Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I want to remodel. What is the first thing I should do?

A. The first thing is to start an itemized list and come up with a rough outline. If you are unsure of costs and it’s a factor you need to start a spread sheet totaling up expenses to see if your budget is adequate. Acquiring pricing is best done with an outlined Project Planner.

Q. The bank has approved me for $50,000 on my kitchen project. Now what?

A. A working set of plans or drawings is needed to do any estimating, once in hand you are ready to start pricing the components for your budget or estimate

Q. Do I need an Architect or a designer?

A. For small projects under $2,000.00 not usually, larger ones with structural changes such as bearing walls, additions, and tying roof lines together require approved plans. Some contractors are capable of providing this service but typically are not in the business of Architectural drawing. The level of architectural skill involved can be simple to very complicated. Having a licensed architect is best, especially when there are bearing load issues that have to be certified. If you provide your own plans you will have the advantage of hiring contractors based on your plans. If it’s suggests that you don’t need plans for a project that involves several trades and alterations to your existing structure be leery. Unfortunately there are contractors out there that promise you the moon verbally but in their contract there are loop holes for change orders. The Project Planner covers all aspects of Contracts and Contractor interviews and shows you the best way to proceeded. A set of approved plans combined with a good contract is the only way to go.

Q. Are there any tools or programs I can use to help with my remodeling project?

A. Yes, You definitely need to define an outline of what you will do and what contractors will do using a well structured Planner. A well structured plan is the key to having a smooth running project and being on budget. Defining a contract or having the contractor make changes to your specifications is widely overlooked, this process alone can save you days and weeks of lost time, also covering change order restrictions. The hand and power tools that are needed if not known can be easily determined with web link information. All of this and more are provided in the Project Planner

Q. Can I contract my own Project?

A. It is perfectly legal for you to do all of your own work as long as you get required permits and have inspections done. Some jobs though are best left to tradesmen that have special skills. You can contract out this work, make sure that the contractors are licensed, read more about this in our Project Planner.

Q. I have purchased the Project Planner, budgeted my project, What next?

A. You are now ready to start interviewing contractors, sub contractors or precede with the work yourself. Following the scheduled list of tasks in chronological order provided in the Project Planner set dates and address itemized tasks for each job, this will give you your outlined schedule for the project. The schedule covers all aspects of remodeling and new construction, the program is interactive and designed for you to customize, the user friendly ability allows you to set jobs, dates, list suppliers, and list contractors as well as making notes.

Q. How long will it take for estimates?

A. Depending on the size of your project, the number of tradesman involved, and who is getting the estimates you or a contractor, you should be able to get them in a day to three weeks. This process will give you a good idea of what to expect from the contractor. Do they ask additional questions based on your needs? Ask very little questions and give you a really low bid? Once again defining a contract is very important. Most contracts are written by the contractor and never questioned. With some elaboration and negotiating on your part you will have better protection and more than likely save 5 to 10 %. How to deal with contracts and what questions to ask is covered in the Planner.

Q. How many estimates should I get?

A. I would recommend three, being that in a lot of projects pricing can vary from 100’s to 1,000’s in differences. Even with a set of plans, there is still the margin for error leaving something out or adding something that might be needed. Not all contractors are alike, honest ones will point out everything to you so that they won’t have to bring it up latter. Low bidders will intentional leave things out to get the job and hit you up after with change orders. Pre-screening before you get your bids is highly recommended. This is covered in the planner.

Q. What should I look for in a contractor?

A. Do they look at your project through your eyes? Are they taking the time to understand the value to you, or is it just a job? Do they have reputable referrals? Using the contractor questionnaires and contract forms will answer a lot of questions, the questions will also show you who is reluctant to agree with terms that are to your best interest. If a Contractor tells you he can do anything and its included, be leery. The old saying goes if it sounds too good to be true there might be some validity to it. Obviously the first thing you want to do is call references, and maybe see some of their work.

Q. What might be some potential problems?

A. The #Number one top of the list is a poorly written contract not fully covering what is included. If a General contractor, sub contractor, or your contract does not include all specifics as to what is covered it is a recipe for disaster. There should always be a clause in a contract that covers change orders. If changes are made without your approval in writing the contractor making them should be responsible. Verbal agreements are not recommended. Little things are not usually a big deal but when it comes to numerous ones, they start to add up and there can be problems. If a contractor supplies you with a contract and change orders are not addressed be aware of the ramifications. This is one of the reasons it is important to get more than one bid. This is all covered in detail in the Planner

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