How to survive a remodel

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Contractors tell Angie's List that 2015 is going to be a busy year for home improvement. How to prepare those homeowners for what -- for some -- will be unexpected stress.

"The one thing people most often underestimate when it comes to a remodeling project is the actual stress it puts on your family to have the remodelers there," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. "We all worry about how much it's going to cost and how long the project's going to take, but what you don't realize is that you're going to have contractors living with you, and you might be cooking your dinner in the living room."

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5 Tips to Find the Right Contractor and Survive Your Remodel:

  • Feel comfortable: Depending on the type of project, contractors could be in and out of your house quite often – you need to feel comfortable with them. Trust your gut.
  • Communication is key: You need to be able to communicate with your contractor easily. If something isn't going right, speak up early in the project. If you're dealing with problems early on and don't address them, you're probably not going to be happy with the finished product. If your contractor isn't responsive to your wishes, it's easier to cut ties early. The longer you wait, the more difficult it could be to move on.
  • Are you on the same page? You should choose a contractor that collaborates with you throughout your project. You have to live with this, so make sure it's something you like as well.
  • Keeping in touch: Many members complained that after the initial estimate they could not get ahold of the contractor by phone or email in order to get further information or to even talk about doing the job.
  • Weed out the bad: If you find one bid is a lot lower than the others, it could be an indicator of an outlier and the quality of that contractor's work might not be up to your standards. That's another reason it's important to get three bids.

  • 4 Things You MUST do Before Hiring a Contractor:

  • Get written estimates from at least three potential contractors to compare costs and timelines;
  • Check references, trusted online resources, friends and family to learn about past performance;
  • Verify applicable trade license, bonding and insurance status; and
  • Read and understand the contract before you seal the hiring deal.

  • Angie's List 13 Steps toward a Great Remodel:

  • Clearly define your project: Before you begin talking with contractors, read remodeling magazines and search the Internet for information on designs and materials. Even rough ideas on paper give a potential contractor a better sense of what you hope to accomplish and what is required to make it happen.
  • Management issues: Large projects, especially those that may involve more than three different specialists (i.e. plumber, electrician, carpenter, mason) will go better if you have a general contractor to manage all the various tasks and timelines.
  • Structural issues: Projects that eliminate walls, add rooms or otherwise impact the structural integrity of your home, should involve an architect or a structural engineer.
  • Ask around:  Ask neighbors, friends and Angie's List about good, local contractors, but don't hire based on only one conversation.
  • Check references: Get names of previous customers and find out if they were pleased with the work and the timeline of the project, and if they'd hire the contractor again. Get the names of subcontractors and ask if they work with the contractor often and does he pay on time. If your prospective contractor balks at providing references, find another one. Check with trade associations to learn how your contractor stacks up among his or her peers.
  • Get estimates: Get at least three written estimates. Documentation is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.
  • Where can I reach you? Be cautious of contractors who give you a post office box with no street address, or use only an answering service. Never hire someone who comes unsolicited to your door and can't provide you proof of qualifications – especially if he or she pressures you to hire fast and pay cash up front.
  • License for hire: Some states or cities have no licensing requirements for contractors, which can make it difficult for homeowners to check up on contractors before they hire. Don't rely on the contractor's word to know whether his or her license is valid: verify with appropriate agencies.
  • Insurance and bonding: Check the status of the contractor's bonding and liability insurance coverage, too. A good contractor will come prepared with proof that he or she is covered.
  • Budget and payment options: The typical pre-payment is typically between 10 and 15 percent of the total value of the project. Set aside at least 10 percent more to cover any unexpected issues or additional plans that develop as the project progresses. Pay with a credit card, if possible, so you have recourse in case something goes wrong. Don't make your final payment before the work is complete to your satisfaction.
  • The contract sign: Don't assume a standard contract covers all your needs. Know the details of the contract, as well as how any change orders will be handled. Your contract should include a lien waiver, covering payments to all subcontractors who worked on the project. Never sign a blank contract.
  • Punch list: This is how the contractor will deal with the list of small items remaining to be completed at the end of the job. A good rule of thumb is to determine the cost of those items, double it, then withhold that amount from the final payment until the list is complete.
  • Prepare your family for the stress: This is one of the most overlooked, but critical considerations. How will the project change your routine, especially if it's a kitchen or bath? Where will materials be stored? What are the working hours for the crew?

  • What various remodeling budgets can get you:

    • $10,000 – Bathroom: new chrome faucets, toilet, and tile floor. Kitchen: new chrome faucet, disposal, sink, granite countertop (depending on kitchen size).
    • $30,000 – Bathroom: complete renovation down to studs and joists, stainless fixtures, glass shower enclosure, custom tile shower with custom shower pan. Kitchen: Complete renovation with laminate countertops and no structural work, stock to semi-custom cabinetry, tile or wood floor, chrome fixtures, very little appliance replacement (perhaps just the dishwasher).
    • $60,000 – Kitchen: complete renovation including structural work, granite or quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, heated floor, tile/wood/cork/marmoleum flooring, stainless fixtures and all new appliances.
    • $100,000 – Room addition or complete high-end kitchen renovation with custom cabinetry, granite/quartz, high-end fixtures and high-end appliances.