• Assess your skills. Do you have the experience and skills, not to mention the tools, to do the job? Do you have friends with experience that can help? Do you have the necessary knowledge of building codes and regulations? 
• Is it worth your time? Doing it yourself saves labor costs and if you enjoy what you're doing, all the better. But remember that your time is worth something too. Would it be more worthwhile to spend weekends doing other things than remodeling the basement? And will you save that much if you have to buy expensive, specialized tools that will never be used again or if you make mistakes and have to replace expensive materials? (Keep in mind that contractors typically get their materials at a discount.) 
• Do you have the time to do it – and to live with it? Remodeling jobs can be messy. When you hire a professional, you have a better chance of getting the project done on a tighter schedule – and dealing with less of a mess. If you do it yourself and can devote yourself to the project fully, you may be spreading it out over weeks, months or even years – and living all that time in a construction zone.

• The General Remodeling Contractor - Many home improvements may not require professional design services and can be handled by an experienced remodeling contractor "who does it all". General remodeling contractors can typically take on most if not all aspects of a remodeling job, from tearing out cabinets and walls to installing floors, light fixtures and windows. If there is an aspect of your job that the general contractor can't handle, he or she will usually "sub" it out to specialist and charge a fee for overseeing the work as part of the overall project. 
• The Project - or Service specific Contractor - Some contractors specialize in bathroom remodeling jobs. Some specialize in kitchen makeovers. Others may strictly offer specialized services such as drywall finishing, tile floor installation or painting. Depending on the size of your job, your time table, and your ability to oversee your project, you may want to consider hiring "specialists" for each component of your project. 
• The Design/Build Contractor - Design/build is a concept developed to benefit the homeowner with his or her remodeling project by providing both quality design and construction services within the same company. A design/build contractor will be able to see your project through from start to finish, keeping design, engineering and budget in mind. 
• The Architect/Interior Designer – A design professional such as an architect or interior designer not only can create the construction drawings often required to secure permits and approvals for remodeling projects. They can also offer creative solutions and "how to" guidance to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary rooms.

• Ask friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors for recommendations. Other sources include local home builder and remodeling associations, home improvement and building supply stores and even your local building or zoning department. 
• Ask prospects for their business license number. Verify their license with your county or state licensing office. If you're dealing with an architect or designer, ask to see his or her registration or certification. 
• For contractors, ask for proof of insurance and verify that all appropriate policies are in effect including workers' compensation. 
• Ask for references from past customers – and check them. 
• Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints. 
• Find out if the contractor intends to do all the work himself or herself or hire out parts to subcontractors. 
• Check to see what kind of project backlog the contractor and/or design professional has and how his or her schedule fits with your project's time table.

• A complete description of the work to be completed 
• A schedule 
• Project plans, drawings or sketches with detailed specifications 
• Samples and/or literature showing the types of materials you want

• Is the estimate based on a fixed price or a cost-plus method? Are contingencies built in? Review estimates thoroughly to make sure they include everything you requested and everything you expect from the contractor. Assume that anything not listed is not included in the price. 
• A contractor may give you a "fixed price" quote, which includes all the materials, labor, equipment and fees, plus contingencies, overhead and profit. Sometimes allowances are established for items which you have yet to select such as flooring and light fixtures. The allowance, which is only an estimate, is later adjusted once you have made your final selection. 
• If it is difficult to estimate just how much the job will cost—for example, for an old house that might need extra work—a contractor may use a "cost-plus method". The contractor requests payment for the actual cost for labor, materials, equipment and a percentage for overhead and profit. Cost-plus contracts leave costs open-ended, so it's best to set a limit so costs don't get out of hand. 
• A remodeling job may uncover hidden problems, so make sure you include a contingency budget to cover unforeseen costs. 
• Don't automatically choose the contractor who gives the lowest estimate. The contractor may not have understood the project, may have underestimated what it will take to complete the work, or is simply trying to get a price advantage over the competitors 
• Look for a fair price. Factor in any differences in what the contractors are offering and the skills they bring to the job. Then add in things like reputation, willingness to make suggestions and offer advice, the likelihood of standing behind the work.

• A clause stating that work will conform to the requirements of all applicable codes, such as building, safety and fire codes. 
• Start and completion dates. 
• The price and payment schedule. 
• Agreement on who is responsible for all necessary permits, licenses, inspections and certificates. 
• Outline of the contractor's responsibilities, including things like removal of construction debris when the job is finished and warranties on all contractor supplied work and materials (in addition to manufacturer's warranties). 
• Terms for getting out of the contract for both parties as well as for dispute resolution.

Top of page

Working with the Contractor
Your remodeling job will go much smoother is you keep the lines of communication open with your contractor. Talk with the contractor, so you know what's going on and what might be needed from you.
 
Keep in mind that despite having a detailed contract, disputes can and occasionally do arise. Good communication can go a long way in settling any disagreements and keeping your project on track, on time and on budget.

Top of page

PSNC Energy at Your Service!
Let PSNC Energy help you with your remodeling project. We offer a wide selection of energy-efficient natural gas products to add to your home's comfort and convenience.

Click here to see what's available. We can also install and repair appliances, even if you didn't buy them from us.

For more information or to schedule appliance repair service, call toll-free
1-866-546-5369 today. Free in-home estimates are available for installations.

The preceding content is provided for informational purposes only. PSNC Energy does not provide specific remodeling services or endorse any contractors or builders.
 
PSNC Energy appliance sales, installation, maintenance, and repair are not a part of the regulated services offered by PSNC Energy and are not in any way sanctioned by the North Carolina Utilities Commission. There is no advantage to customers of PSNC Energy if they buy these products or services from PSNC Energy. A customer does not have to buy such products or services in order to continue to receive the same safe and reliable natural gas service from PSNC Energy.