Fix it up right
The renovation fantasy of many women is a contractor with golden hair, blue eyes and a leather tool belt slung seductively around his hips who perfectly remodels your kitchen in a matter of days.
I have news for you: That guy from TLC – he’s not coming to your house. Your average contractor typically enters your home and never comes back or chills in the living room like it’s his.
So how do you get a renovation project completed before your 2 year old starts college? Read on for some sure fire tactics.
CHECK REFERENCES
Whether your contractor comes recommended or was found in the phone book, make reference calls. Ask the Department of Consumer Affairs about any complaints, and check with your local building office to makse sure he has the necessary license. Last, check out the contractor’s work first hand if you can.
DETAILS COUNT
Be specific from the get-go on what you want done. This means a list of all tasks needed to complete the job. I recommend a blueprint out-lining what needs to be completed along with the necessary materials and fixtures with model numbers. Have your contractor include a reasonable schedule with start and end times, lead times on equipment and materials, and details on daily cleanup, supervision, rubbish removal and insurance requirements. Last, make sure your contractor abides by the requirements for freight elevators and time requirements for working in co-ops and condos.
TALK THE TALK
You don’t have to be a builder to hire one, but you should understand the basics of a construction project. My books “Room for Improvement” and “Invest in your Nest” teach you about basic repairs, construction jobs and how to talk intelligently to a contractor.
AGREE ON A BUDGET
Make sure your budget is reasonable for all the tasks and remember: Changes and additions cost money. Have the contractor separate the labor from the material charges. All cost associated with your project should be outlined in a standard CSI (Construction Systems Institute) format, which outlines each trade necesary to build your project. By doing this, you can keep track of what’s been completed, and pay accordingly. Never pay a contractor a deposit of more than one-third of the material portion of the project.
STAY INVOLVED
Your contractor should provide full-time, on site supervision, so you don’t need to watch every move. However, the more you get involved and communicate with your contractor, the quicker and more precise your project will get done.
PUNCH IT UP
Punch lists for every phase of a project will keep things on track. This is especially important during the last phase – a time when many contractors start new jobs and stop coming to yours. Remember, no job is perfect the first time. Sometimes you have to tighten a hinge yourself; however, don’t pay for work that is not satisfactory. And don’t pay the last 1o percent of the total until the punch list has all required sign-offs.
PAPER WORKS
Sign a contract and paper all communication. If a contractor fails to show up for work, write a letter, certify it and keep it and keep it in your records. Every change to the contract, mishap on the job and missed day of work should be put in writing.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Before any work begins ask to see your contractor ’s general liability and workers compensation policies. Make sure you are listed as the “additiona insured” on the liability policy. Finally, call the insurance companies to verify that these policies are active, in full force and in good standing.
If I can do it, so can you!
