How to Find the Right Local Home Remodeling Contractors
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Posted On :
Dec-14-2014
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Article Word Count :
997
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As municipal land use planners, we often provide property owners advice on who they should hire to complete a local commercial or residential remodeling project.
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As municipal land use planners, we often provide property owners advice on who they should hire to complete a local commercial or residential remodeling project.
There are six professionals that can provide unique advice or services that will help you with the design, permitting and construction required for a commercial or residential project. You might have grand plans on what you want to do to your house to make it your dream home, be it interior renovations or adding on that master bedroom suite. Home owners often find the whole process overwhelming. Let’s discuss the six key professionals briefly:
1- Land Surveyor: A land surveyor is a person who can draw an accurate map of your property. This map (or survey) will tell you where the buildings, driveways, porches, patios, etc are located on your property in relation to each other and your property lines. Often times when you want to build something outside or your home like a garage or a swimming pool or if you want to make an addition to your home, you will need a survey of the property when applying for permits.
2- Civil Engineer: A civil engineer will help you design the external appearance of your house. The civil engineer will produce a site plan which will illustrate the locations of buildings, driveways, etc but will also show the location of underground utilities like sewer lines, septic system and drainage systems. A civil engineer will also design the topography of the property, or grading so that storm water will be directed to the best possible areas.
3- Architect: An architect can help you design the structural changes in your commercial or residential property and help organize layouts of your areas. The architect will produce detailed drawings of what you want built. Architectural plans are needed for permitting as well as determining the cost of your renovations and will be used by your contractors when they start work on your project.
4- Land Use Attorney: A land use attorney will help you with any legal issues that might arise from your project such as contracts or other legal documents, and interpreting your legal rights to construct or settle any disputes with your neighbors.
5- Planning Consultant: A planning consultant can provide valuable advice about how to deal with complex zoning issues such as nonconforming buildings, historic buildings, and complying with flood plain management issues. A planning consultant can also help you build in a way that will be in harmony with the character of your local neighborhood.
6- General Contractor: A general contractor will not only help determine how much your project will cost you but will also be responsible for the construction.
Always make sure you hire world-class home remodeling contractors. You may be surprised how much money the contractors can save you since they typically get better pricing on supplies than the average Joe do it yourselfer can manage. Make sure they are insured, and ask them for references from customers they have worked with that you can contact before signing the contract. Check with your insurance company to make sure workers are covered while on your property, and also to see if the remodeling can save you any money on your home owner's policy.
Many consumers hear the word 'custom' and believe it is out of their price range. A custom project can be accomplished in any price range, including yours. Custom remodeling is made with your specific needs and tastes in mind, tailoring the room to your needs, instead of being built with vague specifications. The money you spend is used to create space designed the way you want to use it. Make sure you do your research before you allow someone to come in with a toolbox and sledgehammer. You want to hire the right company from the get-go rather than pay more in the long run to fix work not done right the first time. Consider these salient points:
- Make a list of potential contractors to contact for a rough quote on your project.
- Ask for references and talk with and visit the references to see the work done for them.
- Search for advertisements to ensure that a contractor registration number is provided. By law, this number must be included on any advertisement, including business cards.
- Verify that there have been no complaints submitted to the Better Business Bureau for each of the contractors you are considering.
- A qualified contractor will not charge to come to your house and discuss the work you want completed
- During the initial interview, discuss the scope of the work, the estimated time it will take to finish, and a ballpark price. Keep in mind, though, that this is merely an estimated cost and isn't a precise bid. Keep notes during this time so that you have a clear record of what was said with each contractor you speak with.
- It is not uncommon to request several references when hiring a contractor, so do not hesitate to do so. If possible, find out if there is any way you can inspect a finished project through a reference. Contractors perform commercial projects as well as residential, so there should be some work at a local residence or business that you can see firsthand.
- Any reliable contractor must carry insurance and willingly provide a certificate of proof. This insurance should cover liability, damage and worker's compensation. If a contractor doesn't carry this coverage, you will be held liable if a worker is injured on your property. It is perfectly acceptable to request a copy of their insurance certificate during your first meeting; your gut feeling will tell you a lot during this initial interview.
This will give you a clearer picture of their quality of work and level of customer service.
You and your family deserve a living space that is tailored to suit your lifestyle and taste. A contractor that specializes in custom remodeling is the best choice when starting a major home renovation project.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How to Find the Right Local Home Remodeling Contractors_308849.aspx
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Keywords :
home remodeling contractors, local, house, Residential, Commercial,
Category :
Business
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Business
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