Preparing for a Remodel: What Your Contractor Should Be Asking You

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.

7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right design-build professional is always a difficult decision. In recent years, with the remodeling market flooded by contractors who typically work in new construction, many homeowners have chosen contractors based solely on price, which can prove to be disastrous down the road when a project goes awry or the contractor disappears. Price is only one part of the equation. Let’s take a look at the whole picture and consider some questions you should ask your contractor when planning your next remodeling project.

1. Are you licensed?

Most states require contractors, even sub-contractors, to be licensed. Make sure your contractor is properly licensed by asking to see their license or asking for a copy of it. Also remember to check the expiration date. If a contractor cannot produce a valid license, it would be in your best interest to look elsewhere for your remodeling needs.

2. Will you provide me with references from clients, as well as credit references from vendors and banks?

A good contractor will be happy to provide you with references. You should look for a well-established contractor who can give you several client references. You also want to ensure the contractor is financially sound and will not be declaring bankruptcy during your project. In order to protect your investment, ask for credit references from your contractor’s vendors and banks.

3. Do you guarantee your work?

Your contractor should guarantee their work for at least one year from date of completion; many contractors provide multi-year warranties. Ask what their warranty is on finishes, systems and structural.

4. How do you handle the “dirty work”?

Construction is potentially dusty and dirty. Ask how your contractor plans to keep the dust contained. Ask how they will protect your home, yard, children and pets. Make sure the contractor has a plan in place to sweep up and place all construction debris in a predetermined place or refuse container at the end of every day.

5. Do you carry workers’ compensation insurance?

Make sure your contractor carries workers’ compensation insurance, as it protects you from liability if a worker is injured while on your property. If the contractor does not carry workers’ compensation coverage, you may be liable for any injuries suffered by the contractor, or any of his employees on your property. If the contractor is a one-man operation, he can be exempt from having to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If he is doing so legally, he can provide you with a copy of his Construction Industry Certificate of Exemption from Workers’ Compensation.

6. Will you pull all the required building permits?

Make sure your contractor pulls all required permits. When a contractor pulls the required building permits, you know things will be done to “code.” Also, many homeowners’ insurance policies require pulling a permit on any major remodeling to keep your home properly covered. Many contractors prefer not to pull permits because of the time involved and the “hassle” with the inspectors. A reputable contractor will permit every job where a permit is required.

7. Who will be in charge of the job?

Make sure the contractor or his project manager is on the job whenever work is being performed. The responsible party should be familiar with every aspect of your project. This will put your mind at ease about the work that is being done in your home, even when you aren’t present.

As you can see, there is a lot more to consider when choosing your contractor than price alone. When planning your next remodeling project, we encourage you to use these questions as you vet contractors. Keep in mind, remodeling projects succeed as partnerships between you and your remodeling contractor and not as simple transactions.

Keep the Water Out - Preventing Moisture Intrusion in Your Home

Moisture intrusion is a serious subject in most areas of the country, but in a hot and humid climate, like we have here in Charleston, it’s especially critical to ensure your home is properly waterproofed. We take extra concern with this subject and make sure that all of our staff appreciates its importance – from our sales/design people to our field personnel. We do so because we have seen what happens when faulty waterproofing occurs, from wood rot and structural damage to mold and mildew.

Appropriate prevention of moisture intrusion starts with the roof. Underlayment material should cover the entire roof and overlap at joints. Next, the roof surface material, either shingle or metal, should be properly installed to provide maximum protection from leakage. In a high wind area such as Charleston, we must also consider the surface material and how it will hold up in the event of a storm before making a decision about what to use. For instance, when using shingles, we always recommend 50-year architectural shingles - not because they last 50 years, but because they receive the higher 110 mph wind rating.

Another important component in waterproofing is making sure that the vapor proofing wrap, such as Tyvec, is installed correctly behind siding material. The material should be appropriately wrapped and sealed at any window and door openings. This material prevents water vapor from passing through the wrap and into the sheathing or any other wood material. At Classic, we believe in the importance of this practice so much that we had our field personnel and sales/design staff certified by the manufacturer.

           

Quality windows and doors also play a role in the prevention of moisture intrusion. Windows and doors are designed and engineered to be waterproof, but correct installation is a key factor in whether the design efforts succeed. Windows and doors must first be properly installed with a pan, taped, and flashed. Then, once the siding material is run, painters need to seal the final gap between the siding material and the unit with caulk.

           

Exterior painting is the final component in sealing the envelope of the building. This is the point at which small gaps in critical areas are sealed with paint and caulk to repel any moisture and keep it on the outside of the building. It is important to know what to look for in a good paint job and a critical eye is necessary to make sure that the work has been done with a great deal of care and skill.

