Photo courtesy of Chris Dearing

For The Consumer

Looking for ideas? Take a look at the Award Winning Projects and browse through the photos to find great remodeling ideas for your home.

Find a NARI Professional who works in your area and specializes in the type of remodeling project you are planning via our on-line searches.

Below are some tips to consider before you start your remodeling project.

This information was compiled to give valuable guidance to you, the consumer, which will aid in making your remodeling decisions. If you follow these guidelines, then work should be done to your satisfaction. Maintaining an excellent reputation with the public is the ultimate goal of Fox Valley NARI.

A. DEVELOP A CONCEPT

• Decide what you want and need. Be specific.
• Make a list and number your priorities.
• Clip magazine pictures that match your ideas.
• Do some pencil sketches. They do not have to be perfect, but they will help communicate with your contractor. They might save time and money, too. (Most people have fun doing them!)

B. DECIDE IF A DESIGN/BUILD FIRM IS APPROPRIATE

If your work entails aesthetic design issues, structural changes or complex modifications, then a design/build firm will be beneficial.

However, if the job is fairly simple, then a good contractor will be able to handle the design work or he/she may recommend a designer, design/build firm or an architect. If you are unsure of your needs, visit with a contractor and a design/build firm to decide what level of service is appropriate for you.

In either case, the importance of good planning cannot be stressed enough. Problems solved in the planning stage on paper are far less costly than changes made during construction. Spending time developing good plans and specifications saves time and money for all parties. Make your design decisions without all the pressure of construction time constraints.

Construction designs require different skills. Make sure you feel comfortable before you make a commitment to either contractor, design/build firm, designer or architect.

C. CONSIDER THREE TYPES OF CONTRACTS

1. COST PLUS: The contractor and homeowner agree on estimated cost. The homeowner agrees to pay all actual costs of the job plus a fee to the contractor for his/her services. Although this type of bid is common, the homeowner assumes the risk of cost overruns and of corrections.

2. TURNKEY: The contractor commits to a fixed price for overruns in the original specifications. Changes requested during construction are documented and signed by both the contractor and the homeowner. Payment for changes is typically made prior to the change being made.

3. COMBINATION: If the homeowner elects to perform part of the work, a combination of (1) and (2) may result. The written contract should be absolutely clear as to what work and responsibility each party will accept.

D. SELECTING YOUR REMODELING CONTRACTOR

Look for these characteristics:

Financial Stability - Ask for banking and supplier references and check them.

Previous Work Record - Ask for a list of current customer references and check them. Try to see some of the contractor's work. Many problems can be avoided by thorough investigation before hiring a contractor.

Professional Organization Affiliations - Be sure to check your contractor's current standing of membership status with all related trade/professional organizations; i.e. (Fox Valley NARI members, Better Business Bureau)

Adequate Insurance - Be sure your contractor is licensed/registered and meets the minimum state requirements/limits for insurance to protect you and your property against loss or possible suit, should an accident occur during construction.

Personality - Make sure you feel comfortable with your contractor. You should be able to communicate easily. Your contractor should be able to reflect your tastes and needs accurately. You should feel that your contractor would be a trusted companion in your home for the duration of your work.

Honesty - Evaluate your contractor's integrity and competency. Beware of an unusually low bid or low advertised prices. If a contractor cannot pay for materials, labor and overhead, then you are both in trouble, and your job may not be completed.

E. KNOW YOUR CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Your contractor should provide you a fully written agreement detailing all work to be done.

Read it carefully!

Your contractor is responsible for:

• All phases of the job from start to finish, including scheduling, labor and materials.
• Coordinating all work with various sub-contractors to avoid costly and unnecessary delays.
• Performing all work according to specifications, to obtain building permits, and to arrange required inspections with sub-contractors.
• Familiarity with building codes and standard construction practices.
• Leaving the job site clean and free of construction debris upon completion.

F. KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

To help keep your remodeling project running smoothly and efficiently you should:

• Make sure the contractor has access to your home in order to complete the work on time and on budget.
• Select one person to be the contact with the contractor, to keep informed of job progress, and to answer questions as they arise.
• Avoid confusion and do not visit with workers or sub-contractors while they are working. They are not responsible for solving problems; the contractor needs to do so.
• Do not make verbal requests and changes. Make sure you obtain a signed change order, in order to avoid misunderstandings and "surprise" extra changes.

Happy Remodeling!