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Page 6 2016 Fall Home Improvement LINCOLN DAILY NEWS SEPT. 27, 2016
7.
The contractor should be aware of
building codes for the particular area they
are working in. Many jobs require a building
permit from the city and/or county. It is the
contractor’s responsibility to get these permits
and post them accordingly.
8.
It is important to know if the contractor
is going to be doing the work or subcontracting
to another company. A good contractor
acknowledges his weaknesses and knows other
experts in the building profession who can
assist with completing the job. A homeowner
should know if the subcontractors are reputable
and have insurance and/or licenses required.
9.
Unforeseen damage can happen,
especially with older homes: termite damage,
walls that are not plumb, water damage, etc. It
is necessary for the contractor to present these
possibilities so the customer is not completely
shocked should things not go exactly as
planned. There are always unknowns about
a project and talking about concerns ahead
of time can save unnecessary stress for both
parties.
10.
In order to maintain trust with the
homeowner a contractor should be in constant
communication including the little things, like
when running late to a job site. The homeowner
and contractor should agree ahead of time how
communication will take place: emails, text, or
daily phone calls.
Weekly meetings are a good idea to be sure that
everyone is on the same page and schedules are
on the right track.
11.
A customer should expect a guarantee
from the contractor. A contractor should take
the time to fix things that don’t go as planned.
There may be other documentation at the end
of the project that the homeowner will find
valuable: pictures of before and after, operating
manuals, care instructions for countertops or
flooring or tile, and a well-marked electrical
panel. Confirming receipt of this paperwork
before the job starts can save headaches after
the job is complete.
The best remodel is when the homeowner
and contractor walk away satisfied. No matter
the style or size of the job; proper planning,
communication, and commitment from
everyone involved is necessary to deliver the
remodel the homeowner has been dreaming
about.