Blog

TIPS FROM CONTRACTORS TO HELP YOUR HOME RENOVATION PROJECT RUN SMOOTHLY

In recent blog posts, we’ve offered tips about how to choose the right contractor, successful budgeting for your project and how to smoothly navigate the planning process.

Here are some tips from contractors themselves to help. After all, they want your home renovation to be a success as much as you do. Their future depends on happy customers, and most contractors are genuinely passionate about what they do. Interestingly enough, their advice is much the same as what we’ve covered in earlier blogs.

Let’s review the highlights, from the perspective of your GC.

● Get multiple bids, at least three. Compare the bids based on the overall value you will be getting and not just the lowest price.

● Verify this GC is fully licensed and insured in your state.

● Get everything in writing with a detailed contract. These would include things like:
– Project specifications
– Time lines and meticulous scheduling
– Payment schedules that align with completed project milestones

● Be as specific and detailed as possible in the planning stage. Know what you want before starting, and have everything in writing to avoid any confusions.

● Never pay for the entire project upfront.

●Communication between the GC and the client are extremely important, so get this figured out at the start. Establish your preferred method of communication for updates and changes.

● Make sure all aspects of the project are in clear written communication. If this is always done, there can be no confusion should any possible mistakes or deviations from the plan occur.

● Be honest and quick about concerns or issues that arise.

● Plan an extra 20% buffer in the budget for unexpected issues.

In a nutshell, your GC is someone with whom you will be spending a lot of time, and you will also be spending your hard-earned dollars. Do your homework and find contractors who have a strong reputation for being honest, for having great communication skills and for doing fantastic work. Preferably, someone you trust can recommend a contractor they have had good experience with.

Good general contractors take pride in their profession and desire to contribute to a favorable public opinion of the professionals in their line of work. Maintaining high ethical standards behooves us all.