Monday, December 23, 2013

Home renovations gone wrong

Home renovations gone wrong, To ensure a successful home renovation, you need several key elements: a competent contractor, a secure budget, and a practical plan of attack.

If any one of these essential elements is missing, you may be increasing your chances for a renovation nightmare. Don't lose your sanity over a renovation gone wrong, Latinas. These renovation dos and don'ts will help get you through.

Contractor
Interview more than one contractor and choose one with whom you are comfortable. This person is someone you will be working with closely. He or she is also someone that will be in your home on a daily basis.

Once you've chosen a contractor, don't be afraid to ask about their credentials. If part of your renovations include Caribbean or Latin-style floor tiles , make sure your chosen contractor has experience in this area. You can then settle a written contract.

Key points of your home renovation contract should include a description of your project, the name of all parties involved, start and finish dates, a clause to deal with add-ons, provisions for termination, a total cost, and a payment plan.

Insurance
Talk to your contractor about insurance . It's important to know who is liable in the event a worker is injured while working in your home. If you decide to go with an uninsured contractor that means you will assume the liability.

You will also want to check on the regulations and permits for your home renovation project. Your professional contractor should be able to apply for all the necessary permits required for your remodel job.

Homeowner responsibility

Hiring a contractor does not mean you are suddenly free of your home renovation responsibility. It's imperative that you remain involved and not become an absentee homeowner.

Designate one person in your household as the decision maker. This person should be the only one to talk with the contractor. Since constant communication is vital, your designated person should talk with the contractor each day and make a point to meet in person at least once a week. This person can update the rest of the family.

If you happen to be on-site, remember that you're not the foreman so micromanaging the workers is not a good idea. If you have concerns, speak directly with the foreman.

Keep notes, track the project, and take before and after photos. If all goes well, your home renovation experience can be something to share with friends and family. Make note of the names and contact information for each person working in your home. This can prove invaluable to have in the event you require additional work or you wish to recommend the contractor.

Other dos and don'ts
Do clear a space in your garage where workers can lay out their tools. This will help make their job easier.
Don't allow demolition to begin until all your new materials have arrived such as new windows , doors, cabinets, and appliances.

Do establish the boundaries of your property so workers don't damage a neighbor's property.
Don't allow children and pets to run freely. Workers will be able to perform their jobs better when children and pets are not underfoot.

Do a walk-through with your contractor once the job is complete. You should also request an Affidavit of Final Release once all the work is done and the final payment has been made. This will protect you from potential third-party claims.

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