To stay on time and on budget and get a quality job, choose an experienced, competent and qualified remodeler. Here are 10 tips that will help you plan your remodel and help you through the selection process!

1. For your remodel, first develop an idea of what you want. Write down a list of your needs, wants, and desires. Look at magazines and clip pictures and put these photos into an “idea book.” This helps to narrow down your favorites. Then research the cost of those items. This helps develop a workable budget and also gives the remodeler a clear idea of what you want. Decide on a budget you can live with. You will want to add 10% give or take for additional items or if there are structural defects that may need to be corrected during the remodel.
2. Figure out if you can stay in your house during the remodel. If your remodel is extensive and you can’t live in your home, you’ll need to make alternative living arrangements. If you plan on living elsewhere, you need to include this expense in with your budget.
3. Start the interviewing process. When you interview a remodeler, you should check their credentials before hiring them and ask these questions
   • How long have you been in business?
   • Do you have references?
   • Do you have a California State Contractor’s License? What is the license number?
   • Do you carry liability insurance? and
   • Do you carry worker’s compensation insurance?

   You also can check with the State Contractor’s Licensing Board and the Better Business Bureau to see if he’s had any claims made against him.

4. Ask the remodeler if they have in-house crew rather than having to hire many subcontractors. Having an experienced in-house crew helps to guarantee there are no delays for many subcontractors to schedule and perform their work. An in-house crew saves you time and money. By having the one crew perform your remodel, you will know who is in your home at all times.
5. Look for a remodeler that has experience with interior design, space planning, and layouts. This could be very helpful and could avoid having to hire other professionals. These services can be done as part of the remodeler’s job without additional expense to you.
6. When interviewing the contractor, make sure he’s informative, service-oriented, and he educates you on what your remodel will entail. It’s very important to establish a high level of trust and establish open communication with your remodeler. Make sure he has a clear understanding of your wants and desires, and let him know your budget so he can conceive a plan of action.
7. You want to choose a remodeler that gives you a detailed contract. This is a sign of an experienced professional. The contract should include information on every phase of the job including the scope of work, materials used, the start and projected finish date, and a progress payment schedule.
8. When you decide on a remodeler, have him suggest places to shop for various components. He should know where to go to look at tile, flooring, vanities, sinks and fixtures. Your remodeler should be helpful in taking you through the selection process. You should check with your remodeler the components you want to purchase so he can verify they will be compatible with the space. He should also tell you the sequence of the items you need to purchase so the project is not delayed.
9. You should select a remodeler who protects the house and keeps the jobsite clean. He should provide protective drops and coverings. He should secure the area by sealing off construction from the rest of the house by using zip walls to keep the dust down to a minimum. This method of protection can provide a major advantage to you. He should keep the jobsite clean and remove trash and debris regularly.
10. When the project is underway, the remodeler should inform you daily or weekly on your project. He should tell you what to expect and provide details on the progression of the job. He should keep you well informed and tell you when the finished completion date will be.

After your selection process, if you’ve hired a true professional, your job should proceed smoothly and efficiently. There will be hurdles that come up, but if you hire a competent contractor, your construction experience can be a pleasant one. For a qualified, competent and experienced remodeler, you’ll want to call on KRB Construction who has over 25 years remodeling experience and has a proven track record and many satisfied clients. If you have a remodeling project in mind or just need ideas, call KRB Construction at 310-766-5555 for a free estimate today.