| |  | | Planning To Remodel? | As with any important purchase, planning is important. Although it may take some time to find a remodeler with whom you feel comfortable and can communicate, it is worth the effort.
One of the most important things that can be done to check up on a remodeler is to ask for a list of recent jobs that they have done which are similar to yours. They may have done some super kitchen remodels, but that won't be much of an indication of how well they can add an additional level to your home.
Then, check up on the references and if possible, visit the projects. A remodeler who cannot give a fairly extensive list of satisfied customers is either inexperienced or unreliable.
While it may be tempting to go with the lowest bid, be careful. No two remodelers will do a job exactly the same way. When soliciting bids, be as specific as possible and ask the bidder to specify the materials and brand names on which they are basing the bid. Be especially wary of bids significantly lower than the range indicated by the others. Generally, remodelers suggest seeking bids from three or four remodelers.
Some restraint should be exercised with regard to seeking multiple bids. No two remodeling contractors will recommend or specify the exact same approach to a project. Too many different opinions on the specifics may confuse a homeowner more than help them. You should choose two or three contractors by reputation, or based upon a preliminary conversation with them and solicit bids and design ideas only from those two or three contractors you chose. If you are comfortable with a contractor and the projected cost (even if you have only gotten one or two bids) you should not be afraid to go ahead and sign a contract.
Most importantly, make sure the contractor you choose is licensed. Many cities do not require the contractor to be licensed; however, it is good practice to check with your city building official to see what requirements builders may have. If your city requires the contractor to be licensed and they are not, there is also a chance that they are not insured. This means you may be held responsible for any damage done to your property. You may also be held responsible for any injury to any individuals, including the contractor and their employees while they are working on your property. You will also be held responsible for seeing that the work complies with any local building codes.
By the time you decide to hire a remodeler, you probably already have a fairly good idea of what you want the finished job to look like. A professional remodeler can take your ideas and recommend the most effective ways to achieve the results you are seeking, while staying within your budget.
The contract documents should include ample specifications and drawings to spell out what the finished project will include. It should also be specific about any items or portions of the project that are not the contractors' responsibility. In general, the more specific the contract, the less chance there will be for misunderstandings in the future.
For more information about remodeling and choosing a professional remodeler, e-mail the South Dakota Home Builders Association at sdhbvp@sdhomebuilders.com or call 605-224-2761.
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