Begin with a plan
Hire a professional architect to develop a plan to create a comprehensive scope of work. If necessary, work with a designer as well, or do some research on your own, to determine the finishing materials that will ultimately be used. The cost difference between installing a vinyl floor in a kitchen vs. custom stone can be dramatic. The more decisions that are made up front, the more accurate bids you will receive from contractors.
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Secure three bids
Select three reputable contractors to provide bids on your project. The bids should be comprehensive and include a cost for every detail you have specified. Beware of contractors who leave out crucial elements, hoping to simply grab your attention with the lowest cost. All three bids should be within 15% percent of each other. If one is dramatically lower or higher, you should request clarification after carefully reviewing the proposal.
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Study the whole package
While cost is very important, it is also crucial that you select a contractor based on his or her full spectrum of service offerings. Integrity, honesty, commitment to cost control, accessibility and attention to detail are all important attributes that help make your project something you love, or something you simply like. Too many contractors offer a lower price, only to have a project take twice as long because they bounce between jobs sites. This practice is very common, and can cost you considerable time and money. Also, keep in mind that you will be spending a lot of time with your contractor as well as the subs: you want people you feel comfortable with to be in and out of your home during the day.
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Secure a payment schedule
Ask for a mutually agreed-upon payment schedule. These payments should correlate with the commencement and completion of work so that your budget does run out before your job is complete.
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Check references
Always ask for three client references so that you can be aware of a contractor’s reputation ahead of time. In addition, talking to your architect and local city inspectors is a good idea as well. If someone is known for quality work, their name will already be known, and these positive relationships will make your job run more smoothly.
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Selecting the right contractor is a big decision. But once you have done your homework, you can rest assured that you will pick the right person for your job.
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