10 Steps to Select a Remodeling Contractor

In a previous article Home Remodeling for Busy Professionals I talked illustrated how it is possible to take 4 years without any real progress remodeling a kitchen and family room. Not by lack of trying, but some things just need professional help to get the ball rolling. Here are 10 steps my wife and I followed to help us be comfortable with our choices and finally start to make some real progress remodeling our kitchen.

1. First and Foremost is Set a Budget and Stick to It

    First, consider the value of your home now and what will it be after the remodel. Kitchens and baths usually have the highest return on investment (ROI). Even so, you don't want to invest so much your home price is out of line with others in the neighborhood. Secondly is how much cash do you have and how much credit are you willing to get. Do not make the mistake of overextending your credit amounts.

2. Visit Remodeling Shows and Expositions

   Larger cities and metropolitan areas will have a home builders and remodeling show at least once a year. This is an excellent place to identify potential contractors and interior designers.

3. Visit Your Local Home Builders Supply Store

   Here, at your local Lowes or Home Depot for example, you can find samples of various flooring, cabinetry, countertop, and lighting products. Here you can view items up close to get a feel for what you like or dislike. This will also help to familiarize with some of the different options available. For example, learning the difference between porcelain vs. ceramic tile will make conversations with your designer go much more easily. It also never hurts to visit specialty flooring or lighting showrooms.

4. Read Architectural and interior design magazines

   Save photograph of things you like and keep a folder to share with your designer. Be careful though, the examples published in these magazines are often the higher end designs and are an easy way to go over budget.

5. Determine How Much of the Work You Want to Do Yourself

   Most municipalities will require permits and inspections for any significant amount of work. Depending on the job, it can be more difficult and take much longer for an amateur. If you plan to do the work on evenings and weekends, simple remodeling jobs can take a long time.

6. Get References

   Whether you are hiring an interior designer or a General contractor, ask to see examples of their completed work. Also ask to talk with some of their previous clients.

7. Hire a Professional Designer

    For my wife and me, it helped us finally decide on construction materials and have confidence on color and texture selections. It also motivated us to stop planning and get started. In many cases, they may also be affiliated with a general contractor that can do the work if you choose not to do-it-yourself. Talk to several and select one that seems compatible with your personality and understands your tastes

8. Hire a General Contractor (GC)

   I prefer one that employs the required trades, e.g. Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, masons, etc. vs. hiring individual contractors. Here again, you could be your own GC, but unless you are very familiar with the construction process, you may find this task a bit overwhelming. Like hiring a designer, talk to several general contractors to find one you are comfortable hiring and provides reasonable bids and estimates.

9. Understand the Process

   Before you sign any contracts or agreements be sure you understand the designers and general contractors responsibilities. Who obtains all the necessary permits and inspections? Will you need to be at home while they are working? Who provides the dumpster? When will they start? What do you need to do to prepare? How long will it take? There are a lot of questions to be answered. Take your time and think through the process any reputable designer or contractor should be willing to answer all your questions

10. Get It in Writing.

    This is probably the most important thing to remember. This is the best way to be sure all your requirements will be met, costs are documented, and you avoid the hassle of change orders. The written contract is your best form of protection. However if plans change during the process, be sure to get written change orders and estimates. These are the equivalent to contract modifications. They are important!

These steps are essentially what my wife and I followed. We signed the contract with a Designer and general contractor about a month ago. Cabinets, flooring and other special order construction materials were ordered and are in the general contractor's warehouse. We start demolition in two weeks. I'll let you know if we made the right choice.