Work In Progress
Usually, renovating your home or apartment all begins with a dream. Bigger closets, new bathroom, new Kitchen, more room in general, etc. Unfortunately, for some, their dreams turn into nightmares due to poor planning and the wrong choice of contractor.
Before you renovate your sanctuary, please read the steps below to ensure that your remodeling project gets off to the right start and remains on track throughout its duration.
Many people focus on how much it costs and not the most important factor, which is who the contracting company is. Cost is secondary when it comes to finding the right company for your project.
1. Get Your Thoughts on Paper
Prior to consulting an architect, it is a good idea to begin drawing and writing down your ideas as you imagine your newly remodeled home or apartment. If you are enlarging a kitchen or bathroom, think about how the new larger space will be used and how the changes will affect other areas of your home. Also consider how a larger kitchen or bath will affect the overall look of your home. A huge kitchen may overwhelm the adjacent rooms. Speak to a professional to gain further insight on this.
2. Learn From Others
The best way to get inspiration and to avoid pitfalls is to follow the experiences of other home or apartment owners who have had work done in their homes.
3. Count Your Money
Make certain that your budget allows for 20% overage. Most likely you will want to add other items while the work is in process. Before you envision having exotic tile or stone on your floors and or walls, find out how much you have to spend and again, make sure you have a good cushion for cost overruns.
4. Select Your Contractor
Don't hire a contractor based on lowest price alone. The basis of a contractor's price is important. Do not simply hire a contractor with the lowest estimate. Examine and breakdown each estimate. Is the price of materials low compared to other estimates? Weigh all factors-price quote, references, professionalism, and your gut feeling before making a decision.
5. The Contract With Your Contractor
Whether you are having some simple carpentry work done or a major renovation project requiring the services of an architect and a general contractor, misunderstandings can lead to one of the biggest nightmares of your life. Under no circumstances should you allow anyone to begin any type of work in your home or apartment without a clear and precise written contract. Make sure all parties agree on the actual work that will be completed and the time frame it is going to be completed in. Also be crystal clear on the exact materials that will -- and will not -- be used.
6. Get Permission
In South Florida a building permit is required before you make any changes to your home. This means taking down interior non load bearing walls as well in your home or apartment. The building permit assures that the renovation project will be done in such a way as to meet all local building codes and safety regulations. If you live in a landmark building or house, the permit also assures that exterior changes to your home are in keeping with neighborhood guidelines. Your General Contractor will usually take care of the filings for these permits, but smalltime workers may not, and the permits are your responsibility.
Before you renovate your sanctuary, please read the steps below to ensure that your remodeling project gets off to the right start and remains on track throughout its duration.
Many people focus on how much it costs and not the most important factor, which is who the contracting company is. Cost is secondary when it comes to finding the right company for your project.
1. Get Your Thoughts on Paper
Prior to consulting an architect, it is a good idea to begin drawing and writing down your ideas as you imagine your newly remodeled home or apartment. If you are enlarging a kitchen or bathroom, think about how the new larger space will be used and how the changes will affect other areas of your home. Also consider how a larger kitchen or bath will affect the overall look of your home. A huge kitchen may overwhelm the adjacent rooms. Speak to a professional to gain further insight on this.
2. Learn From Others
The best way to get inspiration and to avoid pitfalls is to follow the experiences of other home or apartment owners who have had work done in their homes.
3. Count Your Money
Make certain that your budget allows for 20% overage. Most likely you will want to add other items while the work is in process. Before you envision having exotic tile or stone on your floors and or walls, find out how much you have to spend and again, make sure you have a good cushion for cost overruns.
4. Select Your Contractor
Don't hire a contractor based on lowest price alone. The basis of a contractor's price is important. Do not simply hire a contractor with the lowest estimate. Examine and breakdown each estimate. Is the price of materials low compared to other estimates? Weigh all factors-price quote, references, professionalism, and your gut feeling before making a decision.
5. The Contract With Your Contractor
Whether you are having some simple carpentry work done or a major renovation project requiring the services of an architect and a general contractor, misunderstandings can lead to one of the biggest nightmares of your life. Under no circumstances should you allow anyone to begin any type of work in your home or apartment without a clear and precise written contract. Make sure all parties agree on the actual work that will be completed and the time frame it is going to be completed in. Also be crystal clear on the exact materials that will -- and will not -- be used.
6. Get Permission
In South Florida a building permit is required before you make any changes to your home. This means taking down interior non load bearing walls as well in your home or apartment. The building permit assures that the renovation project will be done in such a way as to meet all local building codes and safety regulations. If you live in a landmark building or house, the permit also assures that exterior changes to your home are in keeping with neighborhood guidelines. Your General Contractor will usually take care of the filings for these permits, but smalltime workers may not, and the permits are your responsibility.