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| Remodeling and Home Services |
A professional remodeling contractor or design service should be consulted about design and function of any remodeling project. He or she also can help you with time- and money-saving hints.
DEVELOPING A REALISTIC REMODELING BUDGET
Review the following simple tips from NARI about developing a budget:
While it’s rare that any remodeling project proceeds without a single change order, homeowners can keep them to a minimum by sticking to their original plans. A change order is a written document detailing any requests to alter, change or remove any items in the contract or project. There are four key origins of a change order:
WORKING WITH REMODELING PROFESSIONALS
Before work begins, ask your remodeling contractor what inconveniences may occur while the project is under way and plan for them accordingly. Consider moving personal property from construction areas and declare all work zones off-limits to children and pets.
Be sure your contractor is aware of vacations or special events already planned so he or she may schedule their jobsite time appropriately.
— DETERMINING THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
Depending on your needs and the size or complexity of your intended remodeling project, there are several different options for you to explore before finalizing your plans.
Building a home involves many different skilled professionals. As you learn about the process, it’s important to know the roles that key professionals play. Following is a brief summary of job titles and descriptions in the homebuilding process.
Architects represent the most highly educated and trained category of designers. The title requires a college degree and state certification. Architects are able to translate ideas into detailed plans and material specifications. They also can oversee your project while it is in progress and are an excellent resource for other professionals, since they already have established a pool of designers and general contractors with whom they have worked in the past.
Designers are skilled in the design and building process, but are not licensed or regulated in most states. If you’re planning to work with a designer, verify his or her experience and professionalism. You’ll want to review the designer’s portfolio and look for design degrees from accredited universities and membership and/or certification from professional organizations, including the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) among others. These organizations help ensure professional standards of education, field experience and adherence to a code of ethics.
Residential Designers (Space Planners) are trained to use space most efficiently and tend to focus on floor-plan design, detailed lifestyle evaluation and design functionality. If you’re considering a floor plan, a family room, bathroom or kitchen, consult a residential or interior specialist. This specialist can spend additional time and attention on specific areas of the home that are especially important to you and your family. Often, residential designers’ expertise can overlap with interior designers because they both offer advice about the latest trends and products.
Structural Engineers need to be consulted if your project requires any structural alterations to an existing building. The role complements the work of architects, who are the spatial and aesthetic experts of building design and construction. A structural engineer can provide advice on any strengthening required and the design of new lintels, beams, walls or foundations that may be needed. Structural engineers also can perform a site inspection to establish the nature of the ground and design suitable foundations for the building.
DEVELOPING A REALISTIC REMODELING BUDGET
Review the following simple tips from NARI about developing a budget:
- Determine what you can afford. It may seem obvious, but often homeowners may expect a remodeling contractor to create the budget for them. This is not a good idea.
- Keep a reserve. Once you determine how much you can afford to spend on a remodeling job, decrease that amount by 10 to 20 percent. This reserve should be put away to cover any change orders or incidental charges accrued along the way. This will prevent a frantic scramble for additional funds at the end of the project.
- Keep “change orders” to a minimum. It is easy for a homeowner to say, “A little more on this fixture doesn’t matter. It’s very little money.” Unfortunately, having that attitude also makes it easy to overextend a prepared budget.
While it’s rare that any remodeling project proceeds without a single change order, homeowners can keep them to a minimum by sticking to their original plans. A change order is a written document detailing any requests to alter, change or remove any items in the contract or project. There are four key origins of a change order:
- The homeowner initiates one because they have changed their mind about the design or a specific product.
- Unexpected damage was found (e.g., termites).
- A code violation is uncovered that affects the project.
- The proverbial “while you’re at it…” phrase can annihilate a budget. While it’s tempting for a homeowner to have his remodeling contractor complete handiwork, it’s good to remember that any work not specified in the original contract will have an additional cost attached to it.
WORKING WITH REMODELING PROFESSIONALS
Before work begins, ask your remodeling contractor what inconveniences may occur while the project is under way and plan for them accordingly. Consider moving personal property from construction areas and declare all work zones off-limits to children and pets.
Be sure your contractor is aware of vacations or special events already planned so he or she may schedule their jobsite time appropriately.
— DETERMINING THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
Depending on your needs and the size or complexity of your intended remodeling project, there are several different options for you to explore before finalizing your plans.
Building a home involves many different skilled professionals. As you learn about the process, it’s important to know the roles that key professionals play. Following is a brief summary of job titles and descriptions in the homebuilding process.
Architects represent the most highly educated and trained category of designers. The title requires a college degree and state certification. Architects are able to translate ideas into detailed plans and material specifications. They also can oversee your project while it is in progress and are an excellent resource for other professionals, since they already have established a pool of designers and general contractors with whom they have worked in the past.
Designers are skilled in the design and building process, but are not licensed or regulated in most states. If you’re planning to work with a designer, verify his or her experience and professionalism. You’ll want to review the designer’s portfolio and look for design degrees from accredited universities and membership and/or certification from professional organizations, including the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) among others. These organizations help ensure professional standards of education, field experience and adherence to a code of ethics.
Residential Designers (Space Planners) are trained to use space most efficiently and tend to focus on floor-plan design, detailed lifestyle evaluation and design functionality. If you’re considering a floor plan, a family room, bathroom or kitchen, consult a residential or interior specialist. This specialist can spend additional time and attention on specific areas of the home that are especially important to you and your family. Often, residential designers’ expertise can overlap with interior designers because they both offer advice about the latest trends and products.
Structural Engineers need to be consulted if your project requires any structural alterations to an existing building. The role complements the work of architects, who are the spatial and aesthetic experts of building design and construction. A structural engineer can provide advice on any strengthening required and the design of new lintels, beams, walls or foundations that may be needed. Structural engineers also can perform a site inspection to establish the nature of the ground and design suitable foundations for the building.
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