Rauser Professional Contracting

"Custom Home Building and Remodeling"

Reisterstown, Maryland

serving the entire Baltimore metro area

"Turning visions into reality, with custom homes and renovations since 1981. RPC maximizes satisfaction with a company principal overseeing each project ... plus a lifetime guarantee."

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By Bill Rauser

It is for this reason and many others that people turn to remodeling, rather than buying a new home. When you want a larger living space or a different look, it is usually much more economical to remodel your existing structure than buy a new home.

Remodeling is not necessarily an easy task, however, since you're weaving new ideas and structures into existing ones. For that reason, and many others, you will want to work with professionals who can offer expertise, creativity, and flexibility. A contractor can make this experience a nightmare or a "dream come true." For your convenience, here are some tips to follow to ensure your remodeling experience is rewarding and fulfilling:

REFERENCES

• Make sure the contractor you choose has good credentials. Contact the Remodelers Council of the Maryland Home Builders Association or the Maryland Home Improvement Commission and/or government Consumer Affairs Office for additional information on the contractors. Financial stability and business practices are important considerations.
• Ask for references. This will allow you to talk with people who have worked with the contractor, and may even allow you to see a finished product.
• Ask the contractor if he belongs to a professional organization. You can then contact the organization to determine what services they provide.
• Be sure your contractor is insured against claims covering such areas as worker's compensation, property damage, or personal liability.

PROPOSALS

• If you choose to solicit proposals from more than one contractor, be sure all the proposals are based on common specs.
• If you get more than one proposal, go over each to make sure you understand everything, including responsibility for clean-up and trash removal. Don't necessarily go with the lowest price - a higher price may be the best value.

WRITTEN CONTRACTS

• Work only with written contracts. Verbal agreements rarely hold up, and the confusion factor is higher.
• Sign only a complete and acceptable contract. You and your contractor should keep a copy.
• Study the financial details carefully. Pay special attention to total price, payment schedule, and any penalties that may be instituted against you.
• Make sure there is a procedure for handling changes once a project has begun.
• If you have doubts after you've signed the contract, remember that contracts signed in your home with your contractor or his agent can likely be canceled by you within three working days. Discuss this with your contractor.
• Make sure that all materials are specified by brand, model, color, quantity, size, etc.
• Some states require contractor workmanship warranties. They must be noted as either FULL or LIMITED. Be sure you discuss and understand all workmanship warranty details before accepting a contract.
• Start dates and completion dates should be noted. Allowances should be specified for uncontrollable delays.

CODES AND PERMITS

• Make sure the contractor gets all the necessary permits. This makes the contractor liable for meeting codes.
• Be aware that separate permits are required for electrical, heating, or plumbing work.
• The contractor is responsible for calling for inspections. Take it upon yourself to make sure they are not overlooked.

WORKING WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR

• No work should occur until you have approved the plans.
• Keep track of all changes during construction, and make certain they are added to your contract.
• Note new costs on your contract.
• Never sign a completion certificate until all contracted work is properly completed.

Keep these suggestions in mind during all phases of your remodeling process, and you will find that remodeling is much easier than shopping for a new home and will give you a renewed sense of pride in your house. In fact, it may be so easy, that after you finish adding on your new bedroom, you may begin to wonder, "Now, what about that sunroom I've always wanted...?"

Bill rauser is president of rauser Professional Contracting, builders of custom homes and remodeling projects. He can be reached at 410-833-3883 or visit the web site at http://www.rauser.com.