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How to Avoid Problems With a Contractor
While most contractors are good people, they aren't always good at planning out and executing a renovation job efficiently. Common contractor troubles include poor workmanship, unfulfilled promises and deliveries, missed deadlines, and spending beyond the budget.
Contractors say that it's difficult to please many homeowners because they're never satisfied with the finished product. Homeowners say contractors promise to come back and finish punch list items but rarely do.
To protect yourself, you need a written contract with your contractor. You can find a sample contract from the American Institute of Architects. Be sure you show the contract to a real estate attorney before you sign it. While the AIA form contract is a good starting point for negotiation, your contract should reflect the details of your own project, including the starting and completion dates.
And, don't give the contractor the final check until you're completely satisfied.
Ilyce Glink is the bestselling author of 100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask, and is the Managing Editor of Right at Home Daily.
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Building Your Renovation Team
Selecting the right professionals to help you design and construct your home project is critical to its success. But do you really need an architect, contractor and a designer?
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After closing on your new home, don't be surprised if your
first impulse is to pick up a paintbrush. Even if your new
condo, townhouse or single family house is in perfect
condition, our natural instinct is to make a house our
own. Barbara Buchholz, former editor of House & Garden
Guides Magazine and co-author of Porch Style and the
New Homeowner's Handbook presents some issues to
consider before you start.
 Managing the Renovation
Writing and Negotiating the Contractor's Contract
Finding a Competent Contractor, Architect and Designer
The Truth About Estimates
Getting Your Warranties
Your Rights as a Contractee
How to Find a Contractor
Unless you're going to do the work yourself, you'll need
to pull together a team of folks to help you. For small
jobs, you may only need, say, a painter. But for major
jobs, expect to hire a contractor, architect and perhaps
even a designer and landscape designer upfront. Lisa
Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and
co-author of Porch Style, tells you what to look for.
Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
Should You Renovate or Tear Down and Start From Scratch?
Assessing Your Needs vs. Your Wants
The True Costs of Home Improvements
Landscaping & Hardscaping
New curtains, new paint job, new appliances, new light
fixtures, and new carpet. The list of things you can do to
improve a home is endless. But ask yourself, "What's the
budget?" Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home
magazine and co-author of Porch Style and Jim Sulski,
real estate development and home improvement
contributor for numerous publications including the
Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business and
Consumer's Digest offer some things to think about when
planning and budgeting for your renovation project.
Building Your Renovation Team
Change Orders: How They Affect Your Budget
Pre-Renovation: Design Plans, Blueprints, and Estimates
Ways to Reduce Remodeling Costs
How Much Can You Afford to Spend?
Financing Your Renovation: Home Equity Vs. Construction Loans
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