How often do contractors' estimates go over or under original estimate?
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if i was a first time homeowner and renovator, i would anticipate it costing more $$ and time. i did not anticipate these things when we first started and it always seemed to cost more of both than i thought it should cost (too much hgtv?). we went the 'we'll be our own gc' route, there wasn't much in the way of structural changes to be done...it was not a wise decision for us at the time and we made mistakes and didn't always hire the best for the quality job we expected.
i feel it is important to get licensing info, but also references of similar work performed. and get detailed on the type of references you require. for example, i was looking to hire a painter to do a halls (10+ ft ceilings) of a 3 story house. i received references for painting a closet. not quite the same to me.
the gc and contractors are most important decision. some are worthy, some not. will work be subcontracted out or are the specialities part of gc's team?
now-a-days, there is a lot more info available on the net. get familiar with how a certain job should be performed/repaired. it'll help you decifer if a particular contractor will work out. back then, we did not, we 'assumed' they knew how to do their jobs (to our expectations). one case in particular that comes to mind was when we needed additional outlets and ceiling lighting. we brought in many electrical companies/contractors. we heard everything from running wires along baseboards to pulling up the wood floors to run the wiring under the floors. only 1 electrician asked me if there was a crawl space or something between the roof and top floor to drop wiring down that way. that's the one i hired.
also, do not settle for a contractor, due to feeling pressure to finish. another important lesson i learned.
here are some sites i found helpful in getting ballpark estimates:
also, add to the list of good advice you've received here, is know which projects/work will require city permits for your area. don't depend on contractor solely on this info.
best wishes for a successful renovation; it's exciting, frustrating and all the things in-between.
Yes this happens, it is happening to me as we speak. Much over, even though a contract was sign, he stated medium grade, without specifing a dollar amount, how the hek am i suppose to know what medium grade is to him, it is different to me. Well he said i have champagne taste, and it was not in my budget. Found out he does not have workers comp, and a couple guys working on my remodeling job are not licensed, just found this out. His work has been going down hill, and my probem is i take no shi- from anyone. He is pisse- because husband and i seem to know more about remodeling and additions then he does. If i am unhappy with his work, do i have any plan of action, i am so not happy with him. Just because someone has a license means nothing i have found. I ended paying him more money for granite, but he never drew up another contract, stating i had to pay more, was he suppose to do that for me. I need help.
Yes this happens, it is happening to me as we speak. Much over, even though a contract was sign, he stated medium grade, without specifing a dollar amount, how the hek am i suppose to know what medium grade is to him, it is different to me. Well he said i have champagne taste, and it was not in my budget. Found out he does not have workers comp, and a couple guys working on my remodeling job are not licensed, just found this out. His work has been going down hill, and my probem is i take no shi- from anyone. He is pisse- because husband and i seem to know more about remodeling and additions then he does. If i am unhappy with his work, do i have any plan of action, i am so not happy with him. Just because someone has a license means nothing i have found. I ended paying him more money for granite, but he never drew up another contract, stating i had to pay more, was he suppose to do that for me. I need help.
From what I understand, California has strict laws regarding contractors. I can't be of any assistance really because I don't know specifically what the laws in your state are.
As for drawing up another contract for the granite; a simple change order form should've been completed.
And yes, licenses don't always mean quality. A large portion of my contractors license test involved making sure I knew how to pay my taxes.
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