Tips for working with your contractor during a remodel

While not every home remodel a person does requires the help of a general contractor, most bathroom or kitchen overhauls necessitate the help of a professional. That’s because bathroom and kitchen renovations require a large amount of intricate plumbing and electrical work, and typically some detailed installations as well. Plus, contractors take care of ensuring everything is up to code and legally inspected, which is one less thing for the homeowner to worry about. If you’re in the planning stages of a bath or kitchen overhaul, read on for some tips on how to get the best results from a contractor:

Ask for references and experience
The first step to getting along with your contractor is making sure you hire the right one for the job. Don’t rush the hiring process. Hold several phone interviews, then meet three top candidates for bids and a face-to-face discussion. It’s a good idea to discuss any special areas of expertise they have, like trim, plumbing, flooring, etc. Most importantly, make sure you ask for references for similar projects they’ve taken on in the past. It’s the best way to know whether they can handle a project the size and style of yours.

Eliminate allowances right away
As soon as your contractor gives you an initial bid, check for allowances. Allowances are a placeholder figure for details that you haven’t completely nailed down yet. For instance, if you aren’t sure which bathroom faucets you’ll be using, the contractor will just put a general amount. However, because everything comes in such varying prices, this is a good way to low-ball your budget. Figure out the details before starting the remodel, so that instead of just bathroom faucets, your contractor can charge you for the oil rubbed bronze bathroom faucets you have your eye on.

“Avoid paying more than 10% before work starts.”

Set a payment plan
Your payment plan should be decided on upfront, before any of the work starts. Most plans will require you to make several payments, but the rule of thumb is to avoid paying more than 10 percent before work starts. The majority of the cost should be paid after the project is completed.

Communicate regularly
Communication is the key to a successful client-contractor relationship. Decide at the beginning of the renovation the best ways for you to get in touch with each other, and specify how often you’d like him or her to check in as the project progresses. Most contractors agree the client should check in at least once a day to make sure everything’s going well, and so that both people can air any questions or concerns they may have.

Get it in writing
Any changes you and your contractor agree on regarding payments, materials or deadlines should be in writing. Try to have those discussions over email. If you talk about them face-to-face, send an email afterward giving an overview of what you discussed and asking for a confirmation that it all looks correct to them. That way, in case you come to a disagreement, you’ll have everything important on hand.

Check everything yourself
A lot of contractors recommend that their clients check as much of the work as possible themselves. That includes things like comparing model numbers on any fixtures or appliances before they’re installed to make sure you’re installing the correct ones and noting down any concerns you may have about the quality of the work. That way, if your clawfoot tub feet aren’t the ones you ordered or your kitchen faucet parts have the wrong finish, you’ll know right away.

Be friendly
The best way to ensure a good working relationship with your contractor is to treat him or her well and be friendly. Give your contractor and workers a place in the home where they can eat lunch or relax or allow them to use their own bathroom during each workday. Say hello, and try to understand if they track mud into the house or get your carpets dirty.

Ask for opinions
This is likely not the first bathroom or kitchen remodel your contractor has ever done, so feel free to ask his or her opinion on anything you’re unsure of, whether it’s stylistic or technical. Contractors don’t typically state their opinion unasked, but they’re happy to provide a little guidance if you need some.