Working With Your Contractor

building a relationship with a contractor

Introduction
Proper Planning
Building Permits
Managing Project
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introduction

This will require having a complete understanding on what is expected. Double check your spec plan. Review it with the contractor. Make sure there aren't any surprises. It will save you time and money.

Page Topics:

First Topic: Start w/ Proper Planning

(content below borrowed and repeated from our services module)

working w/ contractor

Start with Proper Planning

To ensure a successful home remodeling project, make sure you define your remodeling specification plan

Specifications should include all supplies that will be used in the home remodeling project and what services will be rendered

Specifications Are Detailed

Your specifications plan should list the brand, make, model, number, style, type, color and any other descriptions. Plus it should list whether the materials used in project will be new or used

Ensure that the specifications are exact in detail to protect you from inferior use of products and to compare "apples-to-apples" specs among contractors.

Be as detail as possible —

discussion on assembling your project specifications (under our remodeling step section)
	spec planning

About Building Permits and Codes

Your home remodeling project may require a building permit from your local jurisdiction. Any structural change to the home will likely a permit.

It will either be up to you or the contractor to obtain each permit if required —

Do you need a permit:
weknowcodes.com
Lookup county and city governments for permit information:
statelocalgov.net

Make Sure Building Codes Are Met

Also note that building codes specify how each project should be completed. Local inspectors will ensure that the construction meets code. If not, the project may need to be reworked to meet code.

Make sure that everything is up to code before signing off on the project and exchanging funds. Some inspections may not be required by law, but it is good to do an inspection on plumbing, electrical, building, etc. You want to make sure it's done correctly.

It will be helpful to understand these codes when assembling your specs.

About building codes:
b4ubuild.com/links/codes.shtml
Building codes:
codecheck.com
Lookup county and city governments for building code information:
statelocalgov.net

Check Your Neighborhood Association

You might want to check with your Neighborhood Association on your remodeling plans.

Some Associations may impose design specifications on your construction. You may need to have a variance or approval from your homeowners' association.

Get with them early in the process. Some associations may only meet quarterly; and you don't want the review and approval to delay the project.

Any Historic Preservation Rules

Pay particular attention if your construction is situated in a historic section. Historic preservation laws may restrict certain home remodeling projects.

Lookup county and city governments for information:
statelocalgov.net
More information about historic preservation:
nationaltrust.org

Managing the Project

Change Management:
managing changes to the original remodeling specification plan on design, upgrades and other
Problem Resolution:
managing problems as they arise and getting them resolved within budget
Cost Management:
managing the costs of the home remodeling including changes to the plan
Construction Inspection:
inspecting the work, building codes, and structure prior to finalizing payment