Overcoming Remodeling Anxiety

 Continuing from the May issue of The Magazine of Santa Clarita… Another way to help with the selection process, and it is a process, is to hire an interior decorator or designer if it is interior work or cosmetic in nature. If you want to change the layout, add space or reconfigure existing space then an interior designer or Architect may be your answer. Either way, we offer both these services at our studio.
Or you can consult with a general contractor, who specializes in the areas you are looking to upgrade, update, redo, etc. If you want to remodel a kitchen, bathroom, add some space, etc. find a few good contractors and pick their brains. They can also give you a good idea of the cost for your project.
The next dilemma is which general contractor should I choose. If you don’t already have a gut-level feeling on who to choose, then keep calling and interviewing until you do. Once you have one mind, then do your due diligence. Check them out. If you don’t know how, buy my book How to Select The Right Home or Building Contractor. It is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is a quick read with lots of good information.
To help eliminate most of the anxiety at this point, have a set of drawings made up and make a list of all the items you will need to select. Select all the items you want in your project such as tile, faucets, paint colors, etc. Don’t forget to find out the availability of all the items you have selected as this could cause a delay of your completion date.
Get it all in writing once you are going to talk about an agreement (drawings, specifications, schedules for completion and payment schedules).
Don’t hire an unlicensed contractor, and don’t hire someone just because he/she is a friend or relative. Also, make sure your contractor has all the necessary insurances and references.
And lastly, set a realistic completion date.
For more information or help in hiring the right contractor, consider buying the book How to Select the Right Home or Building Contractor, available at Amazon.com.
Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. proudly serving the Santa Clarita Valley for over 35 years. For more information, please call 661-799-8089 or visit our website at: www.RGWinter.com.