There are probably a few things you'd like to change about your home. Perhaps you want to put hardwood flooring into the dining room or add a marble countertop to the kitchen. It could be a project as major as finishing an attic or something as simple as changing the wallpaper in one room. If you love your home but have some lingering improvement ideas, you may be ready for a remodel.

Hiring the Right Contractor

Should You Do-it-Yourself? As you progress through the planning stage of your remodel, you'll have to consider whether or not you'll want to do part or all of the project yourself.

Examples of good do-it-yourself projects:

• Painting and wallpapering
• Minor landscape and exterior improvements
• Replacing or repairing shelves, decks, fencing, closets, and storage cabinets

Examples of projects best left to the pros:

• Major kitchen and bathroom upgrades
• Major landscaping and exterior improvements (such as replacing the entire driveway)
• Plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling system upgrades or repairs
• Major work on roofs, windows, doors or structural elements

If you're looking to cut costs on major remodel projects, it's possible that minor stages such as repainting could be done on your own. When in doubt, leave it up to a trained professional.

Projecting Costs

A well-planned remodel project includes an initial estimation of the project's costs. This should be done regardless of whether you'll be hiring a contractor or doing the work yourself. Estimating the costs will let you know early on if the planned job is one you can realistically afford. If you will be accepting bids from contractors, you can use your estimate as a rough guideline. It can also be a useful way to see if the contractor has forgotten to address important items (or conversely, if you have made an oversight). Itemize the following expenses:

Permits: Permits are required for many major aspects of a remodel project. For example, in one project you might need to secure a street use permit, demolition permit and building permit. For information on permitting fees, speak with your city's planning department.

Labor: Multiply typical wages by hours of work. Don't forget to factor in worker's insurance if you are hiring subcontractors who will require coverage.

Tools: Less applicable if you hire a contractor, this can include any construction equipment used and rental costs for larger equipment.

Safety equipment: Any do-it-yourself project requires the purchase of hard hats, goggles, safety gloves, etc.

Materials: Be thorough in this department. Include things like lumber, insulation, tile, fixtures, etc. Overestimate on prices for now, though your contractor may have access to better rates.

Cleanup: Include any dump or hazardous waste disposal fees.

Décor: Light fixtures, window enhancements and other decorative elements can add up quickly.

Once you have made your own budget, add an additional 15 percent to cover the unexpected. This approach adds a more realistic "worst-case scenario" factor to your budget.

Hiring the Right Contractor

A successful remodel project begins with the selection of a good contractor. Professional, reliable contractors will bring your remodel dream to reality. Bad contractors are responsible for the kinds of remodel stories that can give a homeowner nightmares. Thorough research and careful evaluation will enable you to make the right choice.

The Search Begins

Browsing through the yellow pages for a contractor is little better than drawing a name out of a hat. To find desirable contractors, you must first find people familiar with their work. Ask for contractor referrals from friends, neighbors or colleagues who've finished remodel projects. Were they satisfied with their experience? Your local building supply store or home center may also be able to make suggestions. If all else fails, you can still turn to the phone book as a last resort.

Experience Counts

While new contractors may certainly be entirely capable, screening based on experience is a sound way to protect your investment. Choose a contractor with at least five years of experience relevant to your project.

License to Build

Check to see if the contractors you're considering are licensed by the state. This step weeds out unlicensed amateurs, and many states or local business bureaus have contractor complaints on file by license number.

Financial Stability

Good contractors should be willing to fill out a credit application (you can use a form from your bank as a guide). Verifying a contractor's bank standing will ensure that they're not depending on your down payment to finish a previous project.

Insurance

General contractors should carry both worker's compensation and general liability insurance. Get copies of policies from the contractor's insurance company.

Previous work

While most contractors will provide photos and/or videos of past projects, it's preferable to get a first-hand look. Contractors should be happy to refer you to previous clients, and homeowners who've had remodel work done are typically happy to show their homes. At the very least, contact one or two previous clients to gauge their overall satisfaction.

Work habits

What are their regular work hours? How do they deal with delays? Will the contractor be on-site or will a project manager handle the day-to-day duties?

Before the bids

The more general you are in your planning, the wider the range of bids you're likely to receive. Creating detailed project specifications will make for more accurate bids from contractors. Accurate specifications of all materials can be made by yourself or with the help of a professional designer.

The Bids

Having your own estimated cost sheet will help you assess the bids you receive from contractors. Be wary if you receive one bid that is far below the average of other bids. This could be the sign of a contractor who is desperate for your business.

The Contract

Most contractors will have their own contract forms. Call for a re-written or new negotiated contract if you find areas that are lacking or items that have not been addressed. Things you should be looking for include: payment schedules, timeline of work, safety/worker conduct provisions and provisions for project cleanup. Always specify that you and the contractor must approve all changes, and note the fees associated with changes made after the contract date. If you have difficulty sifting through the legal wording of the contract, employ the help of your attorney.

Overall Considerations

The contractor you hire will greatly determine the outcome of the project for your home. He or she will also be someone you deal with on a frequent basis throughout the near future. You should feel comfortable both with a contractor's abilities and the way in which they interact with you. Good communication and trust are the most important parts of the contractor-client relationship.

Cindy Joynt Prudential Georgia Realty

400 North Lake Lanier

925 Sanders Road

Cumming, GA 30041

Phone/Fax Numbers:

Primary: 678-313-4018

Office Phone: 770-844-8484

Business Fax: 770-844-9875

Web Site: http://www.cindysellsit.com