Are you considering having your home remodeled?  We would like to help you in preparing for a remodeling consultation. Choosing a licensed and adequately insured contractor is recommended, as mentioned in a recent blog.  In preparation for your meeting with a contractor, we suggest providing as much information as you can.  This will help the contractor give you a more accurate quote and he can help you stay within your budget with recommendations on design and materials.  The following four topics will guide you to preparing for your initial meeting.

Budget

If you are taking out a loan or using your savings you will have a financial budget.  For example if you have $30,000 to spend on your remodel, allow for $20,000 – $25,000 to be your budget.  When you remodel your home, be prepared for possible unexpected expenses.  For example, when removing bath or kitchen cabinets you may find wood rot or mold.  These will need to be repaired before installing the new cabinets.  An added expense you and your contractor would not have expected.  It is best by preparing financially and to have money left over at the end of the project, then to not have the money budgeted.

Ideas

You’ve contacted a contractor because you have a need for a remodel.  Make a list of what you want your end results to achieve.  If you are wanting more living space for a growing family, your contractor may have suggestions on dead space in your home that can be utilized.  If you have photos of ideas you want to utilize provide them for the contractor to review with you.  Ultimately, it should be the contractor’s priority to help you achieve the home remodel that is within your budget.

Material

Often times, we see a beautiful photo in a magazine of a kitchen, bath, bedroom etc.  What we don’t see is the quality of the materials.  Just because it looks pretty, doesn’t mean it was meant to last.  The last thing you will want is to replace are any of the remodeled materials, due to poor quality.  Ask your contractor for advice on materials, remember the contractors have been working with and installing these materials for years and should know the differences regarding the qualities of materials.

Time Frame

So you have decided you want to remodel your home and have contacted a remodeling contractor.  It is important to discuss the time line of the project.  Ask your contractor to give you an estimate on how long the project will take.  If you have important events coming up and your home will have house guest, parties or you have a vacation planned; take that in consideration when you are planning a start date for your home remodel.

Last but not least, communicate with your contractor on every step of the project.  Make sure you are comfortable with your contractor and he is easy to contact and communicate.  It’s important that your contractor responds within a 24 – 48 hour period of time.  Ask your contractor if they clean the job site up at the end of each day, leaving your home safe and tidy.  If you have specific concerns, mention them at your initial meeting.  For example, you have a dog and want to make sure they are comfortable working around your furry family member.  Again, make a list of concerns and talk with your contractor about them at your meeting.  I can’t express enough how important good communication is for your working relationship.  If CH Construction can help you with any of your home repairs, remodeling or general contracting please contact us.