Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
Knowing your needs - Page 1

by Leon A. Frechette

It's time. You've considered the options and even kicked around the idea of selling your home and relocating—but deep down that's not what you really want. Your family doesn't want to move. You like your neighborhood and basically you like your current home. It just needs some work to provide additional living space, make existing space more livable, bring the home current with codes and styles, and increase its overall value.

If a home remodel is in your future, you face important decisions: what do you want to do and who should do it? After evaluating your needs and deciding what work needs to be done, your next step is to hire a remodeling contractor. Perhaps you've heard contractor "horror stories," so finding a reputable contractor who will perform quality work at a fair price seems daunting. This article will walk you through the process of locating the right construction professional for your project.

Before you begin your search for a contractor, consider these three important steps: project analysis, background work, and price.

Project Analysis. First, pinpoint your remodeling project. What do you want to accomplish? If you're considering a large project, such as simultaneously remodeling the kitchen, bathroom, and maybe a bedroom, determine your priorities and take it one step at a time. Your contractor can do the whole job for you, but it will be easier for you to discuss it with him one step at a time.

Background Work. After you've narrowed down your project, draw a plan or rough sketch of your ideas. You may want to do some research on the Internet or at the library. Home remodeling magazines are available at your local grocery store. Work through them carefully and clip out pictures that show what you'd like to accomplish. All this background work will help you communicate with your contractor and will also assure that nothing in your conversation will be lost in the translation.

Price. At this stage, you have defined the project you want to undertake but you may or may not have a rough idea as to its cost. Your next step is to obtain bids. When you receive them, remember that the quoted prices are based on current costs and most contractors only guarantee their prices for approximately 30 days.

Copyright © 2006 LAF/C.R.S., Inc. All rights reserved. The previous article, in whole or in part, appeared
on the market in 1988 in The Helping Hands Guide To Hiring A Remodeling Contractor.

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