INDUSTRY TIPS
Tips on Home Improvement
Remodeling your home can cost more than it does to purchase a new car. However, most residential consumers spend less time selecting a remodeling contractor than they do choosing a new car. If you plan to spend a great deal of money remodeling your home, you should be very selective in deciding which contractor to hire, be familiar with area building codes and standards, and work with the contractor throughout the entire home improvement project, from framing general designs to arranging engineering services.
Planning Your Project
Before selecting a remodeling contractor, you should carefully plan your project from start to finish. For example, if your project involves a room addition, determine exactly what your needs are, how the room is to be used, and what you want the completed job to look like. It is a good idea to coordinate your color schemes and draw a simple floor plan using miniature tables and chairs to lay out the room arrangement.
Be specific in explaining to the contractor what you want, and be sure to approve any architectural plans that are involved in the remodeling job before the contractor begins the work.
Obtaining A Building Permit
Generally, a building permit is required whenever structural work is involved or when the basic living area of a home is to be changed. Separate permits for electrical, heating or plumbing work may be required in some cases. Check with your local department of licensing and permits before the job is started to find out if a building or work permit is required.
If the project does in fact require a building permit, the contractor should apply for it in his/her name. Thus, if the contractor's work does not pass inspection, you can not be held financially responsible for any corrections that must be made. Terms regarding the application of any permits should be outlined in the written contract.
When a government agency issues a permit for home improvement work, it will inspect the work when it has reached a certain stage to make sure it complies with various codes and regulations. It is the responsibility of the contractor to call for these inspections.
Do obtain more than one bid for the home improvement project. Do some comparison shopping in choosing the contractor.
Do check with the building and zoning authorities in your area to determine what permits you need to proceed with your project.
Do include all the terms, conditions, warranties, and oral promises concerning the project in a written contract.
Don't sign the agreement until you have completely read and understood all of the provisions.
Don't submit to high pressure sales tactics by a contractor or sales representative.
Don't sign a completion certificate for the job before it has been inspected and properly completed as agreed to in the contract.
Don't pay for the entire job in advance or pay cash to the salesperson or contractor.
Do contact your local or state government consumer affairs office and/or local BBB, if you are unable to resolve a dispute with your contractor.
VP Construction is based in Saratoga, CA
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BEEN LICENSED AND DOING BUSINESS SINCE 1999