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Whether you’re remodeling your outdated kitchen, adding a home office or including a patio in the backyard of your Santa Cruz home, starting a home renovation is exciting.
With many decisions to be made around your renovation choosing the right remodeling contractor in Santa Cruz is most probably one of the most important decisions. Working with the right contractor lays the foundation for a successful project.
Signing your contract
Before starting any work on your Santa Cruz home renovation, a contract must be entered into between yourself and the remodeling contractor. It is also essential that you know what to look for before signing any contract.
If there is a delay in getting a contract from the remodeling contractor, this could be a warning sign. Any good Santa Cruz remodeling contractor should not begin any work on your project until both parties have signed the agreement.
For projects that require urgency and contracts are still being negotiated and finalised, verbiage can be added that states that it is an interim contract until all terms of the contract have been finalised between yourself and the remodeling contractor. If this is the case the formal contract must be signed as soon as possible to protect both parties.
What to look for in a home remodeling contract
Having a solid contract in place sets the scene for a successful and fruitful partnership. It also assists to create a sense of trust between both the homeowner and the remodeling contractor.
Here are some important points that your contract should cover:
Scope of project
A detailed scope of your project should be included in the contract, this includes items such as a deliverable by the Santa Cruz remodelling contractor, timelines as well as the resources that will be required. The scope will give a detailed description of the work that will be performed, work that falls out of scope as well as the materials and finishes that will be used.
Timeline
The contract should stipulate when the project will start and how long it will take to be completed. As delays from unforeseen circumstances do arise, it is important to get the timeline in writing to manage expectations from both sides.
Payment Terms
Most Santa Cruz contractors ask for deposits to secure the business. This is for purchasing materials and also paying sub-contractors along the way. Be wary of anyone asking for full payment upfront.
Exclusions
A solid contract not only includes the scope of the project but also stipulates what items will not be covered in the remodeling project.
Red flags in a Santa Cruz remodeling contractor
Just like any business, the relationship you form with your remodeling contractor should be based on trust and respect. If you have found any of the below red flags or pain points in the initial dealings with your remodeling contractor, it is best to look for someone new:
– References are being withheld
– No licenses or insurance
– Full payment upfront is requested
– Does not disclose the project team members
– Can not give a clear and realistic timeline
– Does not answer phone calls
When is the best time to remodel your Santa Cruz home?
“Is it better to renovate in Summer”
“Is it cheaper to start a remodel during Winter”
These are questions that get asked a lot by Santa Cruz remodeling contractors.
If you are starting an urgent home renovation, it is also best to do it as soon as possible. With that being said, good planning on a home renovation project goes a long way and saves a whole lot of time and money in the long run.
Let us take a look at a remodeling project examples and when would be the best time to start the work:
Spring
Repairs, adding insulation, installing or replacing windows and building a deck or patio are all great projects to undertake during Spring.
Summer
The season of Summer has always been the most popular for home remodels in Santa Cruz. The great weather is ideal for tackling big projects. It is because of this that many Santa Cruz remodeling contractors are in high demand so it is wise to plan according to and book in advance.
Furnace and fireplace repairs and installations are great to do during Summer so that you are prepared for the Winter months.
Fall
Whether you are looking to re-do your landscaping or re-model your bathroom, Fall is one of the best times to take on a home improvement project. The cooler temperatures allow contractors to work in a better environment. Areas such as attics or basements that are generally overheated in the Summer months are perfect to work on in the Fall.
A Santa Cruz home remodeling project not only enhances the quality of your life in your home but also adds tremendous value to your property down the road. Although home improvement projects often feel overwhelming at first, having the right Santa Cruz remodeling contractor will make the journey that much easier and more rewarding.
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