Project Planning
NARI 10 Step Program to Successful Remodeling
About 25 million U.S. homeowners undertake some
type of home improvement project annually, according to the Joint Center
for Housing Studies at Harvard University. And remodeling has never been
easier – especially when using a contractor from the National
Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Because a home is the
single largest asset for most families, changing that asset by investing
more money is not always an easy decision – but it is well worth it.
When making improvements to your home, planning
ahead and taking it one step at a time are key. Home improvements, if
done properly, can be painless and even fun. Whether you are changing
your home with the intent of selling it, or if you just want to make
your home a more comfortable environment for your own personal
enjoyment, remodeling is a smart decision. Remodeling is, however, a
decision that requires patience and planning. NARI suggests using the
following ten step program when considering any remodeling project.
Step 1: Assess your current situation. Make
sure you have the financial resources, time, and patience to undertake a
remodeling project before you start. Determine if it makes sense for you
to incur the costs of remodeling. You may be better off selling your
current home and moving into a home that better suits your needs.
Step 2: Decide how long you intend to live
in your present home. If you plan on selling your home in the next few
years, check the real estate comparables for your neighborhood to see
how much you can invest in remodeling and still recoup those costs when
you sell the home. Determine if this will give you enough money to make
necessary changes.
Step 3: Define the areas of the home you
want to change. Have some idea of what you want the remodeling project
to include and what rooms you would like to change before calling a
contractor. Make a list of the rooms you would like to remodel as well
as the reasons for the changes. You may want to look through consumer
magazines for ideas on home improvement projects. This information will
help speed along the design phase of the project.
Step 4: Allow plenty of time for the
remodel. Keep in mind that delays may occur because of material
shortages, weather or unforeseen problems. Delays are especially common
for special orders and kitchen cabinets, so plan accordingly. Take this
into account when creating a realistic timetable with your contractor.
Step 5: Use a reputable contractor. The best
way to protect yourself during a remodeling project is to hire a
professional contractor. We all have heard about homeowners who seemed
to pick a contractor at random and now their roof is leaking or the
garage is only half built. If the contractor you choose is not a NARI
member, for example, you will have one less line of defense if something
goes wrong. Choose a contractor who is insured, meets any state
licensing requirements and is a member of a professional trade
association such as NARI.
Step 6: Create a realistic budget. Decide
how much you can spend on home improvements before undertaking the
project. Your remodeling budget should not exceed the increase in your
home’s sales price. If you will not be able to recoup the remodeling
costs when selling the home, and you plan to sell then home, then hold
off on remodeling.
Step 7: Get a comprehensive proposal from
your contractor. This allows you to know up front how much money the
project will cost. The proposal should also include the types of
products that will be used. If the proposal exceeds your budget limit,
then talk to your contractor about options to save you money without
compromising the look you desire for the house.
Step 8: Have a signed contract in hand
before any work begins. The contract should describe the scope of the
project, approximate start and completion dates, a payment schedule,
product types, and responsibilities of the contractor and any
subcontractors. The contract should also include provisions for change
order procedures, warranties, and alternative dispute resolution
clauses.
Step 9: Tie payments to work stages. Avoid
contractors who ask for the total or a large sum of money up front.
Contractors will usually split payments into percentages of the total
cost of the project. These payments are typically tied to significant
stages of the project, and payments are rendered as parts of the job are
completed. Keep in mind that certain projects often require a large
amount of money at the beginning, such as a kitchen remodel, to cover
the costs of ordering appliances.
Step 10: Keep your perspective. Remodeling
will be disruptive to your normal household environment. It is important
to take a deep breath, keep your focus, and work toward the end result.
If problems occur, talk to your contractor about your concerns.
Remember, remodeling is fun, and before you know it, your dream home
will become a reality.
|
