If you are just joining us, please read the last few blog posts to get up to speed on our current topic.
To recap, you have now found someone to create your plans and you have a established budget range. Now it is time to create the "Job Specifications". These are the more specific details relating to finishes or materials to be used in your remodel. If you are vague or undecided on these details and ask contractors to give you estimates for your project anyway, the prices you get back can be all over the board. This is when the unscrupulous contractor will put the cheap stuff in his bid to land the project. Then once he has started and you realize the quality of products being installed are not up to your expectations... you will end up paying extra to get what you really want.
Be as specific about what you want as possible including, colors, styles, manufacturers, ect. You can gather ideas from many sources. Finding ideas online or clipping pictures from magazines is a great place to start as you research all of your options. Then you will want to see some of these products for yourself by visiting local showrooms. Spend plenty of time during this step to know all of the options available to you. For example, if you are planning to remodel your kitchen there are several places you will want to visit to see what is available. You will want to visit a cabinetry shop that has a show room. You will also want to visit the showroom of a flooring supplier, counter top supplier, plumbing supplier, and perhaps a lighting supplier.
When I meet with potential clients that don't already know what they want, I will have them visit the showrooms of my preferred subcontractors. This way the client can choose the specific items they would like me to include in my proposal. Then the details of our contract will be far more accurate.
This can be a fun and exciting step. Get out and see whats available. If you find a few things you can't decide on, have the prospective contractors give you price options for both ideas. Then once you see how each will affect your overall budget you can make your final decisions.
Your goal for Step 4 is to create a list of specific items and finishes you have chosen to use in your remodel. This list, together with the plans is the pertinent information contractors will need to provide you with accurate estimates.
Stay tuned for the next step to locating the right contractor for your project.