Creating a Scope of Work

Many aspects of the remodeling process will seem unappealing to you, like doling out money from your savings account, living in a noisy house for a few weeks, dealing with the dust and dirt and waking up early on your days off to let in contractors. But, besides relishing in the beauty of the finished product, one of the best parts of choosing to remodel your home is planning to make your dream a reality. Since the odds are stacked against you that there are probably going to be more times of grievance than of joy, stick with the planning process until you are 100% satisfied with all of your choices.

It is best when planning actually makes up about half of your total remodel, says Bryan Sebring, who encourages his clients to create a scope of work before they meet with him. As owner of the residential remodeling business Sebring Services, he knows what it takes to ensure that the contractor and homeowner are on the same page when it comes to expectations and prices. Here, he gives some great ideas to help you formulate a scope of work that you will be proud to show to any potential contractor.

Details, details, details.

Purchase home decorating magazines and go online to design websites, suggests Sebring. Then, spend a few nights looking through the pictures and picking out certain aspects of the rooms that you find desirable. Cut or print out as many options as you want, and then start to narrow it to about two or three variances for each aspect. So, for instance, in a kitchen find pictures of countertop, cabinet, lighting and island options. It is also helpful if you cut out pictures of what you don’t like as well. This way your contractor will know what design schemes to steer clear of.

Then, with your ideas in place, head back to the computer and start browsing the websites of contractors in your area to see whose style most matches your plan for the room, and who looks like they have experience in the type of remodel you are considering.

Before you make appointments to meet with the contractors, make a detailed list of your expectations, with copies for everyone you plan on meeting with. In one column list each aspect of the room, and in the next column list your preferences. If you aren’t sure about some of the details, instead of leaving the second column empty, put an estimate of how much you are willing to spend.

Will you need an architect?

Some remodeling companies can design your room as well, but sometimes the company won’t provide you with that option. Before you settle on a contractor, find out if you will need to commission an architect to draw up plans for the room. Needing the assistance of an architect shouldn’t prevent you from using a contractor you really love, explains Sebring, but you should factor that into your budget.

Rethink your plans.

Unless you have a large disposable income, chances are you can’t really afford everything you imagine for your perfect remodel. Once you obtain bids from your perspective contractors, rethink some details of what you want in the room, and what you are willing to spend. This is when it is most important to be upfront and honest with your contractor, urges Sebring. There is a certain stigma that your contractor will hid information from you. But, maintaining a positive relationship with your contractor means establishing trust from the beginning, he explains. Let your contractor know your actual budget, and which details you feel strongest about. When reviewing all your options, both parties will be able to make negotiations that conform to both your desires and your budget.