1.  Find a Contractor.

• Use referrals – this is the safest way
• Verify license and bond with Department of Labor and Industries
• Check references (at least 5 past clients)
• Get a rating from the Better Business Bureau
• Ask to review a blank copy of their contract
• DO YOU LIKE THEM **Most Important Item**

 2.  Make onsite appointment for interview.

• Explain what you want done (include finishes i.e. granite or tile counters, carpet or hardwood floors etc., these are very important to your budget)
• Discuss your budget (a good contractor will keep you within your limits)
• DO YOU LIKE THEM **Most Important Item**

 3.  Have your contractor work with your architectural designer.  This will help you design for your budget.

• Requires several meetings, mostly with the designer and contractor, using your budget as their guide
• Architects will give estimate for drawing services (make sure you ask)
• Engineering is usually a separate charge, contracted through your designer.
• Most contractors provide a general estimate free of charge.  Detailed estimates are generally produced for confirmed clients as part of the job, but there may be a charge if a contract has not yet been signed
• DO YOU LIKE THEM **Most Important Item**

 4.  Submit for Permits.

• Architectural drawings need to be submitted to your municipality (they will almost always require some modifications and it takes between 1 and 3 months for permits to be approved.  Fees are based on what you are having done.  They vary between cities and counties.)
• Most times plans are submitted by the Homeowner.  (ask the designer or contractor if you need any help)
• DO YOU LIKE THEM **Most Important Item**

 5.  Negotiate and Sign Contracts

• Make sure that a very detailed bid of ALL work and allowances are part of your contract.  This way you will know EXACTLY what is covered in the price you have negotiated.
• Check the contractor’s credit references with their vendors BEFORE you sign a contract or pay any deposits.
• DO YOU LIKE THEM **Most Important Item** (make sure you do, there is no turning back now)

 6.  Making Deposit Payment

·        Most all contractors require a deposit to schedule your project and another deposit PRIOR to ordering any materials for your project.  Once materials arrive at your home, they belong to YOU and NOT the contractor.  The contractor has no right to take them away without your permission. 

·        The vendor can put a lien your property if the contractor doesn’t pay for them. (Another reason to check credit references with the contractor’s vendors)

 7.  Choosing Finishes

·        During this time, you should pick out and order finishes with your contractor.    All allowances should be shown on your estimate/contract so that you will have a cost base line to start with.          

·        Take the time to shop around.  Start with contractor recommendations for vendors.  If you don’t find what you are looking for – take the time to shop around. 

·        WRITE DOWN all the details of your selections so there is no miscommunication.  Give a copy to your contractor and keep a copy for yourself.

8.  Changes Cost Money and Time

·        Remember, every time you change or upgrade something it is not just the price of the item, but the contractor’s profit and overhead, additional time and other materials needed to complete it.  The cost may seem small for each item/change, but they add up fast and they are usually billed at the end of the project.  Keeping this in mind, ask for upgrade/ change orders and pricing BEFORE you have anything changed or added to your contract. 

•       Most contracts contain a clause about market price changes for materials – keep this in mind as lumber prices fluctuate and fuel prices too.  These things effect the bottom line, and the contractor can usually increase your contract pricing to compensate for these factors)

      9.  Progress Payments

·        Your contract should have a progress payment schedule included.  You are responsible to follow the schedule. Remember that most contractors are NOT bookkeepers.  They have employees and material expenses to pay, so your timely payments will keep things moving.  Communication is the key.

10.  Punch List

·        Keep a running list of things that just don’t seem right and go over them with your contractor. 

·        Schedule a Final Walkthrough and use your list as a reference as you go.  Make good notes.

·        Give your Contractor the list and KEEP A COPY for yourself.  Communication is the key.

    11.  Final Payment

• The Contractor will ask for the final payment once their work is completed, building department has approved and signed off the work and all the punch list items are completed.  This is when you pay the final balance.  (This is their incentive to finish the job.  The final payment is usually only 5 or 10% of the contract price.)
• DO YOU STILL LIKE THEM?  **Most Important Item** (Ask for some of their cards so that you can refer them to others and ask if they will put you on their Reference List)

    12.  Problems?

·        Most contractors have a 1 year warranty on their work.  Manufacturer warrantees on your appliances and fixtures are with the manufacturer, not the contractor.  If you have a problem, notify your contractor immediately so that they can help you resolve any problems that arise.  They don’t know if you don’t tell them.  (Always notify them in writing as well as with a phone call, just good CYB practices)

  

A FEW TIDBITS TO CONSIDER

 

Choose your contractor with care.

You are going to be living with this person for the duration of your project.

 

Use your mind, but use your GUT too.

Your home is one of your biggest investments.  Entrust it to someone you can TRUST.

•  

Please check us out!  A Happy Customer is what we are striving for.

 

Tim and Vicky Methven

Tailor Made Homes Remodeling LLC

Contractors License # TAILOMH001JE

6556 154^th Ave NE  Redmond, WA  98052

Telephone (425) 885-0441   Fax (425) 885-3586

 A Family Business since 1995!

Copyright 2006 Vicky Methven, Tailor Made Homes