The “A list” should be comprised of things like roofing, electrical upgrades and foundation work; the “B list” should contain cosmetic items that can be dropped if a budget doesn’t allow for them. John Manuel, owner of John A. Manuel Construction, says this type of categorization can really help with decision-making, because not everything can be done with the amount of money you have available.
Mr. Manuel’s also advises not to let price be the sole factor in a decision. “If you’re going to let someone work on your house, you should do some research first. Call their references to get an idea of their track record, and look at their qualifications.”
Mr. Manuel says scheduling is also an important factor. “Find out when a contractor can start and when they expect to finish. Ask them about scheduling uncertainties, such as the possibility of discovering dry rot, termites or rusted pipes. There are always gray areas, and you want a contractor who’s honest about what these might be.”
When it comes to a contract, Mr. Manuel says the more detailed, the better. “Be careful of contractors who quote you a price right after they’ve looked at your house. Even small jobs are very involved, and it takes time to put together a bid that’s accurate, realistic and comprehensive.”
California law allows for a rescission period of three business days after a contract is signed, which means you have three days to reconsider and cancel. Don’t hesitate to put the brakes on a project if you have second thoughts, even if you’ve already signed a contract. You can always go back and sign again if your concerns are eased.
Remodeling is complex, and any estimates, no matter how carefully derived, have a degree of uncertainty. The project may cost more than you expect, so be prepared to scale back your plans to something more affordable if need be.
