Home renovation help

[dansuz1]

I've recently did a number of renovations on my home. Here are some things to consider:

Try Service Magic (ServiceMagic.com | Get Matched to Top-Rated Remodelers, Plumbers & More) for a list of contractors that are in your area and perform the work you're looking for.

Check the Better Business Bureau (United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings) before you sign any contract with a supplier. BBB also provides checklists of things to consider or ask a supplier before signing. Key questions are whether they are licensed (if required), bonded (for theft) and insured (for injuries on your property). Ask for references and call them. Make sure the reference had similar work performed and ask them how well it came out, was the price fair, and would they use the supplier again.

Never pay the whole cost up front. 30% down is about normal. Never go over 50%, regardless of what reason the supplier gives. Don't make the final payment until you are totally satisfied with their work and confirm that they performed everything according to the statement of work. If you make the final payment, you may or may not ever hear from them again if you have issues they need to fix.

The kitchen showrooms can be a good deal because of the volume pricing on materials that they can get, but because they have the overhead of the showroom, they have to add that cost to their prices, so check independents as well as the showrooms.

Finally, keep in mind that the non-commercial construction industry is on its knees, and most are desparate for business. Agressively shop around for the best price. While you want the best price keep in mind that they do deserve a fair profit, so balance out your negotiations. If too agressive, the quality of work and service you get may suffer.

Good luck and have fun,

Dan

[saganista]

Dominion Granite did a double-L for us 4 or 5 years ago now. This is an o-l-d house, so there's no plumb or square left anywhere in it anymore, but the counters were a drop-dead perfect fit everywhere then, and they still are. Very easy to work with...very professional in a laid back sort of way. As they'll tell you, there are only a few actual granite suppliers in the NoVa area, so there's no sense going shop to shop -- they all get their stone from the same place, so go there instead. If you really want to be blown away, take a drive up to NSI Granite in Glen Burnie, MD. It's in an old rundown warehouse out in the middle of nowhere, but they have every stone imagineable. It's well worth the trip.