- Paula
- September 5, 2022
7 Important Things Your Remodeling Contractor Would like You to Know
Remodeling contractors are always there to transform your house into your dream home. Only a fraction of homeowners has the time, experience, or skill to do this themselves.
Remodeling contractors plan your home renovation and aim to cater to all your needs.
Most clients tend to research before hiring a renovation contractor, but sometimes all they find are complaints on online contractor referral sites.
Sometimes these complaints are legitimate. However, most remodeling contractors are honest, efficient, and hardworking. Remodeling contractors believe the client should know a few important things before signing the contract.
There is a lot to plan when it comes to remodeling! There are plenty of things to consider.
Firstly, the different elements that will add personality to your space. Secondly, managing time and budget, as you’re also hoping to achieve the finished project in a specific time. If you’re planning to start your next remodel, it helps if you have an exact idea of what that might involve and how much it will cost. The best place to start is by having a one-to-one discussion with your potential contractor. There are some things they want you to know before signing on the dotted line. Please keep reading for some insights into what they need from you to give you the best deal possible on your upcoming project.
Know Your WHY
There are two main reasons you should know your WHY. First, it helps your contractor understand you and your needs better.
When it comes to remodeling, you’re going to make many decisions. Some of those decisions might affect the cost and timeline of your project. A firm grasp of your why can help you make decisions that will keep your project on track. Second, it can help you set your budget. There are a lot of factors that go into calculating a budget for a remodel. You’ll want to include variables like time, materials, contractor costs, and permits. Knowing your limits can help you set a budget and stay within it. So, you can keep track of your expenses and time. Hive Kitchen Remodeling can help you plan your project before getting started.
Get Your Footing
A contractor’s job is to oversee the entire project and complete it on time and within the estimated budget. That’s a tall order, and they can’t do it alone. You must be a part of that process and do your part too. Your contractor wants you for guidance on design ideas and budget. Get a good idea of what you’re working with before planning, and you’ll be less likely to go over your budget. Doing a thorough walk-through of your home is always a good idea and making notes on any repairs or issues you might want to discuss with your contractor. That way, you will have a document to refer to when making critical decisions. You can always request a consultation with your potential remodeling contractor to help you out.
Be Aware of the Hidden Costs
As we’ve said, a remodeling contractor’s job is to see your project through and finish it on time and under budget. They do so by managing costs throughout the project and keeping an eye on the big-ticket items that can increase the expenses. That’s why you will often see; things like paint costs and supply costs built into the project. Something you might not see is the cost of disruption to you and your family. Disturbance comes in the form of noise, dust, and schedule changes. Be aware of those turbulences and include them in your plan.
Be Clear on Your Timeline
A remodel is a big project that can affect your day-to-day life. You will probably have less space and working with a contractor who’s always around can cause some inconveniences throughout the process. You can help minimize those disruptions by being clear on your timeline. How soon are you hoping to finish the project? Do you need to be out of the house during certain phases? Are there events or holidays you’ll need to avoid? Knowing your timeline and sharing it with your contractor can help them manage the project and minimize disruptions.
Understand the Difference Between Renovations and Repairs
Sometimes the line between a renovation and a repair can be blurry. That’s why contractors often charge a percentage of the total project cost rather than an hourly rate. While deciding what to include in your remodel, make sure you understand the difference between renovations and repairs. A repair is something that needs fixing as soon as possible. A repair might be water damage from a burst pipe or a broken roof. A renovation is something you want to do now, but it can wait until you have the time or money to do it.
Assessing Repair vs. Replacement Decisions
There are some decisions you’ll need to make during your remodel that will have long-term effects on the value of your home. Replacing your kitchen, bathroom, or roof tiles can add value to your home. Other things like replacing your electrical or plumbing systems can reduce the value of your home. It’s essential to understand the difference between repair and replacement decisions. Your contractor can help you weigh the pros and cons of different decisions and offer advice as you go through the process.
Don’t Assume
One of the things your contractor wants you to know is that you don’t have to do everything. You are not supposed to do everything. A contractor is there to help you. They want to help you achieve the vision you have for your home. A contractor is there to inspect your home and let you know what is required to make repairs and renovations. They can also offer suggestions on potential problems before they become massive issues. Don’t assume that you must do everything during your remodel. Let your contractor help you and offer suggestions on other things you cannot do to help the process.
Ready to Hire your Remodeling Contractor?
A good remodel is something you’ll be proud of for years. It’s also something that can be stressful and overwhelming. That’s why it helps if you know what your contractor wants from you. A contractor is there to help you achieve the vision you have for your home. That starts with you knowing what they need from you to make that happen!