Ask The Home Repair Expert: What Is The Best Way To Approach A New Remodeling Project?
So the market has given you the jitters, and you have decided to improve your greatest asset rather than look for the next, best thing. A growing trend the past couple of years is repurposing your home, which is, breathing new life into a tired, worn, or simply nonfunctional environment.
Summer gives remodeling contractors a new opportunity to work effectively on exterior items such as concrete, excavation, roofing, windows and siding.
It is also an ideal time to plan your project. A significant project involves many steps, and may take as long as two months from first meeting with your contractor to the start of the project. This is the time you will want (and need) to make your selections. Flooring, fixtures, and colors all take some time, and planning ahead will cut down considerably on the stress levels during a project.
Significant projects also involve many trades, so time to prepare becomes increasingly important. Weather is always a challenge to scheduling, but an effective contractor can always plan a project and remain balanced. When interviewing your potential project partner, ask the following questions:
- Have you undertaken this type of project before?
- Do you have references?
- How is your business organized— employees or subcontractors?
- What decisions do I need to make (in writing), by when?
- What is your policy for changes or upgrades?
- How does payment work?
- And ask yourself - am I ready to work with the contractor for the next few months?
