REMODELING AND ROOM ADDITIONS
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- Additions to existing structure, rooms, decks, garages & pool enclosures, etc.
- Major Remodels & Renovations
- Minor Remodels
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Remodeling Contractor
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One of the easiest ways to gain more space for you and your family is by renovating the home. Although it can upset the nice flow of family life for a few months the results will be worth the wait. Besides, it's not as big of a job as the alternative: searching for a new home; selling your present one; and then going through the hassle of moving. And this doesn't cover the growing pains of new schools, neighbor and amenities.
One of the biggest remodeling ideas is room additions. This is because, unlike remodeling the basement or garage space, you are adding an area onto your present home, which is like building a smaller home right next to it. In this case a remodeling contractor will be your "roommate" for about 3 to 6 months depending on the size and scope of the project. However, in the end you will have an extension of the home which can house a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or other badly-needed room.
In other areas of home improvement remodeling can take place in the garage or basement. These are self-contained areas with most of the utilities already in place. As well there are usually concrete floors so that no extra structure has to be built. And in the garage the only subflooring change that needs to be done is that the floor may have to be leveled. In both areas flooring can go over top of the concrete with a vapor seal protection. The only drawback to remodeling the garage is that the construction may hurt a future home sale because many buyers want a protected place for their car.
The other way to gain room in your present home rather than moving is "going through the roof." However, unlike all the other ways of gaining space this form of remodeling has a heavy cost as you first have to demolish the roof in order to build the rooms. Then, a new roof has to go over the new addition.
These are all examples of the ways to add space to the home through remodeling.
So you've decided to renovate. Now come the bumps in the road: financing, timing and hiring the contractor. With the first two behind you all you have to do is "get a good guy" to do the work. However, getting a good contractor to work on you most valuable financial asset may be like skipping through a mine field.
Finding a Contractor
The first step is to decide what kind of a contractor you need by the work that needs to be done.
1. Specialty: If you want new windows installed your best option is to contact several reputable windows establishments because that is their specialty. This means, for the most part, they can get the job down quickly because they have easy access to the product and tradespeople who do this job day in and day out.
2. Renovation: If you are renovating a kitchen or bathroom this encompasses more than one or two trades: electrician, plumber, carpenter. A general contractor hires these trades and oversees the scheduling. Depending on where you live he or she can also save you the time of drawing permits.
3. Additions: Larger projects like room additions which require revamping the structure of your home will need the services of a design/build contractor who either has an architect on staff or deals with a few forms in an ongoing basis.
Where to Find a Contractor
Many contractors use advertisements in local newspapers, magazines, the Yellow Pages and radio and television. Unfortunately, all that takes is upfront money on their part to finance a good ad campaign and is not an indicator of quality work. One of the best ways to start is through your personal contacts: good friends, co-workers and even neighbors who may have had an addition put on or windows installed.
Beware of guys that . . .
• Knock on doors
• Say their license renewal "is in the process as we speak."
• Accept only cash
• Want you to get the permits
• Ask you for the whole payment up front or a large deposit "to pay for materials."
• Want you to make your decision to hire them on the spot
• Offer a discount as "a demonstration" home
Questions for Hiring a Contractor
• How long has your business been in operation? Get them to show proof
• Can I see your license? It should be readily available.
• Does this job require a permit? He or she should be able to get it, not you.
• Can I see a list of references? You should be able to phone or go and see these people ( at least 3) and ask them questions.
• Can I see your insurance and the insurance of your subtrades? You want to make sure that if they harm themselves you will not be held responsible. As well you want compensation if anything of yours is damaged during the job.
Payment Tips
• Small deposit: Get the smallest down payment possible
• Increments: Pay off the job in installments
• 100% Complete: Check that all the work has been done and subtrades paid before making the final payment.
• Limit Overages: Question every charge beyond the budget set.
There are many other considerations that you should look for and these can be found with your local permit office and the Better Business Bureau: contract information, permits required and a list of disreputable companies and persons.
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