Step 2 IN LOCATING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR FOR YOUR PROJECT

If you are just joining us, please read the last few blog posts to get up to speed on our current topic.

Now you've got your list of recommended contractors either by asking around or by doing some investigative work on your own. You should have 2 or 3 contractors that you feel understand your vision of the project. Now its time to get these contractors to your home to see your project in person. Your ultimate goal of this step is to get everyone on the same page so that the quotes you are given are for the same scope of work.

Quite often contractors go into a home and are asked to give a bid or estimate on work after only a brief discussion of the work to be done. Chances are, they don't understand the complete scope of work or have not been given the exact same information given to the other contractors. Unless the owner's ideas are put to paper, it is very likely that you will receive a broad range of estimates.

It is critical that each contractor you are requesting quotes from receive the same information. How will you do this? The best way is to have a complete set of engineered plans and specifications created for your job. When contractors are able to create their quotes from detailed plans and specs, you will be receiving more accurate estimates from the contractors. More accuracy means fewer surprises as the work progresses. Making your buying decision based on an estimate created without plans and specs is risky business.

Most of the time however, homeowners are looking for input from contractors for ideas on their project. If this is the case, you can meet with each of the contractors, and gather their ideas for the work to be done. Once the best ideas have been gathered and you know the direction you want to go with your design, it is time to create the plans.

Many remodeling contractors also provide design services. One or more of the contractors from your list may be able to help you with this step. If so, choose one of them write up a design agreement and negotiate the price to be paid for these design services. It should be made clear that the plans are to be a complete set of drawings, detailed enough for submittal to the local building department for permits.

A design/ build contractor is often the best choice when it comes to choosing who should draw your plans. Your other option is a home designer or architect. Contractors usually have more understanding of how a remodel job can, or should be built in order to keep a project within budget. When it comes to remodeling, a home designer or architect can provide good design ideas. But their plans can often contain mistakes or omissions that can't be identified until the work has begun. This can often result in additional expenses that could have been avoided by using the experience of a design/build contractor to create your plans.

Stay tuned for our next Step in locating the right contractor for your project.