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The First Step to Remodel
So you have decided to do it. You are going to remodel that room, get new windows, start landscaping, change something in your home to make it more beautiful, more comfortable, more you. But where to start?
SLOHomeImprovement.com is your local resource guide. Read below to learn the first steps.
First you must clearly define what you want. This will make it much easier once you go to the city or talk to a contractor. Write a list of must haves and then what you would like to add if you have money left in the budget. A great source for ideas is to tour open houses or model homes.
Secondly talk to your local city planning department to find the zoning restrictions. Most cities only allow a certain amount of maximum lot coverage in relation to the house (usually around 50 percent). They also require a certain amount of distance set back from the back, sides and rear of the property. Although these are just standards which the city may override if you take it before the planning department. The following do not require a permit from the city (although it is always good to check): Installing new cabinets, removal and installation on new countertops, new fixtures, new flooring, and in most cases decks below thirty inches(on any part of the slope) in height.
The next step includes the plans. There are several options. If you’re project is small, such as removing a non load bearing wall, you can sketch it up yourself. If you are just adding a room you could have the plans drawn up by a planner or by a contractor. If you’re project is bigger than that you will probably need an architect. Hiring an architect has some distinct advantages. They know what the city requirements are; they know city officials in the planning department which will make it easier to get your plans approved and they can help you in the area of design. Their knowledge is valuable and typically is a higher fee. Once you have your plans in hand you can move on to the next step.
Now, the tough decision of picking a contractor. You can find some great contractors on slohomeimprovement.com of course, but you should always get three bids. You should check these contractors out on the state license board website www.cslb.ca.gov to make sure they are properly licensed. You should get at least three references from each contractor and check these out thoroughly. Some questions to ask the references: Was the job completed in the outlined time frame, Were there any hidden costs at the end of the job, What did you have done(is it similar to your scope of project), Did the contactor have a good relationship with his sub-contractors and Did the contractor live up to the contract?
Once a contractor has been chosen a contract must be signed with that contactor. Here are some tips when it comes to signing a contact:
a. Get a written contract and don’t sign anything until you completely understand the terms.
b. Pay 10% down or $1000 whichever is less. This is state law so be very suspicious of any contractor who demands more to get started.
c. Does the contract tell you when work will start and end?
d. Is there a schedule of payments? If there is, you should pay only as work is completed and not before.
e. Does the contract include a detailed description of the work to be performed, the material to be used, and the equipment to be installed? This description should include a plan and scale drawing showing the shape size, dimensions and specifications. It should include brand names, model numbers, quantities and colors. Specific descriptions now will prevent disputes later.
Once the contractor is chosen you have the choice of living in the house while the construction is being performed or moving out. Living in a house while the construction is going on is at the best of times difficult depending on the scope of the job. Often power or water supplies have to be cut to the house making things like bathing and cooking impossible. For this reason contractors will charge more if you are living in the house while construction is in progress. On the other hand packing up you’re things and living in another residence can be expensive.
With construction now in progress be sure the contractor is working within the timeline and getting things approved by the city/county inspector. Always pay the contractor once work is done and not before.
Happy Home Remodeling!!!!
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