The Top 10 Rules That’ll Save You A Bundle When Renovating Your Home
May 20, 2006 | Home and Garden
Hire Recommended Contractors
- Be weary of “we do anything”
- Trust your instincts
- Do they accept your input?
- Ask for examples of their work
Get The Most Bang For Your Buck
- Do kitchens and bathrooms first
- Selling or staying?
- Don’t eliminate walls
- Be careful of colors
Only Reveal ¾ of Budget
- Costs almost always go up
- Prioritize jobs
Offer Contractors a 5% Timely Completion Bonus
- Have a realistic goal date that is mutually agreed upon
- As changes are made, pushing back your completion date will keep contractors focused and on-track
Get Everything in Writing
- Do not accept verbal agreements
- Get receipts
- Revise contracts if necessary
Do Not Accept Open Ended Contracts
- Be weary of terms like “costs plus”
- Be specific with money for parts & labor
Base Contracts on Time & Project
- Never pay in full until project is completed
- Beware of overbooked contractors
Don’t Break the Law
- Secure all permits before work begins
- Check local codes
- Be aware of historic districts
Don’t Sign Off on The Day of Completion
- Live with work first
- Approx. 2 weeks is reasonable
- Get copies of warrantees
Never Pay Cash
- No recourse if there’s a problem
- Contractor may not be insured
Interior design expert Rebecca Cole
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