Guide To Successful Home Remodeling Projects

The guide to successful home remodeling projects is for all homeowners and novices. The start of the venture generally begins with a desire to upgrade an older home, expand an existing space, increase property value or improve one's life style. The guide's intention is to assist the novice homeowner in their efforts to be able to successfully complete a remodeling project.

The venture starts with the pre planning stage of gathering information. Assembling a file packet as to what your project might look like when completed is challenging. Next, the owner needs to start a search for an architect, contractor and suppliers. The final stage will be the actual construction of the project from the start to the completion.

The planning and gathering of information are related. It is the owner's responsibility to provide information that will be needed to design the project. The best place for the owner to start a file packet would be to visit home improvement show rooms, building remodeling magazines, collecting brochures, taking pictures in model homes and talking to family and friends.Another great place to collect information is by attending local home shows.

The second phase is to start to develop a list of experienced professionals who will participate in the construction of the project. A search could start with local advertisements, telephone directories for home remodeling contractors, material suppliers, town building departments or a contractors association.

Having completed your information package and phase two, it's time to decide the method that you will use to construct your project. If the project is small and only involves replacing existing materials, you may want to contract the work yourself. Otherwise it is recommended that you seek an experienced architect or a remodeling contractor, sub-contractors and suppliers to do the work.

The next procedure is to select an architect or remodeling contractor to produce.A set of plans, drawings and specifications. Before requesting bids from contractors or suppliers, the plans need to be completed and approved. It is important to list the materials by manufacturer and model numbers for all equipment and special materials. Contractors may want to substitute other brands, making it harder to compare bid proposals. Any substitutes from the listed ones should be shown as an alternate bid and listed as a credit or an additional costs to the bid.

The owner, at all times should be cautious and take time in making decisions in the selection of the building team. Ask all the contractors that are solicited for bids if they are licensed, insured and bonded. Before you make your final decision, also ask them to provide references of past projects and owner references. Reviewing their references are important to making a good selection of your team.

Beware of a contractor who attempts to pressure you to sign a contract and who is requesting a large down payment prior to starting the project. Before signing a written contract or bid proposal, it is important to understand all the terms of the agreement. Note that contract terms can be amended by adding or deleting sections prior to signing a contract.

Should the homeowner decide to go forward without a general contractor, the following is a partial check list for most projects.
1. Carpenter installs the following

cabinetry, appliances (owner supplied), counter tops, flooring, drywall, celing work, inclosures, dust protection and accessories
2. Tile contractor -- ceramic tile
3. Plumber -- sinks, accessories and appliances (connections)
4. Painter -- painting
5. Electrician appliances ( hook up ), electrical, lighting fixtures, relocate existing electrical
6. All trades -- demolition, rubbish removal and patch work
7. Architect or contractor plans and drawings architect or contractor permits (if required )*
8. Miscellaneous
* general permits, if required are usually paid by the owner, contractors permits are paid by the contractor

For additional information, check out these articles home improvement remodeling guide for inexperienced homeowners and home improvement construction dispute resolution at http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jon_Ewall

In closing article 3094, please note that the construction remodeling industry is a complexing business. The simple reason being that in many respects each project is somewhat different in scope and size. The goals for an owner and contractors should be to work together in completing the project according to the contract terms.

It is a happy time for the owner when the punch list items are completed. It is also a happy time for the contractors too when they receive final payment. The above scenario is a successful project.

Jon Ewall is an independent construction consultant manager with 40 years experience in all phases of the construction industry. He has been active in the construction and development of commerciaL, industrial, medical, multi-family, office, municipal, hospital, institutional and restaurant projects. Jon's expertise provides clients positive solutions to construction related activities. Comments and inquiries are welcomed.
Contact mailto: consultjeal4u@cox.net