Home remodeling often involves structural work like roofing, framing and plumbing. These should be addressed first before cosmetic items like painting, drywall and flooring are added.
Red flags include a contractor who refuses to pull permits or attempts to skip inspections. This is an indication that they may not be licensed or honest.
1. You’re Not Sure What You Want
It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when deciding on remodeling options. This is why it’s important to take the time to thoroughly vet contractors, ask the right questions, and read reviews online. After all, this is a big decision and you want to be confident the team you choose will bring your vision to life, exceed expectations, and treat your home with care.
A reliable general contractor will help you find the remodel options that make sense for your budget and goals. They should also provide clear pricing guidelines and a detailed contract to avoid surprises down the road.
Another red flag is a contractor who refuses to provide licensing and insurance information. Licensed contractors have passed background checks, have met professional standards, and are required to carry workers’ compensation, liability, and property damage coverage for your protection. They should be happy to provide you with proof of their credentials and be able to answer any other questions you have about their business practices.
In addition, a trusted home remodeling company will understand the importance of pulling building permits and abide by all applicable codes. Skipping permits can result in fines, unsafe work, and potential issues with resale or insurance claims down the line. Lastly, they should be willing to share their process for handling unforeseeable elements that arise during construction and how they will minimize the impact on your timeline and budget. They should also be willing to address any concerns or worries you may have about having strangers in your home for weeks on end.
2. You’re Not Sure How Long It Will Take
The complexity of the project, weather delays, and other unforeseen issues can add time to the schedule. A general contractor has experience managing these types of situations and will know how to keep the work on track and minimize costly overruns.
The amount of time needed to complete a remodeling project depends on many different factors, but the most important factor is planning ahead. A good GC will take the initial design ideas from the homeowner and build a project scope with clear deliverables and milestones to help the work stay on target. The GC will also review the scope with the city to ensure all required permits are pulled and that the project meets local codes and specs.
Generally, the GC will hire subcontractors to perform the specialized tasks that are required to complete the project. The GC will then get quotes from these subcontractors and add their own overhead costs to give the owner an estimate. This process is standard and a transparent way to manage a construction project.
The GC may “self-perform” some of the labor, such as demolition or carpentry, and subcontract others like plumbing and electrical. This allows the GC to save money on management fees while providing consistency and quality.
A reputable GC will explain their pricing structure and provide a detailed payment plan (known as a draw schedule). This will list when payments are due, usually based on when the project reaches certain stages of completion.
Often, the GC will require a small percentage of the total cost to start the job. This is normal, and helps to prevent a large cash outlay at the beginning of the project. However, be wary of a GC that requires more than 50% upfront to start work. This is typically a red flag that they are either having financial problems or trying to avoid taxes and insurance liability.
A quality GC will value the relationship with the client and will treat the home as though it were their own. They will protect personal belongings, maintain clean work areas, and keep the construction site as safe as possible during the project. They will also outline their plans for protecting your house from debris and disruption in their estimates and contracts.
3. You’re Not Sure How Much It Will Cost
If you’re not sure how much your home improvement project will cost, it’s important to have an expert on your team who can help. General contractors can provide accurate estimates based on the information you give them, including plans and specs. They can also help you understand the costs of different options so that you can make informed decisions about the scope and budget of your project.
A good GC will help you avoid costly surprises by ensuring that the work meets city specifications, the contract is clear, and that you’re not paying for services that don’t match your needs. They’ll also have the expertise to manage hiccups that might arise during construction so that your project stays on schedule.
When you’re comparing bids from general contractors, look beyond the dollar amount and consider how each contractor will approach your project. Ask each company for a detailed breakdown of expenses and whether the estimate includes any building permits, cleanup and trash removal. Make sure that you get firm start and end dates for the job. A trustworthy contractor will be honest and up front about what is and isn’t included, avoiding hidden fees or add-ons that can drive the bill up.
You can choose from a variety of payment structures for your project, but lump sum and stipulated sum are common. In a lump sum structure, your GC will quote you a total price for all labor and materials that is inclusive of a % markup (which covers overhead and profit).
In a stipulated sum contract, your GC will work with subcontractors to create the detailed estimate of the job’s requirements. Once they’ve collected all quotes from the subcontractors, your GC will review and analyze these documents to determine their own price for the work. In either case, your GC should always be transparent about their pricing and explain how they arrived at their figure.
A reputable GC will ensure that the right people are paid on time for their work, and they will handle all of the paperwork involved in getting payments to subcontractors. If you’re concerned that your GC may not be meeting these obligations, it’s a good idea to check references and see how other homeowners have dealt with this issue in the past.
4. You’re Not Sure What You Need
You may not be able to predict exactly what you need when it comes to remodeling. For example, if you’re updating for kids, you’ll want kid-friendly features and durable materials that are easy to clean. If you’re aging in place, you’ll need accessible storage and safety features to ensure that you can live safely in your home as you age. A general contractor can help you figure out exactly what your remodel will involve. They can also help you determine if a permit is required for your project, which can be pricey but necessary if you want to make sure that everything is documented and done correctly.
You’ll also want to know how your remodel will affect key areas of your house (like water and electricity) so you can plan accordingly. You may need to move things out of the way, or you may need to create a safe zone for kids and pets during the work. You may also need to store valuables and documents somewhere safe.