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

Custom Cherry Wood Kitchen with Granite Counters

Do you have an outdated kitchen, or does the layout not fit your needs?  Custom kitchen remodeling will give you a funcitonal new look by replacing cabinets, counters, appliances, fixtures and finishes. 

Hire a qualified General Contractor who will consult with you and create a design/space plan that meets your needs.  Eliminate the guess work by insisting on a design, specifications and complete quote including finishes, fixtures etc.  You should not be obligated to pay upfront design or retainer fees for this service.  

Most kitchen remodeling requires multiple trades such as framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, drywall and stucco.  Often there are modifications to structural walls or window and door changes.  A General Contractor is licensed to handle all the trades required for home remodeling.  Cabinet companies can either be unqualified, undertaking work without permits and inspections, or do not have the resources of trades a  General Contractor employs.

With a licensed General Contractor , all the workmanship is warranteed by one firm and all work is permitted and inspected.  Not only is important for your own safety, it protects your investment should you ever sell your home.

For more information, check out:

  http://www.kitchenguild.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&task=tag&category=general+contractor&Itemid=0

EPA Requirements

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider. Learn how to become an EPA certified firm and where to take a training course near you.

• Contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:
  • Contain the work area.
  • Minimize dust.
  • Clean up thoroughly.
• Read EPA’s Regulations on Residential Property Renovation at 40 CFR 745.80, Subpart E.
• Read about lead-hazard information for renovation, repair and painting activities in the EPA lead hazard information pamphletRenovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (11 pp, 1.1MB) | en español (PDF) (20 pp, 3.2MB)
• Read about how to comply with EPA’s rule in the EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF) (34 pp, 2.5MB) | en español (PDF) (34 pp, 1.3MB).
• Find additional EPA publications and brochures on lead-safe renovation, repair and painting and on lead poisoning prevention.

Mr. & Mrs. D in San Diego recently had a closet and home office added.  Their daughter has decided to make it her new play area.

Many of our clients have the need for extensions to existing rooms, bedroom additions, home offices, or even private space for parents of children moving back in.  

Listening to the individual needs of a homeowner and delivering a finished project that is high quality, funcitonal, and adds value is the goal of a a good contractor.  

This project took 2 months to build.  Now Mr. & Mrs. D and their daughter are happily enjoying their very functional space.