Answer by Ron Thomas
One safeguard is to pay the Contractor gradually, as the work is being completed: you can inspect and observe before you give him each installment. The primary place that you can be "cheated" is on...
View ArticleAnswer by Gregory Karr
Congratulations, you took on a job. What I do is coordinate with the general contract daily about work that has been completed, what's tomorrow's schedule will include, balancing the costs paid to the...
View ArticleAnswer by K
Hi Jake, As a Realtor and licensed General Contractor, I have some insight remodel projects. One of the best ways to avoid hidden costs and cost overruns is to have the scope of work laid out in a...
View ArticleAnswer by Jeff
Jeffrey Goffo, (Sole proprietor of Jeffrey Goffo Construction, San Francisco, CA) As a contractor myself, I ask people to thoroughly due their due diligence in checking contractor's referrals and going...
View ArticleAnswer by Shaban Shakoori
I suggest you visit other jobs the contractor has done and only choose a contract that comes highly recommended from a trusted source. Alot can happen after the relationship starts, like less qualified...
View ArticleAnswer by Tysonthebuilder
There is a saying the the construction industry: "Failing to plan is planning to fail." Depending on the scope of the project, I usually encourage my prospective clients to have drawings created by...
View ArticleAnswer by Robert Cram (contractor)
1) Contractors aren't mind-readers, and we can't make sure a remodel measures up to your expectations if we don't know what your expectations are and how we will measure success. The clearer and more...
View ArticleAnswer by Brian Kenny
Check previous clients and work completed. Get 3-5 references and ask them how the job went and if they would recommend the contractor in question. Ask for general liability insurance and workmans...
View ArticleAnswer by Ghirisan7
To meet your expectation you need to hire the right guy . There are companies out there what could perform the remodeling project and I beleive my company is one of them. Please visit our site at :...
View ArticleAnswer by Elmo
Jake, Sounds like you've got some good advise thus far, though you can have a T&M Contract in CA, its just that you have to have a "max" put into contract. I've done both, 1. a hard bid from a set...
View ArticleAnswer by Bay-Marin Construction
I always encourage our clients to call as many former clients on our reference list as they feel comfortable doing. Ask a contractor's former clients questions like: What was it like working with this...
View ArticleAnswer by Shandor Szentkuti
As a home remodeler with 20 years of experience I would give the following advise. I. When you have contractors bidding the job give us as much information as you can. Show us pictures of similar...
View ArticleAnswer by Clint Shaw General Contractor
There are several things you should do BEFORE you start your project that will ensure it goes according to plan:> Create a detailed list of what you want to do to ensure you and your contractor are...
View ArticleAnswer by Jed Lane
Could be I know too much but there is no way you can ensure the outcome unless you do it yourself. When I was a carpenter's apprentice back in the 1970s the first lesson I was taught was that I needed...
View ArticleAnswer by
Jake, You have received some very good answers. Having done a lot of remodels personally and being a 203K consultant for renovation lending, I would offer the advice to be patient and flexible...
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