Even a nice home will show wear and tear after a while. So, when it’s time to do a home fix up, it’s important to really take a look at your living space and make some decisions. Do you want to do a modest fix-up, by repainting and maybe making a few cosmetic improvements, or do you want to do a major remodel that involves construction? These are big decisions to make, but with thought and planning, a home remodel can be a very worthwhile investment of time and money.
Calling In a General Contractor
Yes, the thought of doing a major home remodel can be a bit overwhelming. A remodel costs money (though if planned carefully, it can add to the value of a home) and it does involve some disruption. That’s why it’s so crucial to get an experienced, licensed contractor to oversee the job and guide the process. A good contractor will be able to rough out plans that can help you to visualize the project’s design and give you a sense of how the final result will look. They can also advise on what materials to use and how much they will cost. All of this is invaluable advice for creating a successful home redo.
Finding a great contractor is important. Though in the past finding a good contractor involved getting referrals through friends and keeping your fingers crossed, today there are easier ways to find expert help. Now there are several quality websites online that offer listings of general contractors with examples of their past projects and referrals. These sites are easy to review and give a great overview of the contractors available in a local area. Once you’ve found a good candidate, you can contact them and arrange for a free phone consultation.
Reviewing the Project
During the phone consultation, review the project and explain what your real goals are. The contractor should be able to outline a plan for achieving that goal, and for keeping it on a realistic budget. Once you’ve gone over all of this, if the contractor seems like the right choice, get ready to write up an agreement and make a plan for starting your remodel, and start looking forward to living in a house that feels brand new.
