We remodel our homes for a variety of reasons. It might be an epiphany that avocado green and harvest gold are no longer in style or a realization that we don’t have enough storage space for all of our stuff.
If you are considering remodeling your home, it’s important to choose a contractor carefully. Here are some tips to help you do so.
Design-Build Firms
Homeowners have the option of working with a design-build firm that can handle both the architecture and construction phases of their home remodel. This streamlined process is often more cost efficient than working with a designer and general contractor separately.
Design-build firms should be held accountable for their timelines and budgets, says Mickley. He explains that when changes are made to the original scope of work, it can cause back and forth between architects and general contractors—which can delay the project for weeks. With a design-build firm, however, those revisions will be evaluated in real-time and costs will be updated accordingly.
Tambi Kat, principal of a New York City-based design-build company called Bolster, emphasizes the importance of transparent pricing, financial guarantees, and an efficient design-build process. His team is dedicated to eliminating the risks associated with major home renovations, ensuring clients pay no unexpected costs and projects are completed two weeks early on average. For example, Bolster recently renovated a Manhattan brownstone to include a contemporary kitchen and a new open floor plan.
General Contractors
Licensed general contractors (GCs) are the lead professionals on major construction and remodeling projects. They manage teams of subcontractors that handle the specialized aspects of each project and secure all permits.
GCs may take on a fixed price project or work under a cost-plus contract. Typically, they collect quotes from several qualified specialized subcontractors and add their own overhead costs to submit a quote. They then perform the work for that amount, and any additional savings become additional profit for the GC.
Reputable GCs have solid relationships with vendors and subcontractors and can negotiate a better price for materials and labor. They provide quality workmanship that exceeds clients’ expectations and respect their homes and belongings by outlines plans for maintaining cleanliness and minimizing disruptions throughout the renovation process.
Full-Service Remodelers
A full service remodeler employs a team of professionals dedicated to your project until it’s finished. This approach not only ensures that your renovation is done right the first time, but it also speeds up completion times because the team doesn’t have to wait for a subcontractor to finish their work.
Another benefit of working with a full-service firm is that they’re familiar with local zoning laws and permits. This means that they can help you avoid costly mistakes that could delay your renovation or result in an expensive permit fine.
If you’re looking for a home remodeler that’s familiar with your neighborhood, share your project details with us now. We’ll match you with highly-rated local pros and provide quotes so you can compare.
What to Look for in a Remodeling Contractor
The right remodeling contractor will work with you to make sure that the scope of your project, timeline, and payment schedule are all clearly defined. They should also provide a detailed cost estimate that includes any unanticipated occurrences that might affect the budget.
Be sure to ask about their company’s experience and references. A reputable contractor will be happy to share testimonials and a portfolio of previous projects. Look for photos of completed rooms that include close-ups as well as a wide view of each space.
You should also discuss the company’s warranty. Find out what the length of the warranty is and whether it covers labor as well as materials. Also, find out if they can offer a fixed-price contract. This ensures that you’ll know exactly what the project costs are before it begins. If a home remodeler is reluctant to discuss these details, it might be time to consider other options.