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Budget: A major step, and one of the first places you should start is developing an investment budget for the project. This isn’t always easy; without experience in these types of large home addition projects, you may have no idea what to expect. If you aren’t sure where to even begin, try our Addition Cost Calculator.
Style: Maintaining the style and aesthetics of your current home are very important when considering an addition. You do not want an eyesore stuck to your house just to cut costs – it is better to be patient and save so you can do it right the first time. Potential buyers will notice this right away… and will keep on moving.
Create a Wish List to start: Bring ideas to the meeting. Involve your family members as much as possible in the interior designing, colors, flooring, bathroom fixtures and all of the other selections made during the design phase. This is a fun family activity, but also since they will be the one living there, their input is important. An experienced contractor can help you make the right choices to keep your budget intact while making sure of a win-win-win project design process.
Location: Should we go off the back? Add a 2nd story? What about a master suite and garage addition? Maybe we should do a garage conversion? You might have several options as to where to put the addition; or you may not. Working with an experience general contractor will give you some trusted guidance as to the pros and cons and feasibility of the different addition placement options you are considering.
Choosing Your General Contractor: Have they done the type of addition you are looking for? Putting a room on the back of a house is not the same as opening up the roof to add a second story. Always ask for work samples, state registration information and references. Check their website for evidence they have the quality and experience you desire.
From Lititz to Conestoga, Columbia to Manheim, MBC Building & Remodeling, LLC knows Lancaster County, PA home additions.
Most Importantly… Do You Trust This Person?
When
it comes down to it, the most important thing to check is your own
instincts. How do you feel about this contractor working on what is
probably your single largest investment – your home? Do you trust this
person inside your home and around your children? Can you communicate
well with this person about the project? Are they ‘in tune’ to your
needs? Are they an expert and experienced in the type of project you are
envisioning? Don't throw away money on poor workmanship that will lower
the value of your home. And then cost more to be fixed.
Important Considerations:
•
Remodeling is NOT a commodity – you don’t decide on the project you want
done and, like a TV or Car, go bargain shopping on the internet or
around town. This effects your family’s wellbeing for an extended period
of time, the value of your home and your hard earned dollars.
• No two Remodelers are the same.
• Every project is custom.
• You must thoroughly review each proposal to get an understanding of what each contractor is presenting a bid for.
•
Your prospective Remodeler’s should be consulting with you to create
your project, not selling you on what they think should be done.
1. Will they provide their Contractor Registration info (1)?
2. Do they offer Full Health Insurance to their employees?
3. Do they have Liability Insurance?
4. Are they Lead Paint Certified (2)?
5. How much will Change Orders cost / change the original quote?
6. Do they guarantee their proposal price? Or is it just an 'estimate'?
7. Are they experienced in home remodeling or new home building (there is a HUGE difference)?
8. Have there been any complaints to the BBB (3) about them?
Does the contractor, price and contract include?
• Designs/Plans/Permits
• Realistic Allowances for your fixtures, cabinets, flooring, etc?
• All required legal documents – 3 days to cancel clause, Arbitration clause, etc
• Do they require no more than 1/3 down payment (excluding special order items), as required by PA law?
• Is
there a clear listing of all of the specific details involved,
including design, permits, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, inspections?
• A workmanship warranty?
There are two ways a contractor can earn your business. He can try to be the lowest price or the best value. (4)
The lowest price
typically comes with a large amount of risk. A low price typically
means the following: no experience, low overhead (lack of capital, needs
large down payment), no workers compensation insurance, no general
liability insurance, no business license, and no contractor’s
registration. The more items on the above list that applies, the greater
the risk to the homeowner.
The best value
is typically achieved when the customer knows exactly what they are
going to receive (detailed specifications) from a company that has a
solid reputation built on years of experience with the type of project
you are having done. They will supply a large reference list of previous
customers in your area, require no more than 1/3 down payment (PA State
Law, excluding special order items), provide proof of insurance with a
contact and phone number, proof of business license, and a state
contractor’s registration and EPA lead paint certification. They will
also offer a Warranty on their workmanship.
Resources:
(1) PA Attorney General Contractor Registration Search
(2) EPA RRP (Lead Paint) Certified Firm Search
(3) Better Business Bureau (BBB)
(4) Remodeling Magazine 2011-12 Harrisburg, PA Cost vs. Value Report
