Finding the right contractor for your project is the most important step.
Make sure your contractor is familiar with the local building codes. Also, remodeling is quite different from and has very different challenges than building a new house, so your contractor should have references from remodeling projects. He must know not only how to complete the new project, but also what he will run into as he is tying this into your home. (For example, electric and plumbing codes and procedures have changed drastically over the years. He may know the codes now, but does he know how to tie these into your existing electric and plumbing, especially if you have an older home? Some renovations require your contractor to update adjacent areas to meet current codes. This can be very expensive, but an experienced contractor can foresee these issues and take steps to either avoid getting into those areas or at least find the most practical way to handle them.)
Have a well-written contract … and READ this contract!
Even small renovation projects need a contract. This is vital! It is basically the only evidence of what the outcome of the project is to be. Many problems stem simply from a contractor contracting for one project while the customer pictures a different or more entailed project. So, make sure you carefully read the contract. Generally, the “small print” is not designed to swindle you, but it is important to read. It may have information of how difficulties will be handled (such as “What if we run into termite or water damaged areas?”) and what kind of warrantees are offered. Remember, if it’s not in the contract, it’s not included in the price. So, make sure everything you expect to have done is spelled out in writing. When you meet to sign the contract, your contractor should carefully go over it with you. You and he should have a signed and dated copy, and any changes that are made should be written on both copies and initialed.
Plan ahead and Stick to the plan.
Plan for all of the items that will go into the new room(s) including appliances, light fixtures, etc. These items are the biggest culprit causing people to go over-budget. It is all too easy to think: “I allotted $xxx for a (refrigerator / ceiling fan / faucet / whatever), but it won’t hurt to get the upgraded model. I’ll make it up somewhere else.” No you won’t! It just doesn’t happen. What does happen is, a “tiny” increased expense here and there adds up shockingly fast and almost always brings extra “hidden” expenses (For example, the upgraded range or refrigerator may not fit in the space allowed between cabinets, thus changing the cabinet layout and possibly walls, electric, etc. If you upgrade from carpet to tile, you may now have to increase the subflooring which, in turn, requires raising the doors and cabinets, and so on.) If you want the upgrade, that’s fine! Just plan for it from the start of the project, but then stick to your guns.
Be balanced in your choices.
Make decisions based, not just on price, but on value and quality. Also, if you have followed the above advice and found a qualified, reputable contractor, listen to his suggestions. Listen with an open mind. He knows from experience where it is wise to cut costs and where you will benefit by investing more. When choosing products to go in the new room, consider the time and labor for installation. (Although one product might be the same price or even less expensive than another, the price of installation may offset that.) It’s not always a good idea to be the first to try the ‘spectacular and exciting’ new innovations. Unless you have money to burn, stick with more tried and tested methods. Allow a “fudge factor.” If you have a set amount that you can afford to spend, hold your project to about 75-85% of that amount. This will give you the ability to handle unexpected expenses that arise and, no doubt, you will want to have a little money left to accessorize the new area.
