Preparation can help you and your
contractor save time during your future remodel. These are just a few tips to consider before
you take on your construction project.
- Make sure your contractor is licensed. Each state has its own set of rules set by the state they reside in. Without a licensed contractor, your city or town local inspector may not issue a permit forcing work to stop on your property.
- Look for the Company or Contractor on the BBB (Better Business Bureau). You can see how many complaints they have (if any) and how they were handled by the business, customer and BBB – if you can do this here: http://www.bbb.org/stlouis
- Have an idea or plans for your contractor from you or your architect. Not all plans will be approved by the city or location you live in for necessary permits, but hiring an architect or general contractor may increase these odds. Stick to these plans, be prepared for a change work order from your contractor if you or the contractor decide something different has to be done. For example, you change a door way or fixture. These may seem like small things but to your contractor they are not. Also make arrangements (living etc.) for when the construction work is to be done.
- Make a budget. Try to stick within that budget allowing for some overages.
- Plan for overages due to unforeseen circumstances or when a homeowner changes their mind. This is usually due to an upgrade to plans or to add something your contractor had no idea about.
- If you change your mind, be prepared for a change order from the contractor. Time is Money. Your contractor is no different. It is standard in the industry to issue these change orders if any modifications are made.
