Not everything is makeup & shoes over here...
...in fact, while I was posting pics of my kids or pretty fashion collages this summer; in general, I was dealing with a host of home renovation issues that usually warranted a strong drink and lots of belly laughs from my parents who have been through this more times than I can count.
This post is about the top 10 things you need to know when you're working with a contractor! And to my younger audience - this applies to you, too. You don't need to own a home to deal with contractors. I had the same woes when I owned my condo except it tripled when we tripled the size of our abode.
This post is about the top 10 things you need to know when you're working with a contractor! And to my younger audience - this applies to you, too. You don't need to own a home to deal with contractors. I had the same woes when I owned my condo except it tripled when we tripled the size of our abode.
What to know before you embark on a home reno project:
- Get a referral from someone you trust. Even then, not all referrals pan out, either.
- Get a minimum of three quotes before you choose your contractor. Pricing knowledge is power!
- Get it in writing! Every estimate should be in writing and know what your labor is going to cost you if they go over on a project which you can bet Sweet Baby Jesus it will.
- Make sure your contractor communicates in a style that works for you. No news is not good news.
- Give a deadline. Projects will lag if you don't set expectations. They run multiple projects at one time.
- Micromanaging is allowed. If they don't show up @ 7:30 like they promised...call them!
- Ask for a daily recap. Be in the know!
- Snafus happen...ask questions. Find out if they are covering the cost and labor or are you?
- Find out how and when they want to be paid.
- Never pay for a job before it's completed! 25-50% down is acceptable. My vote is 25%.
- Bonus: don't feed your contractors lunch. Less work completed!
- Bonus: don't let your workers use your bathroom. One word: GROSS!