Remodeling Expectations

What should you do if your contractor tells you he can’t show you a drawing of what your project will look like before he begins the work? Over the 20 years we’ve been in this business we’ve seen time & again that the success of a remodeling project hinges upon a clear understanding of expectations.  To communicate this clear understanding it’s very important that your contractor show you thorough drawings and an itemized estimate of what he is planning to include in the project.  Without this information his price is essentially meaningless and your perspective of what to expect on the project is likely inaccurate.  Without clarity and accuracy it’s much more likely your remodeling project will encounter problems and be much less enjoyable for all involved.

It’s disconcerting and unfortunate to hear stories from homeowners about negative experiences with their contractors.  It’s not good for the homeowner and it’s certainly not good for the contractors who are out there doing a good job.  To greatly increase the probability of a successful remodeling project, we’d like to advise you as the homeowner to follow a few basic guidelines:

For starters, always go with your gut if you’re feeling uneasy. Ask a lot of questions and learn about everyone who will be involved in each phase of your project. All details of your project should be spelled out on paper before you sign a contract. This is the only way to be assured your expectations become reality.  Secondly, ask to speak with client references who had projects similar to yours. Be courteous to the references you are calling, as they are doing you and the contractor a favor.  In addition to any detailed questions specific to your project type, you’ll want to ask about the contractor’s attention to detail, final costs compared to initial estimate, and overall project length.  Lastly, to be sure you are hiring a professional, choose a contractor who is a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), an organization that holds its members to a strict code of ethics. To learn more about hiring a professional remodeler visit www.nari.org. In closing, if your contractor can’t show you detailed drawings and/or doesn’t present you with a detailed estimate you ought to be wary. Remodeling is a complicated endeavor with many opportunities for unforeseen changes, but it doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. With a caring, experienced professional leading you through the project, you can feel comfortable and confident from start to finish.