Now that you have asked your
potential contractor a series of questions, it’s time to make sure they are
asking you the right questions. Developing a good working relationship with your
contractor is key to completing a successful remodel. During the planning
process, your contractor should ask a series of questions in order to ascertain
your needs and ensure they can achieve your goals. Let’s review some of those
potential questions so that you are better prepared when you start your next
remodeling project.
1) What are the
specific issues that your remodeling project should address?
Are
there things about your home that you might want or need to significantly
alter? In most cases the answer is yes. Be specific in your conversations with
your contractor. Make sure they address this early in the planning process.
2) What are the
constraints that might affect your project?
These
are very important issues to define during planning and might include things
such as zoning restrictions, easements, setbacks, or FEMA’s 50% rule. All of
these items might affect the feasibility or scope of your project.
3) If your thinking about an addition, how large of an addition?
Determining
how much space you need is critical to defining the parameters of your project.
Is an addition truly necessary or could the existing footprint be reworked in
some way? We’ve had clients come to us thinking they needed a two-story addition,
but after design and planning, we determined that their needs could be met by
working within the existing footprint of the home.
4) What is the style
or character of your home?
As
you think about your remodeling plans, decide if you want to maintain the style
of your home or change it. Can the look you want be achieved through subtle
alterations or will it require more extensive changes?
5) What are the
room-by-room requirements of your project?
It
is important to work room-by-room to document your requirements so the complete
scope of work can be developed. Consider the small things as well: changing out
door hardware, painting trim, new closet shelving, etc.
6) Do you want to
update your existing mechanical systems?
The
mechanical systems in your home are the major consumers of electricity and have
significant costs over their lifecycle. Changes such as switching from an
electric tank water heater to a gas-fired tankless heater could result in
significant savings over time. Also, new HVAC systems are much more efficient
and could make your home more comfortable. Make sure these issues are addressed
as you plan your project.
7) Finally, how much
can you realistically budget for the project?
This
last item might be the most important. Make sure that your contractor inquires
about your budget and provides you with comprehensive pricing. Know in advance
what you can actually afford and work towards that number. In many instances, a
potential contractor might quote a very low number up front to land the work,
then slowly hit you with change orders along the way. Questions about budgets
are a very important part of the planning process.
As you can see, these are
important issues to consider when planning your project. Each affects the
scope, budget, and schedule and should be well-planned before construction
begins. Make sure that your contractor asks you these and other questions so
that clear communication can develop. This can make the difference between an
enjoyable remodeling experience and a very unpleasant one.
