In seventeen years of doing remodeling, no one has ever said, “Wow! That costs less than I had expected, let’s add to the plan”
Often homeowners don’t really know what questions they should be
asking, and many contractors don’t realize that homeowners don’t always
know what questions to ask. I dare say some contractors take advantage
of this.
How does a homeowner really understand what’s being done on their house?
Instead of focusing on a particular number, focus on the details behind those numbers. It’s in the details where the true cost of remodeling resides.
The details behind the numbers, always, start with the design and the scope of work. Therefore, a detailed design and a thorough scope of work will do more to help you reach your budget AND you’re remodeling goals, than any half-baked price, estimate or proposal; while leaving you with a very good understanding of what you’re getting for your remodeling dollars.
Here are some tips for finding out the true cost of remodeling:
1) Ask for detailed plans – this ensures everyone will be on the same page
2) Request a detailed scope of work be done – find out exactly what has to be done
3) Insist on detailed pricing – every item in the scope of work should have a labor and material cost to it
4) Have the contractor walk you through the detailed numbers – ask where changes to cost could be made
Following these steps will help you feel a lot more comfortable as your project is done.
To read more on how to be sure you will enjoy the final project, read: Listen – Hear What You Could be Missing.
Mike Otto, Fair and Square Remodeling
