiast. Consulting a professional remodeling contractor such as CRAFTSMEN CONSTRUCTION, INC. can provide invaluable assistance and a happier experience.

Start your project on a piece of paper with a line drawn down the middle. On one side of this line list what you like about the existing space you want to renovate, on the other side what you dislike. On the back, your dreams of what the ideal finished project would include. Shoot for the stars, a little creative design and skilled craftsmanship can achieve wonderful things. Describe on your list specific needs such as more drawer space, larger windows, etc.

Next, include what the start and completion dates for your project need to be. Also, and most importantly, include your expectation of the project budget with your maximum limit. We can assist you in determining if your goals and budget objectives are compatible. Don’t be discouraged if they are not. Perhaps other alternatives can be investigated or your project can be completed in incremental stages as the budget allows.

Finally, gather together the brochures and magazine pictures that you have collected while planning your project. Pictures really help convey that specific “look” you want to achieve.

With your pictures and your list of objectives, you will be better able to define the scope of your project and proceed to the next step: hiring a professional remodeling firm.

3 Steps to Choosing Your Remodeling Contractor

Almost every year, general contractors rank among the five highest recipients of consumer dissatisfaction complaints filed with the State Attorney General. This is an alarming statistic. The following “Three Steps” will significantly increase your chances of finding a reliable, competent professional to complete your project. Just think of it as “home-work” with sizeable rewards.

STEP 1. Get Recommendations

Talk to family, friends, co-workers and anyone else whose opinion you trust. Use the same networking resources you would rely upon to find a good doctor, dentist, lawyer, or even a great restaurant.

Look in your regional remodeling publications for articles on contractors who have completed projects in your area. Magazine editors prefer to work with reputable, professional contractors.

Take note of yard signs for remodeling projects taking place in your neighborhood. Talk to the homeowners and obtain business cards of the companies doing those projects.

STEP 2. Interview Two or Three Professional Contractors

During the interviews, discuss your project goals to determine if they understand your needs. These conversations are an opportunity for you to evaluate your compatibility with the contractor. Can you comfortably communicate with them? Is this someone you can trust?

Do they project a professional image? Your impression of their image is usually indicative of their workmanship and business practices. Have they obtained special training, certifications or awards for work that is similar to your project?

Are they responsive to your questions? Do they respond in a manner that you can understand? Are they respectful of your ideas? Do they offer design suggestions? Can you work together with the contractor to combine your ideas and his expertise?

STEP 3. Get and Call References.

Many people fail to perform this vital step. Talking with someone who has recently remodeled can offer a wealth of information. Here are a few questions you might ask about the contractor(s):

People sometimes dislike saying negative things about others, but it is easy to see if someone is genuinely happy with the outcome of a project. Listen for tone of voice and look for body language.

Other resources for references:

Following the “Three Steps” to choose a contractor will ensure you and your contractor can effectively communicate and develop a relationship of trust and understanding.

What is Design/Build? One Stop Shopping

The hallmark of a Design/Build firm is having the expertise to complete both design and construction of your project. The advantage to you is collaborating with only ONE team to convert your dreams into reality. Working in partnership with a Design/Build firm ensures the project stays within intended budget parameters, proceeds smoothly with fewer delays and minimizes the stress for you and your family. CRAFTSMEN CONSTRUCTION, INC. has the design and building experience, training and skills to turn your ideas into reality.

CRAFTSMEN CONSTRUCTION, INC. believes a collaborative approach to project development produces the best possible results. We have developed an outstanding team of professionals to assist you in the development and completion of your renovation needs. Our team of architects, interior designers, product suppliers and sub-contractors can provide you with an unparalleled remodeling experience. Our carpenters are artisans that specialize in the unique skills required to convert your home from what it is to what it can be. However, you are the most important member of our Design/Build team. Your dreams and ideas provide focus for the design, materials selection and budget.

The Design/Build process is efficient; your time and money are well spent. Bring us your goals and we will take care of the rest from start to finish while we minimize your stress and maximize your investment.

One Stop Shopping at its best!

The “Three Bid” Myth

Everyone advises to get at least “three bids” for your project. The theory is: go with the “lowest bid” and save a few bucks. A wise person once said, “Regardless of what you might think, you will always get exactly what you have paid for.”

Getting 3 bids works if you are purchasing a car. You can see what you are getting and can compare apples to apples. When remodeling, you are purchasing a concept, one that cannot be readily seen until after completion. Remodeling is a situation where you will spend a significant amount of money before seeing the final product. A home requires tremendous investments in money, time, effort and emotion. Choosing to invest solely because the contractor is “lowest bidder” is not a wise gamble. Do your own research to decide who is most capable of performing the services you need; who will build the best quality project for an equitable price.

Due to the competitive nature of the building industry, most comparable contractor’s pricing is not too far off from each other. There are many reasons for notably lower pricing:

Be discerning of additions to the scope of work that you have not agreed to include. Make sure you have a written Change Order to the contract for any changes to your project reflecting the scope of work, schedule adjustment required and total cost of the changes.

You will be living with your decision for many years to come. Finding the right remodeling company who understands every aspect of your project from budget and design to the finished product is crucial. “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.”

Get It in Writing

A clear contract helps to avoid disputes and informs both parties of expectations. After choosing a professional contractor, obtain a written project analysis defining the scope of work and project costs. Make sure your contract specifies exactly what work is to be performed. Make sure it also defines what is not included (painting, disposal fees, light fixtures, etc.).

Professional remodeling companies charge for their services in several ways, such as “cost-plus”, “time-and-materials”, or “fixed fee”. Make sure you fully understand whichever method your contractor uses.

A deposit payment may be required. This amount is determined by the needs of the contractor to pay for materials needed to complete your project. Verify the project quoted costs include applicable sales taxes and realistic material allowances in the final figure.

Most contracts will establish defined progress payments to allow you to “pay as you go” so that you are only making payments when the project reaches specific points in completion.

Request copies of the following: Business License, Contractor Registration, Certificate of Insurance (liability insurance which covers property damage), Worker’s Compensation Insurance Certificate (covers injuries to workers on the jobsite). Verify that the dates for these documents are valid for the duration of your project. Keep copies for future reference if any challenges occur.

A properly written contract will also have provisions for production schedules, change orders, unknown conditions procedures, material allowances, and warranty conditions. Read through the document and ask for clarifications of ambiguities and inconsistencies.
Remember, even after you sign the contract, federal law allows that you will have three business days to cancel or modify the contract (called the ‘cooling-off’ clause).