Home remodeling is a generally large project that requires pre-planning, permits, and plenty of materials. The average amount spent on remodeling is $15,000. When you choose to work with a general contractor, you can expect professionalism and experience. Depending on the size of your project, you may need a consultant to help guide you. Even for a small project, a little advice can go a long way. A contractor can direct you through the requirements to avoid making common errors. Get your remodeling project on track with the help of contractors.
To get started on your next remodeling project in Kirkland, WA, you can work with a talented team that understands your concerns. Call us today for a consultation with Home Care Contractors.
How General Contractors Get the Job Done
You can avoid making terrible errors and permit violations with proper planning. Get quality work done by taking the appropriate steps.
Difference Between Remodeling and Renovation
There is a lot of confusion between the words “renovate” and “remodel,” as they sound like they are the same activity. However, remodel refers to creating something completely brand new after demolishing it. To renovate is to restore an area of your home to make it brand new again. Remodeling requires a great deal of construction compared to renovation, and that can be a combination of refurbishment and new additions.
What do General Contractors Do
When you work with a team of contractors, this means that your work project will be done correctly. General contractors understand the local codes, permits, and special requirements that are necessary for home construction.
Project Planning
Any kind of construction project requires a schedule that lists in detail all activities needed for its completion. This includes a planned budget and also a productivity timeline. Contractors will create a project plan to help them deliver it according to what you specified. They help you determine the equipment, material, and subcontractors that are needed. To implement the project, it has to be carefully planned out with risk reduction strategies in mind. Contractors communicate with their subcontractors and team members throughout their work efforts.
Contractors Get Complex Tasks Right
When you take on large remodeling projects alone, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Unexpected mistakes can be avoided with the help of a skilled construction team. For example, removing and relocating walls sound as simple as knocking down and hanging up new drywall, but it is much more complex. The structural integrity of walls, roofs, and other supportive structures has to be built according to rigid protocols. This is something contractors know best. Additionally, if a contractor ever lacks the experience to complete a project the right way, they hire subcontractors who are experts in their specific industry.
Scope of the Project
To get a remodeling project done on time, a general contractor will help keep construction materials within budget. They will purchase the materials and construction equipment needed for the project’s completion. Some equipment may be rented if it is highly expensive. There will be a pre-planned supply of materials that were obtained in a cost-effective way. For specialized work, your contractor will interview individual subcontractors before hiring them. You can work closely with your contractor every step of the way. They will employ quality control for every stage and make sure that construction methods were applied carefully.
Following Local Codes
Contractors have to follow very specific codes regarding how home construction is performed. There are local building codes and regulations that, if not followed, can result in violation fees and liens. It can be illegal to do construction without paying attention to building codes and obtaining a permit for the remodeling project. Building codes are not the only minimum requirement for compliance, but this may also include energy codes. If the performance of your home is below the energy code requirements, your utility bills may be higher. A general contractor understands this and will make sure your project doesn’t result in violations.
Bonded, Licensed, and Insured
Contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured, which means that they meet the minimum requirements to do business in your state. To get a license, there are certification tests that must be completed. Contractors must have passed these tests and paid a licensing fee in order to receive the license. To be bonded, a business has to purchase a surety bond, which is used as a formal agreement. This includes three parties: The principal, obligee, and surety. The principal is the purchaser, who is the company that provides services to others. The obligee is a state institution that requires a bond before the principal does business. The surety is the insurance company that provides the bond. This means that if there are any damages, losses, theft, failures, and other mistakes, the other party can file a claim and receive compensation from the insurer. The principal would repay this at a later date. That means that doing business with a bonded general contractor is safer. Your general contractor will also be insured. The risk is placed on the insurance company and not you. Commercial insurance protects the company from suing you for injuries that occurred on your property.
What Are Benefits You Can Expect
When working with general contractors, you can take a step back while professionals get the project done. You can be in constant communication with them and oversee the project.
No Labor Involved
You may be able to commit yourself to a DIY project, but often it’s simply safer, more effective, and more efficient to let a contractor handle it. The project may take up a lot of time and drag on for months if you have a full-time job. Then there’s also the chance you’re not a specialist and perform the task incorrectly. Other than that, you get the opportunity to sit back while professionals handle the hard work for you. Additionally, you can stay in contact with them to make sure the construction is going according to your established agreements.
Create a Timeline and Schedule
A general contractor may have their own schedule they need to follow, but they are still considerate of your needs. You can create your own timeline and schedule that fits along with their availability. You can work outside of the summer when there is a lower chance of the contractor having projects lined up. Once you and your general contractor agree to a timeline, they have to strictly follow the deadline and fulfill budgeting goals.