As you can imagine, all of these components needs to come together in a planned and organized way to prevent moisture intrusion. Because we have witnessed so much damage caused to homes by moisture – and have successfully repaired a great deal of it – we believe that this is a critical building practice and that you should be educated about it as a customer. Without this knowledge, the result could be costly repairs somewhere down the road.

Making Every Drop Count - 6 Ways to Conserve Water In Your Home

Summers in Charleston are HOT! It's early July and already we're seeing temperatures in the upper 90s. When it gets this hot, we Charlestonians feel very fortunate to be surrounded by water. Despite our abundant water supply, water conservation is still an important goal for this necessary and finite resource. Conservation is relatively easy to do and it saves you money in the long run.

There are a number of different steps you can take to conserve water. Let’s start with an easy one:

      1)  Turn Off The Water. When brushing your teeth or washing dishes, try to always turn off the water when you are not directly using it.

      2)  Limit Irrigation. Only water your lawn and plants when it is required. Try to use native species that can withstand the climate and do not require much water.

      3)  Choose Low-Flow Fixtures. Most manufacturers now carry low-flow shower heads and faucets. There isn't an appreciable difference in the performance of the fixtures – but you will see savings in water and money over time.

4)  Low-Flow Toilets. These are becoming more common in today’s residential market. There are two flushing options: one for liquids and one for solids – each using a different quantity of water.

5)  Showers vs. Tubs. It is common these days to only have a shower in at least the master bathroom. Many customers point out that they rarely use a tub due to time constraints. When planning your project, consider a shower only design option. You will save in the cost of a tub and its installation and you will save a lot of water – showers use considerably less water than tubs.

6)  Recirculation Pumps with Tankless Water Heaters. Should you choose to install a tankless water heater and it is feasible, consider using a recirculation pump with small backup electric tank to keep a continuous stream of heated water flowing through the house. While there is more cost and additional electricity use in this option, a considerable amount of water is saved by not having to run all of the cold water out of the pipes waiting on the heated water to arrive.

So even though water shortages are not common in Charleston, the effort to conserve this resource is an important goal. Through a variety of simple methods, the goal can be achieved with relative ease. When planning your next remodeling project, consider utilizing some of these techniques to conserve water in your home.

Get the Lead Out! What You Should Know About Lead-Safe Building Practices

In 2010, new rules by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency went into effect regarding lead safe practices in the remodeling and renovation industry. The purpose of the new regulations is to protect building inhabitants, particularly children, from the dangers of air-borne particles and lead dust. The goal of the program is to implement practical changes to work practices to decrease the potential for contamination. The EPA’s new Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule requires that renovations must only be conducted by EPA Certified Firms and Renovators.

The new process has a number of steps that must follow a certain sequence.

• The first step in the process is to determine if any part of the structure was built prior to 1978, when the use of lead paint in construction was officially banned. We do this by verifying when the structure was built through public records. If a building is deemed to possibly contain lead paint, then we must proceed as if lead exists and notify the owners in writing.
• Before actual works begins we must post warning signs.
• During the construction phase, we must remove or cover any items within the work area and then isolate the area with plastic wrap and sealant tape. All surfaces in the immediate work area, such as the floor, ground on the exterior, vents, windows and doors, must be covered or sealed.
• At the end of the each work day the area must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure no areas are contaminated with lead dust.

Following the completion of work we must certify the area is clean and contaminate free.

• We must first clean the area according to the rules of the RRP program.
• We must then test and document different areas with approved swab kits.
• At the end of the project we must produce a Post-Renovation Report.

There are hefty fines for failure to follow these guidelines, so we take them very seriously!

While there are many more details of the regulations that are too lengthy to summarize here, we wanted to provide our customers with the reassurance that we are certified in these measures and insure compliance. Many of these steps we have taken for years, but these rules produce verifiable guidelines and documentation. We are sincerely concerned about the safety of our customers and our workers, so non-compliance is not an option!

           

Get the Air Moving in Your Kitchen & Bathrooms

While it’s usually not given a whole lot of thought, appropriate ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom is important for a variety of reasons. Most people consider this a utilitarian component of the home, but there are a surprising variety of options for both the kitchen and bathroom. Let’s look at some of the things to consider when weighing your product solutions for these areas of your home.

Kitchen ventilation has come a long way since the old recirculation fans with wire mesh screens or above-the-range microwave vents of yore. Nowadays, the vent fan is either cleverly disguised in cabinetry or a central aesthetic component of the kitchen. When locating the vent hood, be sure to consider height so that it accomplishes two main objectives: to draw away smoke and exhaust for better indoor air quality; but also to avoid being an obstacle while cooking at the range. You want it to be just the right height so it works for you. We always coordinate this detail between the client, designer, and project craftsman onsite before installation. Also consider the strength of the motor. You want it to be strong enough to draw the exhaust and get it out of the house, but not too strong so as to draw too much of the conditioned air outside. This is usually decided during the project design phase. Finally, you want the right look so the unit appears part of the design and not just an afterthought.

