Study some references and visit show
rooms or exhibition to visualize what you really want and what are available
and trendy. Your renovation shall suit your life style and budget. Although
you will not know how much your renovations will cost, you shall have some
idea of what you want to do and how much to spend. Consider your savings,
renovation costs and other related cost, possible loan amount. Budget money to
pay for unforeseen conditions and for changes you may request during the
renovation.
To ensure professional services and
high-quality results, look for a reputable renovator. Ask friends or associate
to recommend or check in the internet a reputable renovator, or visit home
shows to meet the professional renovator. Be honest about your budget. Professional
renovators can advise you on the need for design - typical and practical design
which suits your budget, they provide rough estimates.
Request for two or three different bids.
Make sure that you provide all the renovators with the same detailed
information. It is important that they bid on the same job, or you will not be
able to compare the estimates. For estimates involving major structural changes,
such as the addition or removal of walls, renovators may also need a set of plans
that includes site and floor plans, elevations, and detail drawings.
Be honest and open about your budget.
The renovator will be able to make suggestions that will help you stay within
your budget or provide alternative ideas to stretch your dollars further.
This is perhaps the most important step
in selecting your renovator. Renovators may specialize in particular aspects
of renovations. You shall hire someone with the expertise needed for your job.
Check renovator’s past experiences and current projects.
The lowest bid does not necessarily mean
the best bargain as you cannot ascertain the service and quality you will get
at the end. A low bid may be a sign of an inexperienced contractor or that the
contractor has bided low to get the contract. Check to ensure your contractor
knows the scope and complexity of your renovation.
Discuss with your renovator the
requirements on various permits and approvals and their submission. It is
ultimately the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure full compliance before
commencement of work.
Changes may be inevitable during renovation. Try to keep
your changes to a minimum once the job is underway. If you must make a change,
choose a cost effective solution. However, do not try not short cut and be
dissatisfied with the end product. Don’t just rush your renovator to keep
the same deadline with all the changes!