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2016 Fall Home Improvement LINCOLN DAILY NEWS SEPT. 27, 2016 Page 5
What to ask and what to expect"
There are a couple of questions every homeowner
has when getting ready to remodel:
How much is it going to cost?
How long is it going to take?
According to building inspector for 12 years, Jude
Bennett of Bennett Builders, and Mike Miller from
Webster Construction, there are other important
things a homeowner should find out from a
contractor before a remodel is started:
1.
A contractor should provide Proof of
Insurance and any license applicable to the job.
2.
It is really important for a potential customer
get more than one itemized estimate, and compare
in order to get the best pricing. Most estimates are
not going to be exact but should be within 10%
of the actual cost of the construction unless the
homeowner makes a change during the job.
Bennett shared, “An estimate is an estimate. You get
what you pay for. Taking the lowest bid is the worst
idea.”
3.
A contractor should be willing to help the
customer with design ideas, but should never make
a decision without consent from the homeowner.
Style, colors, brands of material, etc. should all
be decided before the renovation begins. The
contractor input is valuable because he/she knows:
a. The best price
b. The best quality of materials
c. Timely and best service
4.
A homeowner should read and ask questions
about the contract before signing. It is important
that the customer feel comfortable with all the terms
on the contract.
5.
Any contractor who is not comfortable sharing
references and/or a portfolio of previous work
should not be considered. It is okay for a consumer
to question if the contractor is on Angie’s list or a
member of the Better Business Bureau.
6.
A payment schedule needs to be agreed
upon before any construction begins. Once a
payment schedule is arranged, it is important for
the customer to pay on time. It is not unusual for a
contractor to ask for some payment up front. Any
change orders requiring the payment schedule to be
modified should be in writing.
Taming the money pit:
Renovations:
Communications
with your
contractor
By Lisa Ramlow
Continued ►