Negotiation and Supervision of Subcontractors
A lot of effort goes into hiring a subcontractor, which you may not realize initially. You not only have to interview every subcontractor, but you have to check for licensing, insurance, and other proof that they are ready for the task at hand. Fortunately, your general contractor can perform all of these tasks. They may already be in touch with subcontractors they know well and have agreements that make work more affordable. You don’t have to worry about being scammed by a subcontractor, or several, as your project may require a number of them. Your contractor will investigate them all.
Getting Permits
It will save you time when your general contractor obtains the permit for you. Typically, you have to draft up your project plan, go to your local state department for home construction, submit your project according to guidelines, and wait for permission. Instead, your contractor will obtain those permits for you and help your home stay within compliance measures to prevent you from costly violation fees.
Pre-Planning Phase
When you get started on your home project, you should at first have some idea of the type of remodeling or renovation you would like to do. It is a good idea to group areas of your home, then detail each task necessary for them.
Pre-planning Areas for Construction
You can divide up designated areas of your home into groups, then make an itemized list to help make your project easier to execute. Each area of your home will have unique specifications which will require special attention.
Flooring
You can choose from a variety of materials and sizes for your flooring. For example, a stand-up shower in your bathroom will require smaller tiles to line the bottom. When incorporating new flooring in your kitchen, you can’t use wood flooring because it expands and contracts in heat and cold. An expert can help guide you on the type of material you can use in each area of your home.
Windows
You can reshape the size of your windows and install newly updated ones. New windows are more energy-efficient and come with built-in insulation and shielding from the elements. Some are also built to be hurricane-proof, where debris can’t penetrate the glass. You can be informed of the pricing and material by your contractor regarding the type of windows you would like.
Walls and Roofing
You may choose to knock down and move walls around, which can change the entire layout of your home. The roof may also need remodeling, which is a much bigger task that will require a team.
Electricity, Plumbing, and HVAC
All of your walls will require electricity and outlets. The ceiling of your whole home will need vents installed throughout key areas. You will also need plumbing in your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room.
Painting, Lighting, and Polishing
The finishing touches will require painting all the walls and installing lights. You can install energy-efficient studio lights, chandeliers, and other types of styles. Glass and countertop surfaces can be polished after the construction is completed.
Estimate Entire Project
Once you have decided how you want to remodel your home, you have to include realistic cost expectations that fit your budget. The lower-end cost of remodeling a bathroom starts at $300 to $630 square feet. A full home renovation can be anywhere between $100 to $250 per square foot. Remodeling a kitchen can be $150 per square foot on the lower end and $650 on the higher end. Adding a wood deck may cost around $40 square feet on average. You can plan a project that is within your budget and pick materials that fit your cost expectations.
Design Elements
With remodeling comes change, where you have the opportunity to update entire areas with more modern approaches. You may be able to incorporate beautiful design elements and remodel your home with a new look. For example, the open concept in kitchens is a unique approach to incorporating dining, entertainment, and living room spaces all in one area. You may also be thinking of building a patio outside to expand your home space outdoors, allowing you to have more room to entertain guests on your deck. You might want to remove old popcorn off of your ceiling or re-do a staircase. Slight changes can also revamp an entire home. If you are lost in this area, your general contractor can help you by providing a design consultant to help give you neat ideas for renovation. They will also give you advice on what is doable according to your budget and the size of your home.
Review Plans with Contractor
You may need to sit down and have multiple meetings with your contractor to go over your schedule and expectations. They will need to hear about all aspects of your project and what you hope to accomplish. This way, they can order the correct materials and schedule deliveries for the prompt construction of your project. During this phase, you will create a contract that all parties agree to, which includes the pricing details, equipment, tools, materials, and subcontractors you may have to work with.
Construction Timeline
Your contractor will be in constant communication with you and keep you on top of each phase of the construction. If there is extreme weather that delays the construction of your home, they will keep you up to date. Your contractor will do their best to fulfill the budget and stick to the agreements of your contract. Remodeling takes on average two to six months to complete. The spring or summer months tend to be the busiest time of the year for contractors. To get speedier results, pick a winter month. Otherwise, you can plan ahead and take a family vacation during the summer during the remodeling.
Schedule Inspections
Once the remodeling has been completed, your contractor will need to review the entire home and make sure that there are no issues with the home. This post-construction phase requires troubleshooting of the entire home. They clear out the debris and also make sure the home is safe for habitation. General contractors make sure that there are no building code violations.
How to Start Your Remodeling Projects
You can get more information from knowledgeable experts in the construction industry. They can inspect your home and let you know the exact estimate and cost of your goals. Your contractor will work with you to complete your remodeling or renovation project at an affordable cost. With the help of your contractor, you can see the timely completion of your renovation. To get started, contact Home Care Contractors today for a consultation.