Home Remodel Checklist

If you reside in Moorhead and embarking on a project to remodel your home, it is important that you do some planning in advance. Irrespective of whether you are tearing down your kitchen or just replacing your windows you need to prepare a checklist. This will give you a clear idea as to where you should start, how you should prepare your budget, and how to choose a contract for which work. You can use the checklist given below and plan your project well.

 Prepare a wishlist and mark your priorities

 The first step is to prepare a list with wants and needs on either side of a sheet of paper. Be specific and write down even the names of your preferred brands and expected time schedules. Also, make sketches so that it is easy to convey the idea to one of the general contractors in Moorhead you might work with. Fix priorities for the wants and needs you have listed out. 

 Decide your budget

 It pays to have a clear idea of your finances so that you don’t end up putting all your resources into your pet project of home renovation in Moorhead. This is because you might have to replace one of your appliances or replace a widow glass damaged by your neighbor by playing baseball. You should allocate an amount that is comfortable to you and then start working from there.

 Get a quote for the activities you want to finish first.

• Keep apart some funds for miscellaneous expenses

• Set aside 10 to 15 percent to meet contingency expenses

• Check with the contractor and find out whether they offer any seasonal discounts.

 Choose the right contractor

 Ask people you know in your area about contractors they have worked with and their good and bad experiences. You can also check out the websites of both the National Association of Remodelers and National Association of Home Builders. The contractors listed by these bodies are bound to abide by best business practices and codes of ethics.

 A few key questions you need to ask the contractors are:

 Whether they charge by the project or hour?

• How do they charge you when it when there is a change in orders? 

• Will they complete the project within the time frame specified by you?

• What is their specialty? 

• Will they give you references of their former clients?

• Are they licensed to work in your area? 

• Do they hold an insurance policy?

• Do they offer any warranties?

 Examine the contract’s fine print

 While going through the fine print, ensure that the following aspects are included:

 The money to be deposited upfront by you is not more than 33 percent of the total cost

• The start and finish dates are specified

• A payment schedule is included

• There is a clause on arbitration

 This is not an exhaustive checklist but it helps you to get started.