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Overseeing a Home Remodeling Project
Why Homeowner Vigilance is Critical during a
Home Remodel
By Mark J. Donovan
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Even though you’ve hired a general
contractor to coordinate and manage your home remodeling project it is important
that you monitor the project as well. Overseeing a home remodeling project and
contractors is crucial for ensuring that you get the finished product that you
are looking for. Lack of vigilance by the homeowner during a construction or
home remodeling project is fraught with dangers of cost overruns, schedule
delays, poor craftsmanship, and construction that is not compliant to the
remodeling plans.
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The first step in overseeing a home
remodeling project is reviewing the remodeling contractor’s contract and making
sure it fully captures the details of your project, before you sign it. The
contract should include a full description of the scope of the project and
should break out materials to be used and labor costs, and include a detailed
schedule. It’s also wise to have your attorney review the contract to make sure
nothing is missing.
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The contract should also include the
contractor’s company name and address, along with his state contractor license
number. The majority of states require contractor licenses for such residential
construction jobs as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, framing, and general
contracting.
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The contract should also include a
payment schedule with payment milestones tied to completion dates of various
phases of the home remodeling project. The definition of “completion” should
also be defined. For example, when the work on a particular phase of a project
has been completed by the contractor and the homeowner and local building
inspector are satisfied with it and have signed off on the work performed. Only
then should the contractor be paid for the completed milestone.
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The contract should also include a
warranty section, along with how work change notices will be handled, and who
will pull permits. Normally the contractor should pull the permits. In addition
it should include language on how the home remodeling jobsite will be maintained
and cleaned. Finally all named parties in the contract should sign it.
Overseeing Home Remodeling Construction
During the actual construction it is important to oversee the home remodeling
project daily. This way you can be on top of any construction deviations to the
plans and are available to address any questions the contractors may have.
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Carry a notebook with you during your
daily inspections and jot down any issues you see with craftsmanship and work
being performed. Also, make notes on the dates materials were received on the
jobsite and how the work is progressing to the schedule outlined in the
contract. In addition, note down material and weather delays or work slowdowns,
e.g. where less than a full crew show up on the jobsite. Bring these issues up
promptly with the general contractor so that he can address them before it costs
you extra money and time.
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When making payments always pay by check and make them out to the contractor’s
company name as spelled out in the contract. Do not pay cash or make checks out
specifically in a contractor’s name. As already mentioned pay for work
completed. Never pay upfront for work to be performed, other than possibly a
small initial deposit for earnest money.
Finally, never make the final payment to the contractor until a final inspection
by both you and the local building inspector has occurred and the inspector has
issued a certificate of completion and/or occupancy permit and you are satisfied
with the work.
For more help on either hiring a general
contractor or acting as your own general contractor see my
home
addition and home remodeling bid sheets. They can save you a
fortune by helping you to properly plan your home construction project and hire
the right general contractor and/or subcontractors.
How to Finance your Home Remodeling Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Articles on Home Construction and Hiring the Right Home Building
Contractor
Additional Home Remodeling Resources from
Amazon.com
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