| Remodeling your home, particularly the kitchen | | | | - Do the work to find your own workers for the |
| and bathrooms, can not only add value, but also | | | | parts your main contractor doesn't do, especially |
| give you considerable comfort and pleasure. And | | | | when you're doing a major remodeling that |
| yet, remodeling horror stories abound. If you don't | | | | involves flooring, painting, all new appliances, |
| want to be the lead character in a remodeling | | | | electrical rewiring, plumbing and more. |
| horror story, avoid the top four mistakes | | | | 3. Leaving too many decisions up to the |
| homeowners make. | | | | contractor. |
| 1. Hiring a contractor too quickly. | | | | - The contractor may know construction and |
| - Even if a contractor is referred by a friend or | | | | tools, but only you know what you want. You get |
| neighbor you still need to interview them for your | | | | to decide where you want the electrical outlets |
| particular job. What your friend considers | | | | and the type of light fixtures. If you leave these |
| outstanding work may not meet your standards. | | | | up to many contractors they'll just install the |
| - Does the contractor have the required licensing, | | | | cheapest or most convenient for them to attain. |
| experience and awareness for the job you want. | | | | - No matter how detailed your written |
| It's best to hire a contractor who lives and or | | | | agreement, there will be many small decisions to |
| works in your city because codes vary from city | | | | make along the way. |
| to city. That way they are likely to be familiar | | | | 4. The biggest mistake you can make when |
| with the inspection process. | | | | remodeling is being unavailable and inaccessible |
| - Ask for photos of past work and references. | | | | while the work is being done. |
| Then actually call the references and ask the best | | | | - This is NOT a time to take a vacation. If |
| and worst experiences they had in working with | | | | possible, stay in your home or nearby. |
| this contractor. A key question is did he show up | | | | - Give the contractor your cell phone so you can |
| on time or call when he was delayed. | | | | be easily reached. |
| - Be clear on what you want, and be sure it's | | | | - Monitor the progress and ask questions |
| stated in your written agreement. | | | | immediately about work that seems to be out of |
| - Be sure your written agreement spells out when | | | | keeping with what you agreed to. |
| the work will begin and when it is projected to | | | | - Don't add new tasks as the contractor goes |
| end, and at which stages payments will be made. | | | | along unless you want to modify the written |
| 2. Trusting your contractor to find all the | | | | agreement and add to the costs. |
| subcontractors. | | | | - Don't sign off and pay the final payment until |
| - While you may hire a contractor to do the big | | | | you are satisfied that the work has been done |
| jobs, you don't have to use all the subcontractors | | | | according to your agreement. |
| recommended by your contractor. Interview | | | | When you avoid these four common mistakes, |
| them too and decide for yourself if they are a | | | | remodeling your home can be a timely and |
| good match for you. | | | | satisfying experience. |