Hello Home Owners!
The New Year will bring new promises and new ventures, and possibly new Home Improvement projects. Should this be the case, here’s a few tips to assist you with moving your projects along more smoothly.
Practical Budgeting
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An important decision is creating a list of what to accomplish with the new alteration and / or addition. Then, establish a realistic budget based on your discretionary income and savings. Remember, overly optimistic wish lists, over-budgeting, and / or adding change orders later-on can be financially unrealistic. Therefore, once the budget has been established, stick to it. Sounds simple, but it's not.
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Selecting Contractors
Finding the right contractor is as important as knowing your budget. After compiling the names of different contractors, narrow the list to three. Don't finalize your selection until all of the available information related to each of the three contractors is obtained from the California State Contractor's Licensing Board (CSLB). The CSLB can substantiate the contractors license number, the years in business, and can make you aware of any unnerving complaints that warrant removing a contractor from your bid list. Their website is www.cslb.ca.gov. Also, there's a hot line just waiting to help you. Use it by calling (800) 321-2752.
Interviews
Once you have confirmed your three contractor choices, meet your prospective bidders one at a time. The three potential bidders will provide you with the cost assumptions necessary for obtaining a weighted average of the project's potential cost and will validate your budget. Also, a one-on-one meeting will: allow you to gain a greater prospective of your potential project through the eyes of others; gain a greater understanding of the proposed bid being presented by each contractor; and most importantly, enable you to meet the contractor as an actual person. This process will assist you with making a better informed decision for selecting your contractor.
Bids
One thing to keep in mind, the “Low Bidder” is not always the correct contractor for your project.
The low bid can also mean something over-looked or under-bid by the contractor. Selecting the low bidder could possibility mean making up the difference through unwelcome change orders and added cost to your project.
Best Wishes to You and Yours for a Happy & Prosperous
New Year!
For Construction Expertise Contact:
AMRON
Construction Services Since 1967
250700
AMRONconstruction.com
