| Your home is probably your most
prized possession. For most people it is the largest
single investment they will ever make. It is also very
personal, a reflection of your personality and tastes,
with emotional and sentimental bonds that no other
investment could ever match.
Therefore, the remodeling of your home is a multi-faceted
process which contains financial, emotional and
sentimental aspects. With this in mind, we would like to
offer the following insights into remodeling, which will
aid your remodeling process with whatever company you
choose. We hope that your experience with remodeling will
be both pleasant and rewarding.
Licensed
Builders
It is important to
remember that only licensed builders can receive the
proper permits to complete your remodeling project in
conformance with State and Local Building Laws.
The Building department in your town inspects the project
plans, specifications and construction to insure
compliance with building codes. In doing so, they act as
an impartial third party verifying the workmanship and
integrity of the project. A job done without proper
permits will probably not be covered by your homeowners
insurance in the case of any misfortune.
Licensed builders have studied the building trade and are
tested in all areas of construction before receiving
their licenses. Licensed builders must maintain their
standard of quality, and always build within the Code in
order to keep their licenses current.
Insurance
Liability insurance
protects the homeowner against accidents which may take
place during the building process. General contractors
and sub-contractors on your project should carry
sufficient liability insurance.
If the builder is not carrying liability insurance, the
homeowner absorbs all risk during the building process.
This includes job related injuries, and/or construction
related problems.
Workman's Compensation Insurance protects against claims
for on the job injury by employees and sub-contractors.
By carrying this insurance your remodeler is protecting
you from this risk.
Professionals
While building
professionals may cost a little more, they will provide
experience, stability and reliability.
The professional builder has a lot more at stake than
just the cost of your job. They have their reputation and
corporate standing depending on the satisfaction of each
and every client. Their existence is based on jobs well
done and satisfied customers.
A corporation is much more likely to be in existence
during the warranty period and beyond. It is an
organization that is established for the purpose of
providing a product or service, as opposed to an
individual who may be remodeling in his or her spare
time.
Professionals work only in the building and related
trades and thus have years of experience in planning,
pricing, execution and servicing of their work. They will
have knowledge of potential problem areas which each type
of project can present, and of how to avoid the problems.
The professional will work constantly on your job until
it is complete, minimizing the inconvenience to you and
your family.
Remodeling
Experience
Remodeling is different
from new construction in several ways. First, the
remodeler must adapt the design and construction of the
project to coexist harmoniously (in terms of structure
and aesthetics) with the existing framework.
Second, the remodeler must have knowledge not only of the
most current building materials and techniques, but also
of past materials and techniques, and their relation to
those of today.
Third, the remodeler must be able to solve hidden
problems which surface only during the demolition phase
of the remodeling project.
Ask your remodeler to show you plans and pictures of
completed jobs which are similar to yours. Ask for
references for these jobs.
Design
and Conception
The project design and
conception phase of the job can mean the difference
between a mismatched structure on the side of your house
and the showcase of the neighborhood. Experience in this
area can ensure the aesthetics and architectural
integrity of your home while keeping costs in check.
Design conception can also mean the difference between a
comfortable and useful living space versus and an
inefficient, cramped, or uncomfortable one. For example,
a little extra experience and effort in the design phase
of your kitchen can save you a lot of effort in your
daily kitchen tasks.
A good design team can not only provide the design you
want, but can work to keep that design within your
budget.
Documentation
Since the pre-building
stage of any job can be quite abstract, proper
documentation of the job's scope, pricing, specifications
and materials is of utmost importance. Proper project
plans ensure that the project has been thought out
carefully and approved plans ensure that building
regulations have been met.
A good contract will detail exactly what the remodeler
will provide, how and when it will be provided, and how
and when it will be paid for. A contract should give
security to both parties and minimize their financial
risk. misunderstanding.
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