HOMEVIEW OUR WORKREMODELSTESTIMONIALSCONTACT USNOT TO CODENICELY DONERATESSERVICE CALLS

CA. #835032
(925) 595-5049
GET PROFESSIONAL DESIGN HELP

  • You need some sort of plan drawn up that will be as specific as possible as to all of the details regarding just about every item that will be installed during your project.
  • Architects are you best choice for this, however on smaller projects like kitchen and bath remodels a non-architect designer might do well if he has had some years of experience.
  • Ask your designer for references and be sure to ask the references about any discrepancies the architect might have created on their job so you might be able to avoid them.
  • Ask your designer that he will alter/edit your plans as you continue to make your decisions even after you have come home with his completed unspecified plans so you can hand to your general contractor a very detailed plan to bid.


HIRE ONLY LICENSED CONTRACTORS

  • Make sure that any contractor you hire is fully licensed and insured.
  • Check his license status at your state's contractor licensing agency.
  • Check out the contractor's record with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Make sure that your contractor(s) remit to you a certificate of insurance. This can easily be done so do not let your contractor tell you it is a burdensome task.
  • Make sure that your contractor's bond is of sufficient value to cover the job in the event he fails to complete it.
  • Be sure to ask you contractor(s) for references. Some customers will allow future customers to come inside their homes to look at the work the contractor performed.
  • Make sure your general contractor lists all of the subcontractors, and supply houses he will be using so you can vet them as well.
  • Demand an unconditional lien release from all subcontractors and suppliers before making final payment to the general contractor.
  • It is not a bad idea to run a criminal background check on any/all contractors coming to your home.


GET A PERMIT

  • Go to your city/municipality building department and pull a permit for the job you are about to embark on.
  • The city building department will more than likely need to review your plans and don't be surprised if they are rejected the first time around. Your plans will likely need some editing and rethinking.
  • This permit and the ensuing inspections will be some sort of encouragement for the contractor's to do their work to minimum code standards.
  • Save the completed inspections form provided to you when you pulled the permit so you show a future buyer of your home that all substantial remodel work done to your home was permitted and inspected.


PLAN, PLAN, PLAN......

  • Work very closely with your architect and specify as many things going into you project as humanly possible. This will help later on when you try to compare bids from different contractors.
  • Create and use some sort of check list to keep track of all of the decisions you will be making. This is an involved process and most home owners are surprised by the sheer number of decisions to make after they come home with their architect's unspecified plans. For an example of an electrical items check list see Pre-Bid Checklist.
  • Utilize the internet in your research for answers to lighting questions, hardwood floors, cabinet ideas, etc. 
  • Go over your plans very thoroughly with any contractor you hire. Do not rely on his interpretation of the plans- make sure he understands the scope of the work.
  • Educate yourself to all of the things that will be going into your project without the help of any contractor. Contractors will respond to you differently if they detect you are knowledgeable on the subject.
  • Purchase as many of the materials as you can yourself, saving you the typical contractor markup.
  • If you purchase any materials for the job make sure to do so before the contractors need them. Do not hold up the job by being remiss in your materials acquisition.
  • Understand that if you can not make up your mind on some design related concern, and the job grinds to a halt, then most contractors reserve the right to stop work on the job. If this happens it may be a while before you see your contractor again. This happens, and it is never a happy situation.


UNDERSTAND THE TERM DESIGN BUILD

  • Do not fall victim to some contractor telling you that you do not need to think this through very thoroughly, but rather that you can utilize this building technique called design build. This is where the plans are left in their unspecified condition while the building commences. This will create a nightmare as the multitude of unanswered questions will overwhelm you, not to mention increase the job cost substantially.
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION / REMODEL PROJECT SUMMARY