Remodeling your home? Awesome! But it can easily get messy if you are not careful. To keep things on track and avoid headaches, let’s look at some common blunders and how to side step them.
Poor contractor choice
Contractor is your remodeling partner. Choose the wrong one and you will have to handle a lot of stress, not a dream home.
- Do your homework: Don’t just take their word for it! Check their license and insurance. Talk to past customers to find out about their skills and more.
- Communicate clearly: Make sure you and your contractor are on the same page. Can they understand your goal? Are they good at keeping you in the loop?
- Read the fine prints: The contract is your safety net. Make sure it defines exactly what they will do, when they will get paid, how long will it take and if they will fix anything that goes wrong. Never sign until you get all the answers in writing!
Basically, picking the right contractor is super important. In places like Buck County, people often ask friends for recommendation or check reviews online to find a good contractors. If you are searching for a partner to bring your vision to life in this area, remember Kontz, a trusted name and a reliable home remodeling contractor in Buck County. You get expertise and guidance to navigate the complexities of renovation process. Take time to check your options before hiring anyone. It saves you plenty of trouble down the road.
Remodeling without planning
Imagine baking a cake for the first time without recipe. That is what remodeling without a plan is like – a recipe for disaster! Before you start choosing paint and tiles, take some deep breath and think what you want from this remodel – a prettier look, more space or make your home more worthy!
- Write it all down: Make a list of everything that needs to be done, from smashing down walls to putting the last doorknob. Write material needs in detail and where everything will go.
- Expect the unexpected: Inevitable things pop up! Be prepared for it with some extra time and money in your budget. A good rule is to have 10% to 15% extra of your total budget set aside for surprises.
Underestimating the budget
A lot of remodeling nightmares start with thinking it will cost less than it actually does.
- Shop around: Never approve the first price, shop around. Get quotes from different contractors. Closely look at their offerings and compare to find out what they are not offering. Going for the cheapest quote is not wise. Consider their past projects and what their customers say about them.
- Think of everything: It is not just wood and nails…you will need permits, inspections, maybe new wires or pipes. If your house will be a mess during renovation, you will need a place to stay for some time. All these need money!
Making changes mid project
Now, the remodeling is moving and suddenly you want to change something.
It is normal to make a couple of changes but if it is more when the remodeling is happening, it can:
- Mess the schedule
- Cost more money
- Cause frustration and stress [to everyone involved]
If you absolutely want changes ask for a written estimate on the cost and delays before saying ‘go ahead’.
A little preparation goes a long way to ensure a successful and satisfying remodeling experience!
