RNT Builders Succes Tips

Agree on the Project’s Scope

Involving a professional contractor right from the start has many advantages.  From years of experience and training, the expert is often able to suggest options that stretch the remodeling budget, save time and/or materials, meet additional needs, or better utilize proposed or existing space.

If the project is a home addition, the contractor can also determine whether there is sufficient land to meet set-back requirements and other local building code rules.  For interior work, RNT Builders will indicate what permits are needed in addition to code requirements. In general, a permit is required for structural work or when there are major changes to a basic living area.

The general contractor usually obtains all of the permits needed for the project.  Homeowners pay permit fees and are responsible for seeing that all permits are filed.  During the initial consultation, most professionals will provide a price estimate plus a tentative time schedule – two factors that are key to planning a stress-free project.

Establish the Project Budget

Few people are able to finance a remodeling project from petty cash.  With a realistic cost expectation provided by RNT Builders, LLC, it’s a matter of determining the best means of financing – whether it’s a home equity loan, tapping savings, or borrowing from a favorite brother-in-law.

It’s next to impossible to specify price down to the last nail or bundle of shingles.  But this is an area in which a skilled professional can be valuable.  The experts know ways to economize that don’t sacrifice quality, appearance, or durability.  Be up front with the contractor and ask for suggestions, stating which aspects of the job rate top priority and which are open to compromise.  Some options could be pleasant surprise.

With those issues resolved, it’s time to secure financing and get started. 

Finalize the Arrangements

From the short list of contractors you have prepared, check each for length of time in business, whether complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau, and how familiar each candidate is with the type of remodeling project you have chosen.  Then, ask each prospect for references from previous customers and contact those people.  Even better, view as many completed jobs as possible and ask lots of questions. Next, solicit two or three bids and compare them, making sure all bidders are using the same project specifications.  If there are substantial cost differences, ask each contractor to explain.  The price may reflect use of better materials or some other variable.  Simply choosing the lowest bid can be disappointing if quality is questionable.

Written Contract Is Essential

A reputable contractor will provide a detailed, written contract based on material and labor specifications.  It will specify the quantity and type of all materials, including appliances which are identified by brand and model.  Further, the contract will detail exactly what the contractor will and won’t do (such as daily site cleanup) and spell out financial arrangements including total price, payment schedule, and cancellation penalty, if that applies.  Any plans and/or drawings should be explained and approved by this stage.  Later changes will add considerably to the cost and may cause substantial delays.

This is the time to ask about warranties and request to see the contractor’s Certification of Insurance which covers Worker Compensation, property damage, and personal liability.  Never sign a contract which is vague or incomplete, and make sure the contractor has applied for all required building permits.  When the project is finished, RNT Builders, LLC. Will arrange for final inspection and approval of all work before the final payment is made, and provide a lien waiver, stating that all workers and suppliers have been paid in full, an assurance for the homeowner.

Get Ready for Adventure

RNT Builders, LLC will have already explained the project’s stages and approximate time frames for each.  Since two of today’s most popular remodeling jobs involve kitchens and bathrooms, have alternative plans in place for when such areas are out of commission.

For kitchen work, it’s best to move the refrigerator into another room with convenient access.  Microwave ovens, electric frying pans, crock pots and toaster ovens can all step in for cooking chores, and a basement or utility room sink will handle clean up.  Summer remodeling jobs can make grilling and out-door dining a pleasure.

Talk to the contractor about sealing off the rest of the house from work-related debris, and protect good furniture and carpeting with plastic sheeting or similar materials.  Remove and store valuables which could get damaged.  Plus prepare a contingency plan for times when power and/or water are temporarily turned off.

Also, establish routes in and through the house that avoid the work site as much as possible.  Further, discuss in advance which areas of the home workmen will have or need access to, such as bathrooms and telephone.  For everyone’s safety, keep children, pets, and curious neighbors out of the work site, even after-hours.

Stay Cool

Finally, stay calm and flexible while the job progresses.  Even in the best of circumstances, there may be problems or delays in locating and shipping materials, and stress won’t hasten delivery.  RNT Builders will resolve any issues and keep things moving as swiftly as possible.

Think carefully before making changes, especially major ones, in the plan, and only discuss those changes with RNT Builders.  The fewer the revisions, the faster the job will be completed.

Enjoy Your New Look

After the finishing touches have been applied and your remodeling project is getting rave reviews, take time to bask in satisfaction.  You have acted wisely not only in protecting your most considerable asset, but in ensuring comfort, efficiency, safety, convenience, and beauty in your surroundings now and well into the future.

ELEMENTS

No matter the scope or location of a remodeling project, it should be skillfully designed to fit in with the existing home.  This is especially necessary when an addition changes the original “footprint” of the house.  A successful addition requires far more than simply breaking through a wall and pouring a foundation.

Every house fits into some type of architectural pattern make up of its various elements.  Any radical departure from one or more of these elements detracts from the overall effect.  The best alteration doesn’t shout – it’s woven seamlessly into the total appearance of the homes.  To do this requires both the training and experience of a professional remodeler.

Among the most important aspects of blending new and existing portions of a home are:

• Roof – many older homes have steeply-pitched roof lines.  While an addition needn’t be the same height, it should match or complement the original design.  Whether gable, hipped, mansard, or shed, the style should be carried through in the addition.  Roofing materials and color should also be compatible.  Depending on the age and materials used on the original roof, an exact match may be impossible.  However, RNT Builders will be able to locate something similar in color, size, and pattern.
• Mass – scale is another important element in the design of an addition.  The new area should neither overpower a home or seem like a minimal afterthought.  RNT builders will also take into consideration such aspects as strong horizontal or vertical lines in the existing house so the new section blends without jarring the viewer.
• Windows – one of the most visible details, windows make a strong design statement.  Much of a home’ character is derived from the choice of windows.  In the interest of energy conservation, a homeowner may decide to replace all windows with high-efficiency units.  If this isn’t practical, the new windows should be in keeping with the home’s style.  Fortunately, today’s market offers extensive choices so homeowners needn’t sacrifice appearance for performance.
• Exterior Elements – while siding comes to mind immediately, there are many other elements that determine exterior appearance, among them soffits, fascia, overhangs, eaves, and even gutters.  Once again, these details contribute a major impact in blending new to old for a harmonious finished look.  As with windows, there are a wealth of options in the market-place for exterior trim.  A knowledgeable contractor will be able to pick those that create continuity.  Plus modern materials translate into improved durability, appearance, and ease of maintenance.

Take the Plunge!

A major remodeling project is an adventure waiting to begin.  From the first shovel that bites the ground to the last switch plate installed, remodeling is an exciting as it is rewarding.  The wise homeowner undertakes home improvement projects before a problem reaches crisis proportions.  Quite simply, planned upgrades deliver years of satisfaction and enjoyment while increasing a home’s value.  Ever know of someone who did extensive “fixing” to ready a house for sale, only to regret not having the pleasure of those amenities long before.  Let RNT Builders set you on the way to realizing all the comforts a home should provide.  Make that home of your dreams be a solid reality – one that expands the concept of shelter into a welcoming retreat for years to come.