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Get it in writing. How many times have you heard that? Well, this sound advice should also be applied to your home renovation contracts.
Paperwork, paperwork and still more paperwork. Preparing to renovate or build a new home requires thorough planning, attention to detail and solid filing skills.
For every home that I build or renovate, I employ an accordion-style file box to keep track of quotes, product warranties, samples, colour chips, product specs, photos of the house at various stages (these can come in handy down the road), a reduced set of plans, change orders, purchase contracts and all other paperwork related to the project.
I also carry the box with me to each site visit, team meeting or supplier visit.
There have just been too many occasions when I have arrived at a meeting and found that I required some other information related to the house or another product. My file box keeps me organized and well armed.
You can never have enough details or be specific enough. I often hear folks say: "Hey, those aren't the same doors that we saw in the show home." Or: "These aren't the same plumbing fixtures we saw in the showroom." Or: "How come my house needs a new paint job and we have only lived here for a year or two?" (Often painting contractors will use a low-grade flat paint, which doesn't wear well but can make your walls appear flawless.
I usually recommend upgrading the paint to a top-of-the-line product, as a few hundred dollars now will save you a few thousand in labour and paint a year or two down the road.)
Your contractor will have specified many standard products to be used in your home; these may or may not be clearly identified in your contract.
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It is important that you have as many of the individual elements 52; such as doors, cabinetry, hardware, wall finishes, plumbing, lighting fixtures and flooring products 52; itemized and clearly identified.
During initial discussions at the outset of the building or renovation process, it is imperative that you and your contractor review all the individual products and finishing specifications and have them detailed on a contract.
Rather than specify products, your contractor might opt to grant an allowance: This may be a lump sum or a per-square-foot amount. Do your homework before signing the contract. Visit a supplier or two and find out if this sum will be adequate or if you will need to supplement it. Better to know beforehand than to be surprised and blow the budget.
You will want to spell out every detail, from the model number and specified finish of a door handle, to a brand and specific line of paint. Quality can vary greatly even within the same paint line.
As you meet with individual salespeople or suppliers, you will be introduced to many options, upgrades and alternative products. It is important to be open to suggestions and to review their recommendations carefully.
Suppliers' salespeople might be hoping that you choose to upgrade. Your builder has most likely negotiated a "good deal" with the supplier (hence, the salesperson is not making a lot of money and quite often is working on a commission basis).
You want to make informed and educated decisions when choosing to upgrade a product, accept a substitution or retain a contractor -specified item.
If you decide on a product other than one specified by the contractor be sure to get all the information and commitment to use the product in writing. It should be signed by both you and the contractor. Your contractor 's initials should appear on all change orders so nobody will be able to claim that they were not aware of the product change.
Your product specifications sheet should be, well, specific. Never leave anything to chance. Include the brand name, model numbers, colour code and name, delivery dates and any other information available. Be sure the contract clearly states that no substitutions are allowed without written approval from you. Many a homeowner will be caught up in the excitement of renovation or building a new home and their budget is quickly overrun by upgrades.