| Hiring a Contractor |
|
For many remodeling jobs, hiring the contractor is the most important step. A qualified and efficient remodeling contractor can save you headaches and more than earn their fee. Remodeling contractors are a specialized breed. Let’s take a look at what they do before deciding whether and how to hire one. Most remodeling contractors are actually general contractors. That is, they have extensive construction and business experience in many aspects of construction and remodeling. They could build you a house, remodel it, repair it, or raze it. They’ve probably passed various state examinations and are licensed. Some bathroom remodeling contractors are actually specialists who have expanded their services. For example, many bathroom contractors started out as plumbing contractors and have morphed into bathroom specialists to meet the marketplace. So what does a remodeling contractor do for his or her money? Of course, that depends on what you hire the contractor to do. What’s included in the contractor agreement? In most cases, your remodeling contractor will: * Supervise all aspects of the work done at the remodeling site * Hire, supervise, pay, and fire subcontractors as needed to get the job done * Coordinate getting building permits and any variances * Buy all materials and supplies needed in construction * Make sure that the site is inspected and approved by the building department * Make sure that all subcontractors are legal and have the needed insurance (like worker’s compensation insurance) For this effort, the contractor typically gets 10 to 25 percent of the total value of the project. The contractor subtotals the costs of materials and subcontractors, then adds the management fee. Alternately, the remodeling contractor can be hired to manage the project for a specified hourly rate. Or a lump sum may be agreed upon.
|
