Quality home improvement contractors remain in high demand. It can be frustrating to get time and attention from highly recommended professionals and risky to settle for less.
With some advance planning and patience, there are things you can do now to expedite the process and not compromise your choices.
Advance preparation and a little patience will go a long way toward getting the best results from your favorite contractor.
Get Your Ducks in a Row
Depending on the size of your job there may be a lot to consider when planning your next home upgrade or remodel. Prior to meeting a contractor, take some time to prepare. This will show the contractor you are serious and ready to move forward and will help you get that much closer to starting your project.
Larger projects may require plans prepared by an architect or designer. You can hire a design-build firm that can take you through the entire process. Alternatively, you can start with an independent architectural designer. Either way, if your project requires building plans this process will take time. Plan on 3-6 months from when you first speak with an architect to when you have a preliminary set of plans ready to review with a contractor.
Selecting finish materials (cabinets, countertops, flooring, plumbing and light fixtures, etc) takes more time than you might expect. The more research you can do in advance, the better. Keep your ideas organized in a paper or electronic folder, or both. Keeping a visual list of your favorite floor plans, finish materials, and colors will help the designer or contractor better understand your preferences and needs.
Budget
Decide on a budget before meeting with contractors. You may not know at this point what your dream kitchen would cost, but you likely have a limit of what you are willing to spend.
Sharing your budget up front will help the contractor or designer steer you in the right direction. If your budget for a kitchen remodel is $50,000, but your tastes reflect a $100,000 remodel, you can spend a lot of time and money on design only to discover you need to revise your plan.
Think Off-Season
Many trades have a high and low season. Scheduling your projects during the off-season whenever possible is worth considering. Contractors may be more readily available, and you may save some money. Some trades even offer discounts during the off-season. Be sure to ask!
In the Pacific Northwest there are many opportunities throughout fall, winter, and spring where the weather cooperates for these often overlooked ‘seasonal’ projects. Following are a few.
Roofing
Most roofs can be removed in a matter of hours, promptly followed by the installation of a waterproof felt paper. It usually only requires one reliably dry day for this procedure. The new roofing material can be installed during inclement weather without compromise to your home. Most roofs will be completed in less than a week, start to finish.
Decks & Fences
Calls for deck and fence repair and new installations peak in spring and summer. Fall is a great time to start talking with these type contractors. They are winding down from summer and welcome your business in winter. Your project will be completed and ready to enjoy by next spring or summer.
Kitchen & Bath Remodels
Remodeling contractors do not have much down time these days. That said, there is still a spike in spring and a slow-down during the winter months and holidays. This can be a tremendous opportunity to get your remodeling project completed timely and with less competition than the rest of the year.
Remember, a remodel requires some advance planning. If you are close to finalizing your plans, this could be a great time to get on your contractor’s schedule for winter.
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