Recommendations From Contractors

Picking a contractor is the most important decision you’ll  make during your remodeling process. There are many factors to consider  and  none may be more important than getting recommendations and evaluating them.

What do we mean by this?

Every contractor can find someone that will say something nice about them. I’ve had many letters of recommendation over the years and we  strive  to be better each time we do a project.  While I sometimes  use these recommendations,  I prefer to use references for projects  that are recent or even  in process.

With the challenging economic times it’s entirely possible that a recommendation for a contractor written a year ago or less might be totally irrelevant today. If you really want to know how a contractor is administering  and pricing a project it’s best to ask someone who has the experience fresh in  mind. Many contractors (and I’ve mentioned this before) tell people what they want to hear and not what they need to know, resulting in inaccurate bids, changes orders and ultimately a more expensive project.

Do your homework upfront and you’ll have a much better remodeling experience and a quality, reasonably priced project.

Choosing a Design Professional

An effective design professional (draftsman or architect) is skillful in their trade, listens to their clients, and works to create a beautiful, functional and sustainable project  that realizes the homeowner’s  vision and works within their budget .

In my experience, choosing a contractor who works with such a professional yields a better outcome for everyone.  The contractor will make sure that the plans reflect the entire scope of the project and that the designer creates a set of plans that sub-contractors can read and understand.  When sub-contractors have a clear picture of what they’re bidding on, the price will invariably be more competitive.  This relationship also assures  the client that the design professional will be readily available in case any changes occur.

Cost Versus Value

When making a decision to remodel, you want to get the highest return for the money you spend.  We often hear about “cost versus value” but “value” is a subjective term.
If you are a homeowner and have only enough money to do one project think about where you spend time. Livingroom? Bedroom?  Bathroom? Kitchen? For example, if you enjoy your kitchen, look around and ask yourself some question: are the appliances still in good working order or are they starting to break down? Are the cabinets outdated and showing signs of wear? Would it be more comfortable for you if your countertops were higher?  Remodeling your kitchen might be what creates the most “value” for you.
However, if you are an investor with an eye to reselling in the near future, your idea of value is about what will appeal to your future buyer. In addition to looking at what needs replacement or repair, think about the potential age of your buyer. Do door spaces need to be wider?  Would an easily accessible shower be more user friendly than a tub? These are some of the considerations when putting more money into an investment property.
So whether you are a homeowner or an investor and want to get the most from your time, energy and money have your project done right the first time. While it is tempting to try to do it yourself, or work with someone whose “office” is out of the back of their truck, the value you get for the seemingly lower “cost” may not be the bargain you thought you were getting.

Next Topic: Choosing a design professional

Let’s Talk Remodeling

Welcome to our blog series on remodeling. Whether you work with us or another contractor we want you to have the information you’ll need to make a smart, informed decision. There are many hidden pitfalls in the process of remodeling that could result in you actually paying more for less. Do your homework and you’ll have a successful outcome that will be a pleasure for years to come.

Follow us as we cover topics like cost versus value, picking a design professional, getting and evaluating recommendations for contractors, understanding plans, and reading specifications. We’ll help you understand the importance of making sure the specifications dovetail with project plans and your expectations. Other critical issues like insurance, permits, and workers compensation (often overlooked by clients) will be covered in detail here and in depth on our web site.
We’ll help you understand why decisions you will make up front will determine the quality and longevity of the finished product. Now, more than ever, it’s critical that homeowners verify the experience and financial stability of their contractor and the reliability of the subcontractors they’ll employ on their project.

The right contractor will go the extra mile for his clients, providing customized drawings that help them understand what the final product will look like.

Thank You For Thirty Years

We Couldn’t Have Done it Without You!

We owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one of our clients over the past thirty years for the opportunity they have provided us on Longboat Key.  Not only have we been allowed  in to your home, many of you have become dear friends. We owe our success to you!

As we enter our fourth decade we are working hard to exceed the level of service you’ve come to expect. Times have changed for all of us and we’re adapting to meet the demands of the new economy. We are working hard to  provide high quality work at competitive prices. Client service and satisfaction remain our primary objective. We’ll be here when you need us!

All The Best

Rusty Chinnis