Choosing a
Home
Remodeling Contractor
At Simonson Lumber, we have the pleasure of working with many of the best homebuilders and remodelers in the Red River Valley. If you have not yet selected a contractor for your project, we will introduce you to well-qualified contractors who specialize in your particular home addition or remodeling needs.
The relationship you develop with your contractor will be a significant one. Because of their vast background and expertise in building homes, a contractor can contribute very creative and useful ideas as you design your floor plan. Your contractor will manage the daily process of your remodeling project details; they will obtain necessary permits, comply with all ordinances, laws and regulations. Your contractor will oversee and inspect all subcontracting work (framing, electrical, plumbing, heating, painting, staining, cabinet installation, finishing work etc.) and will be responsible for that work if not properly completed.
Before you select a contractor, spend time thinking about your goals for the project -- what it might look like, the amenities you want, and so on. Our Simonson Lumber drafting department will help transfer your remodeling plan to a blueprint.
Remember two things will see you through your project: PROACTIVE PLANNING & PATIENCE.
To help you select the best contractor for your project, refer to the following checklist during the interviewing process:
- Be certain that contractors are licensed and insured.
- Ask them about their experience in remodeling the rooms or building the addition you have in mind. How long have they been in business? How long have they been doing the type of work you want?
- Ask the contractors to show you homes they have built or remodeled for other customers.
- Ask about subcontractors they prefer to work with. You should feel confident that the contractor you select has the background, expertise and subcontractor connections to ensure your homebuilding process is well managed.
- Ask about change order policies. Changes made after the final draft of your home will always be more expensive.
- What is their warranty program? A reputable contractor will warranty your home for any construction or subcontracting problems that may arise during the first year you live in your new home.
- Be sure the contractor is willing to talk with you as important issues arise. Keeping you abreast of delays or changes will prevent unpleasant surprises.
- Does he or she put change orders in writing? These amendments to your contract, such as substituting one product for another, should be documented.
- Ask the contractor about routine precautions, such as employee background checks for anyone who will have access to your home. Also, establish some ground rules about parking, bathroom use, smoking, and other issues that might concern you.
- Ask if their proposal will include line-item costs for labor, materials, fees, and so on, or at least will offer specifics about the tasks the contractor will perform (demolition, installation, cleanup).
- Ask how unexpected issues or differences might be handled. This can include change orders (these should always be in writing, with cost issues directly noted) or more serious disputes, such as unintended damage.
- Ask about contract details. A contract should include start and completion dates, information on applicable building permits and fees (typically handled by the contractor, but legally your responsibility), a description of what products and services are to be provided by the contractor, payment terms, subcontractor issues (such as license and insurance verification and warranty of workmanship), and the consequences of default by either party. Default can include a contractor's failure to pay subcontractors; the contract should exclude you from liability in the event that occurs.
- Request references from previous customers that have built or remodeled homes through them. Ask previous customers the following questions:
- Were they happy with the contractor's finished product?
- Were they comfortable communicating with the contractor?
- Were subcontractors or crewmembers pleasant to do work with?
- Did the crews show up on time and clean up at the end of each day?
- Did the subcontractors (such as the electrician and the tile installer) show the same level of courtesy and professionalism the contractor displayed?
- Were your specific needs and wants taken into consideration?
- Did the contractor promptly return phone calls?
- Did you make any special requests or changes as the project progressed? How did the contractor respond?
- Was the contractor flexible?
- Were there any surprise costs?
- Did the contractor respond well to any concerns you may have had?
- Was their paperwork in order?
- Were records complete?
- Was the project completed within budget? If not, why? Many people with whom you talk will be uncomfortable discussing how much they spent, but you can certainly ask whether they thought the professional delivered on his or her promises.
- Was the job completed on time?
- Did you have any problems after your project was complete? Was the person quick to fix them?