Remodeling? Tips for Working with a Contractor

January 1996

• Avoid phone or door solicitation. What they want to sell you might not be what you need.
• Avoid someone who offers a big discount if you sign immediately.
• Never, never pay all the money up front. Reputable remodelers usually request 20-30 percent downpayment to order materials and then request payments as the work is done. A final payment is due when work is substantially finished. If something small is incomplete, withhold an amount equal to the cost of that unfinished work.
• If you're taking bids, describe exactly what you want to all bidders, so you're comparing apples with apples.
• Sign a written contract with all the details to avoid a dispute. Get everything in writing.
• Ask the contractor to get the permit so he is responsible for all the work and inspections.
• Don't expect a job to be finished on schedule if you've added more work or changed selections.
• Don't ask the electrician to do more work "while he is there" and not expect to pay for it.
• Do communicate, communicate, communicate!
• Choose value over price. Statistics prove that only 28 percent of the people hire the lowest bidder. Obviously if one bid is much lower the same materials are not being used. If the contractor made an error in the bid, somewhere during the job he will discover that error and either charge more or provide less. Don't buy cheap and blame the remodeler if the results are disappointing. Everyone has a budget, but some buyers lower their costs without lowering their expectations. You want the best materials (not always the most frills) within your budget and, also top quality installation.
• Kitchen and bath work requires specialists to transform these rooms into better functional areas. There are many pieces and minute details. Your contractor needs to be skilled in all the areas. They must be experienced in design, carpentry, cabinet and countertop installation and construction. They must understand electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation needs. They should be familiar with paint, ceramic, floors, wallpapers and appliances. Everything must be coordinated for installation. If the countertop is delayed, it pushes back the sink and faucet installation which delays the ceramic backsplash, etc.
• Once you select someone there are a few things you can do to help. Designate a bathroom and phone for the use of the workers. A quick call to the office can produce that last piece of trim necessary to complete a task. Do be patient during the installation of square cabinets into out of square walls. Remodeling requires on the job skills. Do specify if you want something saved. Be patient during the time consuming finish work. It takes time to do quality work.
• Remodeling is full of surprises. Contractors don't have x-ray vision. Old plumbing and electrical wiring may be too fragile to survive. It is a good time to replace galvanized or lead pipes and necessary to replace frayed and obsolete wiring. This requires additional charges for these concealed problems and may tax the budget. Remember the contractor estimates his price before the areas are opened.

People today are tougher to sell. Busy lifestyles create more stress. People are more informed about products. Consumers want accountability, speed, choice, convenience, quality and value. If you have chosen a reliable contractor, just remember that after all that banging stops and the intruders leave, you will have the room of your dreams!

Good Luck!

Upper St. Clair Today, January 1996