Starting to think about a renovation in the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom? Whether the job is a major addition or just a remodel, here’s a few things your renovation contractor knows that you don’t.
Why Bids Vary Wildly
Behind every bid for a renovation or remodel is a renovation contractor. The contractor’s bid is influenced by many factors. But, the chief factor is their overhead. If you hire a contractor that has a large staff and large offices, the contractor has a large overhead to cover. That bid will be higher.
In addition, some contractors take shortcuts that can end up costing you more in the long run. If the job requires the work of a plumber, but the contractor doesn’t use a licensed plumber for the work, you can end up paying extra in repairs.
You Can Judge a Renovation Contractor by Demolition
If you think it’s hard to judge the quality of work a contractor will do before the work starts you are wrong. Renovation contractors know that you can begin to judge the quality of the work that will be done during the demolition phase.
If a contractor treats your home as a job site, it shows a lack of respect and a willingness to cut corners. A quality contractor treats demolition with the same care as they treat construction. The work area should be isolated with plastic sheeting where possible to retain dust. Protective coverings should go over floors to guard against damage from worker’s boots and debris carried through the house.
If the contractor asks you to pull any permits during the demolition phase or later in the project it is a large, screaming red flag that cannot be ignored. This is a sure sign the contractor has a problem with their license or has allowed their license to lapse.
The Actual Contractor is Rarely on the Job
The job of the renovation contractor is to see that the work is done as contracted and to the proper specifications. The contractor will hire and schedule subcontractors that perform the actual work.
Your contractor will assign a project manager to your job. The project manager will be on-site regularly. That’s a good thing, because the project manager will know the details of your job better than the contractor will.
Both the contractor and project manager should be available to answer your questions. A sign of a good renovation contractor is the willingness to return phone calls and respond to emails. It’s a sign of a great project manager as well.
Some Renovation Contractors Pass on Jobs
Repairing a DIY job gone bad can be a bigger hassle than building from scratch. Don’t be surprised if many renovation contractors take a pass on this type of work.
Frequently, the DIY horrors only get worse once walls come out and shoddy wiring and plumbing are exposed. This is why many contractors won’t take a job repairing bad DIY work. It’s better to hire a pro in the beginning than hire someone later to rescue the project.
Orange County Renovation Pros
For your renovation project, call Jason and Joe at Inspired Remodels. You’ll get a professional renovation contractor and an awesome project manager. It’s the team that’s creating functional and fabulous indoor spaces, one renovation at a time. Call (949) 716-1938 and schedule your consultation today.