            

Like kitchen ventilation, bathroom ventilation has come a long way in recent years. There are a wide variety of products to choose from, such as: standard ceiling mounted fans (but they are much better these days), fans hidden in recessed ceiling lights, wall mounted fans, and small fans in multiple locations with a remote motor. These all operate in different ways and have different cost levels, so they should be discussed as your project is being designed and planned. We always weigh the pros and cons with our clients during design so that they end up with the right solution. Placement of the units in the bathroom is also important to successfully draw all of the moist air from the bathroom to prevent mildew. This detail is always reviewed during our pre-drywall walk-throughs with clients to make sure everything is in the right place and to their liking. A central component of this walk-through is to make sure that when the project is complete, everything works as intended and looks well-planned.

            

So there is a lot to consider when planning kitchen and bathroom ventilation for your remodeling project. With some careful thought and preparation, you can have practical results and an aesthetically pleasing space.

Reduce Your Use – Classic’s Tips For Saving Energy (And Money) At Home

As a design-build remodeling firm with five LEED APs on staff, we are firm believers in finding ways to incorporate energy conservation into our clients’ projects. So why focus on the reduction of energy use? It’s a complicated subject, but it can be boiled down to reducing a home’s energy costs and providing a more comfortable space. There are three keys areas of focus: 1) address the simple things first, 2) consider a product’s efficiency before its purchase, 3) have a thorough review of the more complex systems that are available. At Classic, these items are all addressed during the design and planning phase of your project.

Let’s start with the simple things first.

• Turn off the lights when not in use. Advanced lighting systems can assist with this by being programmed to turn on and off at certain times. Sensors can also be installed to turn on and off when someone enters or leaves a room.
• Switch to more efficient bulbs. Efficient bulbs can range from compact fluorescent to more high-performance LED fixtures.
• Seal any gaps where unconditioned exterior air intrudes into the home or conditioned interior air escapes. This situation puts more demand on a home’s heating and air system, which results in more use of electricity.
• Ensure your home is properly insulated. While addressing how air tight the home is, it is also important to consider insulation. Review the existing insulation to see if there is enough and if any is missing. You may also consider the installation of sprayed foam insulation in the attic – which can greatly reduces the temperature differential between the conditioned space below and the attic above. The application is very technical so it is important to make sure that a professional is hired to perform this work.

Before making major purchases for any remodeling project, it is important to consider the energy efficiency of the product. Carefully review the specifications of the products to assess how much they can save in electricity costs over the life in the product.

• Windows and Doors. Your design-build professional can assist you with understanding the window-door ratings for energy efficiency and solar heat gain.
• Appliances. Always look for an Energy Star rating and review the electricity savings tab on the appliance. Most other products these days also have energy ratings in some form – so always review the packaging carefully.

When considering the more advanced systems of a home it is important to consider how they impact a home’s energy efficiency.

• Water Heaters. If an old electric water heater needs replacing, consider installation of a tankless gas-fired water heater. Unlike tr aditional tank heaters, tankless heaters do not store water at a constant temperature. Instead they heat on demand as needed. This greatly reduces electricity use since they are gas-fired. If you do opt for an electric tank heater, try to locate it with the building’s conditioned space in order to lessen the demands on the unit to counter the unconditioned air surrounding it.
• HVAC Systems. The heating and air conditioning system of a home is also one of the biggest consumers of electricity. Explore the many options, but it is best to select higher quality units with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings) rating, essentially a measure of its efficiency. It is also critical that all ductwork is tightly sealed so that no conditioned air is wasted. There are more advanced system for building conditioning, such as geothermal systems which utilize the constant temperature in the earth, but generally these systems are cost prohibitive unless one incorporates them in a new home mortgage.
• Solar. To take it to another level, homeowners might also consider solar systems for their home. There are two types of solar systems to consider: solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV). Solar thermal can be used to help heat a home or its water supply. Solar PV is used to generate electricity for use in the home. While these systems can be expensive, it is important to consider how much electricity they can save homeowners – and potentially event create excess electricity. Precise figures and site data should be reviewed to make sure either is a feasible option.

There are countless options to consider when planning your remodeling project, so we always try to find a balance between efficiency and budget. We incorporate many subtle things into our building practices that improve efficiency, so we try to make the client knowledgeable of those as well. Through a shared goal of reducing electricity use and providing a comfortable home, we feel that we can satisfy our clients while also making a long-term improvement for the environment.