Superior Custom Homes and Remodeling

Photos and ideas for projects

2011-04-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Newsletter Introduction

2011-03-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

10 Tips for a Smooth Remodel Project

2011-03-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

Follow these 10 tips when you embark on an exciting home remodeling project.
1.Establish good two-way communication with the remodeler. It's essential to have good communication for a smooth remodeling project. Does the remodeler listen? Does he or she answer questions clearly and candidly? Can you reach him when you need to? Does he return phone calls promptly? Does he let you know when problems arise and work with you on solving them?
2.Make sure you have compatibility and "fit" with the contractor. You'll spend a lot of time with your remodeler so it's important to have a good rapport and trust in him.
3.Set a clear and mutual understanding about the schedule. You and your remodeler should agree on the schedule up front to avoid conflict and problems later in the project.
4.Request a written proposal. Often times, two people remember the same conversation differently. Get the proposal in writing and work with the remodeler to ensure it reflects your wishes.
5.Determine a clear and mutual understanding on the miscellaneous details. There are a lot of little details that need to be settled before work starts. What times of day will they be working? How will he access the property? How will cleanup be handled? How will they protect your property?
6.Remember to be flexible. Remodeling is an interruption of your normal life. Remember to be flexible during the project so that you can handle the unexpected and go with the flow.
7.Create a clear and mutual understanding of how Change Orders will be handled. With remodeling there is always the chance you may want to change materials or other project details during the job. Agree with your remodeler on how these changes will be handled before the start of work. Also understand that changes could affect the schedule and the budget, so it's important you have all changes in writing.
8.Have a well-written contract that covers all the bases. The contract should include these elements: a general timetable for the project, price and payment schedule, detailed specifications for all products and materials, insurance information, permit information, procedures for handling change orders, lien releases, provisions for conflict resolution, and details on the important issues (such as access to your home, care of the home, cleanup and trash removal).
9.Set up weekly or bi-monthly site visits to inspect the work and ask questions. This allows you to address issues and change orders early and also helps the builder have space to be efficient with his time. Requesting to meet daily or dropping by every day usually takes the builders time and slows things down. Give them time to work and make progress.
10.Establish a project plan, covering all phases and dependencies in the work. Plan your big picture goals with the remodeler and talk out your needs. Hire a remodeler who will plan it out with you, listen to concerns, and answer questions.
--From How to Hire Your Dream Remodeler by Tom Higgins
For more information, contact us at http://www.MySuperiorHome.com/

How to Find the Best Contractor

2011-03-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

As you consider building a custom home or embarking on a renovation project with a contractor,it is critical to find one best suited for your needs. Here are some things to look for...

Green Light:
He has a good reputation in the industry. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend good contractors. Another reliable source of referrals is other people in the trades: a plumber or painter you love who raves about a general contractor. If they're willing to put their professional reputations on the line by vouching for him, they must like what they see.

His business card includes a local address. A builder who provides a physical address that's in your community is far less likely to disappear on you than someone whose true locale is hidden behind a post office box.

He can provide plenty of references. Even terrible contractors have had a few happy clients along the way. Ask them if the contractor finished on time and under budget and provided great customer service.

Yellow light:
There are some good-but-quirky tradesmen who exhibit the following traits. Think twice about hiring them unless every other indicator looks terrific.

He drives a rusted-out jalopy. A bucket of bolts that leaves an oil slick in your driveway doesn't bode well for the attention to detail or fiscal stability of the person driving it.

"That's not to say everyone has to ride around in a gleaming new truck," says Dick Mitchell, president of the New Orleans branch of the Better Business Bureau. "But it should be clean and well maintained." Painted-on signs are better than magnetic ones, which are cheap and temporary.

He wants cash. Even if you don't care that he's shirking his taxes by taking cash (or a check made out to cash), consider what other costs he may be cutting - like licensing fees, insurance bills and skilled crew members.

He doesn't provide a cell number. Sure, you might find the rare contractor who has someone (probably his wife) manning his business line. But for the most part, the only way to quickly get hold of a tradesman is by cell phone. If he doesn't want to give out that number, it isn't because he's conserving his minutes - he doesn't want to be reachable.

Red light:
If you see any of these signs, don't hire the guy - even if you've had good luck working with him before.

He wants to skip the permit - or have you apply for it. Any major improvement project legally requires a building permit, which means that inspectors will check the work. If a contractor wants to go without a permit, it means he'd rather not have anyone looking over his shoulder (other than you, but let's face it, you don't know what to look for).

If he wants you to apply for the permit yourself, it could be because he doesn't have the necessary state licensing - and it means you'd be the middleman between the inspector and contractor instead of letting them work things out directly.

He seems sleazy. Ultimately, you have to feel comfortable letting this person into your home. Clearly, you're not going to hand your house keys to someone who flips a cigarette butt into your flower beds or leers at your 16-year-old daughter.

But if he doesn't look you straight in the eye or you just have a gut feeling that something might be amiss, go ahead and cross him off your list. Nowadays, thankfully, there are plenty of contractors available to do the job.

Build your dream house now with Superior Custom Homes and Remolding at www.MySuperiorHome.com

Superior Custom Home Builder and Remodeler in TN

2011-03-05T01:50:00.000-08:00