Home Remodeling Tips – The ABC’s of Home Remodeling

Ask your friends and relatives about their experiences with remodeling, and whom they’ve hired.

Beware of contractors that advertise price. There is no way to 100% accurately estimate your project sight unseen. A detailed on-site inspection is the only accurate way to truly estimate, an online quote is one way to get the ball rolling.

Call the Contractors State License Board at 916-255-4041 and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at 858-496-2131 to get valuable information about remodeling… before you remodel.

Do not choose a contractor only because they present the lowest price. If you are considering only the lowest bidder, beware! Quality of materials or workmanship shows. And, as the years go by, it shows even more.

Everything must be in writing. It’s your right… demand it. A complete set of project specifications that you can understand is vital. Also, insist on a formal design plan. Without it, there is no way you can receive an accurate quote.

Follow through. An important part of remodeling is the feeling of confidence with the people that will be working for you. Remember, salesman and designers do not hold hammers. Insist on meeting the Project Manager that will be responsible for your remodel. If your contractor doesn’t have a Project Manager… brace yourself and prepare for problems.

Get references. Before you choose a contractor, call some of his customers that are presently under construction, and clients whose work was completed within the past 3 years. Ask lots of questions. You might even ask if you can visit their project.

Have patience. Do not be rushed into decisions. Take whatever time you need to feel completely comfortable with the contractor you choose.

Remodeling Contractor

Individual or firm licensed, bonded and insured to engage in Home Remodeling including Room Additions, Second Stories, Custom Kitchen and Major Renovations.

Sub-Contractor

Individual or firm licensed, bonded and insured to engage in specialty trades i.e. concrete, framing, plumbing, electrical etc.

Home Improvement Agreement

Also know as a contract between a homeowner and licensed contractor.

Scope of Work or Specifications Document

A document that describes the work to be performed including labor, materials and compensation.

Notice of cancellation

Also know as recission notice.  Gives the property owner 3 business days to cancel the home improvement contract after signing. 

Conceptual Plans or Design Drawings

Floor plans, elevations, and sometimes perspectives reflecting the work to be completed.

Working Drawings

Also know as Construction Documents.  Blueprints including structural engineering, Title 24 Energy calculations, framing details, electrical plans that are submitted to the City for permit.

Change Order

Document authorizing change to the contract, plans, specifications.  A change order can increase, decrease or have no affect on the contract price.

For more information, visit www.murraylampert.com

Murray Lampert Construction recently added a new feature called Live Remodel to their website www.murraylampert.com.  Click on Gallery and then Live Remodel to watch a major home renovation from demolishion to completion.

There is time lapse photographs from the start of the project to date, and live video was added this week. So check out www.murraylampert.com/gallery/live_home_remodel.php for weekly updates.

Be sure to view the the conceptual drawings and plans designed by their staff Architect Frank Piermarini.

Lumber is being delivered the week of August 9, 2010, so there will be a dramatic transformation.

Cutting your gas and electric spending is easy.  Here are a few no or low cost ways of lowering your energy bills:

 1. Turn down your water heater thermostat.

 2. Make sure your recessed can lights are sealed.  This will keep your attic cooler.  Low expansion foam or caulking is all it takes.

 3. Change your furnace air filter regularly.  A new filter costs about $5.

 4. Buy programmable thermostats. You can program heating and cooling so if you forget to turn it up or down, the system will reset to save energy.

 5. Set or turn your audio video components like DVR’s to off.  Some components are in the “ready” position which uses energy 24/7.  Be willing to wait a few seconds for your TV, DVR etc. to power up.

 6. Inspect the indoor/outdoor caulking around the electrical boxes and water pipes entering your home. Fill any holes or gaps with caulking or foam for better insulation value and water control.

 7.  Repair water leaks. A dripping faucet will waste over 2,000 liters a month. Use flow restrictors on faucets and shower heads.

 8.  Lastly, ask your family members to turn off lights when the leave an unoccupied room.

For more information, visit http://www.energy.ca.gov/

Announcing a new page on the Murray Lampert Construction website called Live Remodel.  Click on the direct link below to see our  featured project in construction from demolition to completion.  The page will be updated weekly, so please be sure and come back to see the transformation.  You can will also find a full description of the project, renderings, floor plans and elevations at:

http://www.murraylampert.com/gallery/live_home_remodel.php