How to Find a Contractor

Selling Your House and Need to Find a General Contractor To Complete Home Renovations?

Here’s what you need to know before, during, and after you are remodeling your home.

Plan It All Out…

• Keep a project journal to track all aspects of the project
• Build a list of improvements
• Rank your list in 3 ways: by cost, by ROI, and by the quality of life
• Budget every project on the list
• Expect budget and time overages
• Contact your insurance company to see if your premiums will increase depending on what renovation you choose

Things To Do Before Looking For a Contractor

1. Build a List of Contractors in Your Area. *Write this down in your Project Journal so that it won’t be lost as easily.
2. Check What Permits Are Needed For the Home Improvements You Want. Both city and county levels of government can have different required permits. Even neighborhood associations may also have requirements for any project. (Usually to enforce workday limits on any project). *If you are doing major renovations look into your neighborhoods bulk trash policies. The demolition of a sizable area of any house creates a lot of debris.
3. Find Out What Inspections Are Required For Your Renovation. Depending on the size of the project you might be required to get the renovations inspected by a trusted inspector. It will make things go by much smoother if you pre-plan an inspection ahead of time. The office that you are scheduling the inspection through will most likely have information on what they require for every project. Some types of projects might have special requirements.

What To Look For When Deciding On a Contractor

1. For Large Renovations, Ask About Financing Options. While you will have to apply for the financing, it can relieve stress about dealing with accounting issues. Some homeowners might be able to get financing through their own banks, but be warned if you get financing yourself most banks will need proof of everything that is done during the renovation.
2. Find Out If the Price Includes Permit Fees. It is a good idea to get your contractor to obtain these for you. *Ultimately though, you will be the one that will be fined for a failure to post proper permits.
3. Everything Should Be In Writing. Do not ever have understood agreements as a part of any renovation. Make sure that everything that you have discussed with your contractor has been documented in the contract before you sign or initial anything.

What You Should Pay Attention To Before Signing a Contract for Renovations

1. Contingency Plan… account for between 10-15% contingency within your project budget for issues that arise through no one’s fault. These happen on many projects that have any bit of complexity to them. *Remember if you are doing renovations on your master bedroom/bathroom and don’t have alternates in your house you may be without amenities for an extended period of time. And if you are doing bathroom renovations they will probably have to turn off the water. If that is scheduled make sure they finish enough of the project so that you can turn it back on after the workday is over.
2. Don’t Be Stubborn. Many contractors will do their best to make sure you get everything you want, but sometimes because of unforeseen complications, a contractor is not able to fulfill them all. If this becomes the case, listen to the explanation of why it can’t be done. Maybe it is something that can be readdressed at a later time.
3. Stay In Communication With Your Contractor. You do not need to talk to your contractor every day, but a weekly call that goes over everything that has happened that week is a good idea so that you can document everything. They will contact you immediately if problems arise that need your recorded acceptance to do.