Secret #5: How To Tell If You’re Remodeling Project
Will Run Smooth, Before You Sign The Contract

1. Communication. If you can talk with each other, you can work out any details that come up.

When you leave a message, does he return your call?

Does he return a page promptly?

Does he listen to you?

Nothing is more important than feeling like your contractor understands your needs and concerns. Good communication will make your entire project a pleasant one. If your contractor is so busy that he can’t return calls or pages promptly, maybe it’s time to look for a new contractor. When you’re in a discussion, does the contractor really listen to you? I mean really listen. This is vital.

You should always feel like the both of you are on the same page. This can avoid miscommunication and costly errors. This is a very important “secret” to a successful and enjoyable remodeling experience. Choose someone who will listen to you.

2. Comfort. If you feel “comfortable” with your contractor then chances are your project will run smooth. Ask yourself; Do you feel comfortable with this person? You’ve just invited a stranger into your home. Do you find this person nice? Considerate? Personable? A listener? Were they polite and courteous? Did they make you feel that they weren’t interested? You will be working with this person for a matter of days, weeks, or months depending on the project you need completed… can you stand to have this person around?

3. Trustworthy. If you feel your contractor is trustworthy, the likelihood of a project being completed to your satisfaction is good. Check his references. Keep in mind that if your project will entail entrance into your home and you won’t be home during the day, the keys to your castle will be given to your contractor. Can you trust him? Listen to your conscience.

4. Completion. Will your contractor give you a written schedule of how the project will progress? This provides a verifiable timetable for the both of you. A good contractor will be happy to provide this to you. You want to hire a good contractor, not a new roommate!

Nothing is more frustrating to a homeowner than a remodel that runs way over schedule.

5. Written Proposal. A good contractor will provide you with a written proposal that includes all the details and cost, payment schedule and time of completion spelled out. This avoids misinterpretations and confusion.

6. Details. Work out the details before construction begins.

Where will the dumpster go? Where will the “port-a-potty” be placed? You don’t want it in front of your storage shed where you keep your golf clubs! Make sure access isn’t blocked to and from the site. Often time’s large construction vehicles need to get by. What time will construction start in the morning and end in the evening? Will there be a need for them to work weekends?

Let your neighbors know you will be remodeling. Communicate to them the days construction will be happening and the hours the contractor will be working. No need to have them awakened bright and early by the sound of a bulldozer that just pulled alongside their bedroom window! Most neighborhood tensions can be defused with a little over the fence conversation.

7. Flexibility. Remodeling is an interruption in the “normal” way you do things. If your project involves the kitchen, plan on eating a few extra meals out with the kids (better yet, send the kids to “Mom” and go out alone). Remodeling time may not be the best time to host a slumber party for your eight-year-old daughter.

8. Appearance. If your contractor has a neat appearance this is a very good sign of things to come. This may sound silly but it’s not. He doesn’t have to show up in a coat and tie, but neatness does count. Is he clean, his truck clean? Does he have muddy shoes? Will he track mud from another job throughout your house? Will he keep your home clean? Dust and dirt can get everywhere. If his appearance is neat, chances are he’s neat.

9. Down Payment. If the contractor asks for a big chunk of money up front, this could be a tip-off that they are not in good financial shape. You could be in for a rocky experience. A fair amount for a down payment is 25 to 30%. As the work progresses, you should expect to pay out additional funds to match the prescribed and completed stages. Be wary if a contractor asks for a large initial deposit!

10. Change Orders. With remodeling, it’s not unusual for you to change your mind about a particular material or contract item. If there will be a change to the contract, make sure you sign a change order form that spells out what’s to be done and how much it will cost.