10. They will work within your budget.

9. You know up front, with no obligation, how much your project will cost.

8. Field changes are handled more efficiently with design and construction under one roof.

7. Design/Build contractors know what construction cost are.

6. It is easier to deal with one point person.

5. Design costs are usually much less.

4. One firm is accountable for the warranty on workmanship.

3. Value engineering is part of their service.

2. Design/Build contractors know how to work with city planning and inspectors.

1. A Design/Build company is your one stop shop for home remodeling.

For more information, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/tips/index.html

An import part of the remodeling process is the design stage. Before you sign off on the building plans, a thorough review should be made with the contractor. The plans should mirror the contract specifications/scope of work document.

1. Start and end time. Example, “start” with in 7 – 10 days from permit, “commencement” described as “demolition of existing patio cover”, and “completion” after “walk through and final punch list”.

2. Detailed progress payment payment schedule. Example, X due upon plan approval; X due upon demolition; X due upon concrete/foundation pour etc. The progress payments should coincide with inspections where ever possible.

By Contractor’s State License Law, you should also receive the following documents when you sign: 3 Day Right To Cancel, California License Law Notice, Check Out Your Contractor From, Information About Commercial General Liability Insurance From, Notice To Owner Form.

For more information on Contracting and License Laws, please visit http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/