It's time to renovate your house. If you have some construction experience, you may be tempted to act as your own general contractor. Making the decision to be the general contractor on your home may save you a little money in the beginning, but will end up being very time-consuming. You will have the responsibility of finding many types of individual contractors and specialists for the smaller jobs. An experienced general contractor that offers both residential and commercial renovations in Granite Bay, or in your hometown, may be able to help you enjoy a quality, low stress renovation experience. Tips for Choosing a Qualified Contractor - Start your search for a reliable general contractor by asking around. Check with friends, family, and people in your neighborhood who have done similar projects. Take a trip to your local lumber store or home improvement store, find out which contractors pay their bills on time, and choose quality materials. It may also be worth your time to speak with a building inspector in your area to find out which contractors consistently meet code requirements.
- Once you have a few recommendations, choose the top three and set up an interview. Come prepared with a plan and ideas to share. Do some research on which type of materials you would like to have used. Ask each contractor to submit a written bid, complete with a list of proposed materials. Ask the candidates how much of the work will be done by their own employees and how much will be done by subcontractors. It is also a good idea to ask for a list of previous clients. Don't be afraid to negotiate both before and after you receive the bids. It is important to choose a contractor with whom you can communicate. A successful relationship between you and your general contractor should include regular contact. Your contractor should be available by phone, email, or text nearly every day.
- After completing your interview, do some in-depth research on the contractors you are considering. Call former clients to find out how the project went and ask them if you may see the work that was done in their home. Take time to visit a current project each contractor is working on. Check for a safe working environment and if the workers are respectful of the homeowner's property. General contractors should be licensed; ask to see copies of their license and those of the subcontractors they will be using. You should also read online reviews and check with the Better Business Bureau.
- Sign a detailed contract with the general contractor. The contract should include details such as deadlines, payment plans, and exact materials, including the model number and supplier. If changes to the project are needed along the way, put it in writing. Never pay more than 10 percent of the total cost of the job before the job starts. Don't make final payment until the job is 100 percent finished.
- Almost all home remodeling jobs require permits, so make sure your contractor commits to get all the proper permits. Some less reputable contractors try to save money by suggesting the job be done without permits. If you agree to forego permits, you will be subject to fines. Without a permit, you won't be able to have your job inspected to make sure it's up to code. If you do a job without a permit, it can cause problems if you ever want to sell your home.
If you take time to plan and do your research, you can hire a knowledgeable general contractor to help with your home remodeling project. With guidance from a contractor that does residential and commercial renovations in Granite Bay or in your area, you can expect a successful renovation at a reasonable cost.
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