When I first started remodeling, I thought that I needed to be on the job every day and oversee every little thing (part of being a perfectionist I guess). Perhaps it was the misguided ideas of my youth on how remodeling is supposed to be, but I’ve since discovered how flawed that thinking is. The reality is, your home improvement project needs a contractor who knows …
Experienced contractors know that there is absolutely no way to keep dust from spreading from the jobsite to other areas of the home. I am amazed at the audacity of some contractors to promise “dustless remodeling” when the laws of nature cannot be altered. My position on the best policy is to simply not to lie to clients about dust. Dust is going to happen if …
June 20, 2012
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Category: Contractor Relations
Comments Off on Communication With Your Project Manager
First and most importantly, if you have not been assigned a project manager on a remodeling project yet, ask who it will be and if you will have his personal cell phone number. It is imperative that any type of remodeling project have a person you can contact at ANY TIME for emergencies, as well as one that can be contacted during business hours for standard …
Good communication between you the homeowner and the project manager is your ticket to a quick, smooth, and efficient launch of your home remodeling project. With a competent project manager, you can expect about an hour or so planning how your daily routine will remain as uninterrupted as possible during the remodeling process. The following is what your project manager should know, have finalized, and have …
June 6, 2012
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Category: Electrical
Comments Off on Help, I have an Electrical Problem! I Want a FREE Estimate
Preface We realize that an electrical problem that involves sparks, smoke, or a burning smell is usually an issue that needs immediate attention. For that reason, we have 24 hour immediate service available. After hours, you will be connected with a real, licensed electrician (usually me) who can assess the situation over the phone, and tell you if a call to the fire department is necessary …
There is a common myth lately promoted by the media that you can negotiate legitimate contractor’s prices down. Most of us realize that the media is not unbiased and must look out for their own business interests by selling news. The fact is, there really is no such thing as negotiating with legitimate contractors without a loss on your part. With the economy being what it …
Whenever you allow access to your home for a remodeling project, there is obviously some trepidation to be expected. Your uneasiness is further heightened by the fact that entry or alarm codes are typically shared with other trades people in order to complete your project. I can’t speak for other remodeling professionals about the system they use, but our standard “pre-care system” is designed to protect …
May 16, 2012
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Category: Contractor Relations
Comments Off on Avoiding Dishonest Contractor Techniques
Having a very detailed contract with your remodeling contractor cannot be emphasized enough! Pay special attention to the “change order” section, the “subsurface issue clause” and the “scope of work” proposed. A reputable and experienced remodeling contractor will know most of the potential issues that might be uncovered when opening up walls, and will build a little extra in to the quote to deal with these …
