Avoid common remodeling pitfalls with careful planning, research and reference.

By Catherine Dorsey (as printed in Southern Home and Garden, March 2003)

Anyone who has survived a home remodel with their sanity intact can tell you: remodeling is not for the weak at heart. When remodeling, remember: anything that can go wrong, probably will; you will almost always run over budget; and you may even, at some point, be tempted to take your contractor’s name in vain. But with careful planning, you can avoid many of the common headaches and pitfalls associated with remodeling your home.

Some remodeling nightmares are impossible to avoid: inclement weather, out of stock building materials, and homeowner change orders can cause delays during a major remodel. In older homes, hidden problems such as asbestos insulation, lead paint, or black mold can present unplanned challenges. But the more work you out into planning and finding the best help, the less hurdles you will encounter during your remodeling process.

The first step, after developing a clear idea of what you want to achieve, is deciding what professionals can help you get the best results. A larger, more complex job probably warrants an architect, particularly when tying in multiple rooflines or significant alerting the exterior shape of your home. A general contractor can handle other jobs proficiently. And some homeowners prefer to hire a contracting firm offering both design and construction services that can balance budget, design and engineering concerns.

One of the best ways to find the right professional for the job is to ask friends for references. Look at completed remodeling jobs in their homes, and identify those that most closely meet your expectations for quality and look. Narrow the list done to about three recommended contractors, then meet with them individually to discuss your ideas. Show them a written plan that identifies the initial scope and specifications of the job. Focus on quality and trust during your initial meeting rather than budget and timeline. You will most likely be spending many hours with your contractor, so finding one with a personality compatible to yours can also be a factor.

When making your selection, check with the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any unresolved complaints on file. Is your contractor a member of local and national homebuilder’s and remodeling associations? Ask about trade association memberships, contractor’s license, and weather the company is properly bonded and has property and liability insurance – particularly for larger jobs. Ask for at least ten references, and follow up on them with phone calls, keep in mind that most contractors will only give out names of satisfied clients! Beware of lowball bids: you usually get what you paid for in this business.