Custom Contracting

Tips For Working With Remodeling Professionals

1. Take time to define what you really want.

Start by making lists: what you like and don't like in your current room, issues to solve, ideas you have seen in magazines. Try to describe how you want the space to look, feel and work for you and your family. What activities do you do in the room, and how do they relate to features you want to add? All these tidbits will help your contractors understand your goals.

2. Educate yourself about the process to avoid surprises.

Remodeling typically can be an invasive process. Personal intrusion, noise, distractions and inconvenience are often unavoidable, but quite manageable if you prepare.

Make your site accessible to contractors
Plan some dinners outside your home
Set up a makeshift kitchen in the dining room or basement

3. Keep communication lines open.

You need to make sure you completely understand what you're getting before you buy anything or begin work. That means frequently asking questions, studying CAD drawings that the designer may provide for you, and confirming all details of the plan with the contractor.

4. Plan a contingency in your budget.

On average, most people spend 10% to 20% more on their project than originally planned. If you plan your budget upfront, you'll feel more at ease later if you need to add a feature you forgot about or even indulge in a luxury or two.

5. Ask about the contractor's service approach.

Check contractor references and the Better Business Bureau. Good contractors pay attention to simple details.

From placing drop cloths correctly
Being courteous of your time
To cleaning up daily to minimize clutter and maximize safety
Following up on your questions and requests within a reasonable amount of time

6. Be specific in contractual agreements.

Make sure your contracts clearly define start and completion dates, any provisions for extended completion dates, payment schedules and material specifications.

7. Keep a project log.

Nothing fancy, just a folder or notebook to help you keep details straight. As you shop around and speak with different contractors, keep track of what you discussed with whom. By keeping good notes, you'll have better records for quick reference when questions come up later.

8. Plan to visit the dealer showroom more than once.

Often times it takes several trips to a showroom to help make all the decisions involved in your project. Bring a blueprint or other drawing of the room to help designers make more efficient use of your time and to more thoroughly consider the options. Other times you may want to consider inviting your designer.

9. Keep in contact at installation time.

Confirm that your designer will be reachable and available to visit your home during the installation phase. That way, he or she can answer any questions that come up during this crucial time and ensure the work is according to plan.

10. Be open to new ideas.

You may have planned everything to a T, but be sure to tap into the experience and expertise of your contractor and/or designer. Often, there's more than one way to solve a functional issue or design dilemma, and the experts you have hired may have a better solution.

No doubt about it, remodeling projects take time, money, patience and forethought. But follow these guidelines - encourage and create a cooperative atmosphere and you'll make the process a much more manageable and stress-free one!

Return to Hints & Suggestions page.

Minnesota License 20055307