Homeowners looking to improve their homes can benefit from the expertise and experience of remodeling contractors. Contractors are crucial in organizing home remodels and ensuring their successful completion.
Although some online contractor referral sites contain complaints about contractors, most contractors are honest, competent, and diplomatic. There are a few things that clients should know before signing contracts to make the remodeling process more manageable.
Firstly, contractors prefer to work with the subcontractors they know rather than the homeowner’s preferred subs. Subcontractors with whom contractors have an established relationship are reliable and pre-screened to get the job done. Homeowners should avoid insisting on using their people to carry out specific tasks. Instead, they should rely on the contractors to choose the right people for the job.
Secondly, homeowners should avoid insisting on reusing old items like cabinets or windows, as this may end up being costlier than expected. Refurbishing old items takes time and may not meet modern building codes or be approved for use upon inspection. It is essential to consider the additional cost and time required to shop out reused items to a qualified professional.
Thirdly, contractors have a greater allegiance to their people than to homeowners. At the same time, contractors valued positive word-of-mouth recommendations from clients, and their relationships with their tradespeople often last decades. In case a homeowner has a problem with a certain person in the trades, the contractor may remove the person from the project to smooth things over with the client. Still, the homeowner should have little or no issues with the tradespeople if the contractor feels good enough to work with them.
Fourthly, contractors are not trying to make extra work. Although some contractors may underbid a remodel project, they don’t plan to load the project with extra tasks after the contract is signed. Change orders are part of normal business when remodeling a house, but contractors would love to have all the intended work itemized on the contract.
Finally, contractors can help with permits, but they cannot make the permit office bend the rules. Homeowners should not ask contractors to try to make the permit office approve special provisions that violate the rules. Contractors often have a good relationship with the permit office, and they do not ask the office to do things that cannot be done.
In summary, contractors are essential in home remodels, and homeowners should take advantage of their expertise and experience. Homeowners should avoid insisting on using their own subcontractors or reusing old items, respect contractors’ relationships with their tradespeople, understand change orders, and not ask contractors to bend the rules when dealing with permits. With these considerations in mind, the remodeling process will be smoother and more successful.
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