Remodeling can do wonders for your home

Housing in Spokane has been on the rise in quality. The number of new homes being built and sold to eager buyers is very special and good for the area. It is somewhat easier to build with all of the new gadgets that improve the quality of living in and around the city.

A few years ago we noticed the increase in the number of homes being remodeled. Remodeling can do wonders for a home that may need a bit of fixing and sprucing up. With the terrific growth in home sales, most every needy home candidate for a fix-up has been painted, repaired, and given a new lease on life.

A little bit of “sweat equity” can go a long way to revitalize a home. If you have the remodeling itch, you can usually be assured that the project will be well worth the effort and cost. It can save dollars, too.

While it’s easy to dream about how much nicer the home will be with remodeling, there are some items that need to be determined — are you going to do the work or do you plan to hire a remodeling contractor? That is up to you.

If you hire a professional, be sure to get references on the work he or she has done, and if possible, go by and visit earlier jobs. Talk to the owner if possible. If you like the looks of the job, great. Still, try to get at least three written estimates from various contractors. This will establish the pricing level you will be paying for on the project.

If you go that route, be sure that the contract for the job states exactly what is to be done, and when and how change orders will be handled. There often are change orders in a project.

Check that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses and insurance. And, be sure that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you might have if it isn’t finished on time or as specified.

Will the contractor’s crew do the entire job or will some of the work go with sub-contractors? It is important to know upfront so each party knows exactly who will be doing what part of the project.

Be fair and upfront in dealing with the contractor. Get the contractor to indemnify you if the work he or she does will not meet building codes or regulations. Also, have the contractor guarantee that materials used in your project meet your specifications.

Also check the contract to see if it specifies the contractor will clean up when finished.

And, don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

Most people who remodel are outstanding at what they do. However, not all projects are the same. Having a skilled contractor tackle the job you want will generally give you a first-class result that will increase the value of your home and, more importantly, provide the home you may have been dreaming about all along.