May 2021
LAKESIDE 49
The first step in remodeling: make the right hire Design shows on TV often make remodeling look stress-free, quick and easy. But when homeowners try to take on a home renovation on their own, this almost always leads to a rude awakening. If you have some basic knowhow when it comes to home improvement, the average homeowner can often take on a small painting job, hanging some shelving, or maybe even changing out a light fixture. But when it comes to a remodel or any kind of renovation, the task is best left to the professionals. And when it comes to hiring a professional, there are many out there but with vastly varying skill levels. Next, I’m going to go over some tips to find the best contractor for your job. When interviewing or researching contractors, the first question to ask is “what all will my project involve?” Do you just need a roofer, or just a plumber, or will your project involve several trades? If you just need a single trade, start first by asking your friends and family for recommendations. It’s best to ask those you know and trust to give you an honest opinion of local pros they have used. If you can’t
is licensed and can take on larger projects. Sara Another type of contractor is a Bagwell design/build contractor. This type of contractor has a team that manDesign & ages all aspects of your remodel Remodel from design plans to project completion. This option may cost more than just a basic general contractor, but it requires the least amount of effort and involvement nMORE INFO: tracytesmerremodeling.com from the homeowner and the company is typically much more get a good recommendation from structured and organized. A dethose you know, then go to a sign-build firm works with clients company or contractor’s website to generate design plans and conto see what reviews they have and struction documents, so is the get an idea of their work. You can best option for larger projects or also visit their social media sites those where design is important. to see reviews and posts. If your The next question is for the project involves several trades, contractor(s) you are considering, you will need to find a general and that is “are you licensed and contractor. insured?” If they say “no,” then In looking for a contractor, end the conversation right there. there are a few different types. A A home renovation or remodel is handyman is someone who can a major undertaking, and you do smaller projects and does want to eliminate as much risk as most, if not all, of the work possible, meaning everyone him/herself. A handyman-type working in your home should be project is usually something like insured and everything should be fixing a leak, repair work, or a performed per code and inminor update to a room. A genspected. If not, it puts you at risk eral contractor typically does a lot of responsibility for any issues in of the work him/herself with a the future and can cause major few helpers. A general contractor problems if you ever decide to
sell your home. The next tip for hiring a contractor is an important one, but often underrated. That is: How well do I think I will get along with this contractor? If you are PHOTO: TRACY TESMER DESIGN/REMODELING about to emFor the remodeling results you want hire the proper bark on a contractor. major remodel project, you will be working with run smoothly and you will be way less stressed. If there is no plan this person for the next four to up-front and communication is eight months or longer. Is this lacking, then I can almost guaransomeone you can trust and work tee the project will not turn out as with for an extended period of time. We’ve all heard of someone you had envisioned, both in process and in the final product. who had to fire their contractor When hiring a contractor, lisbecause of personal issues, and ten to those you trust and listen to then they’re left with an unfinyour gut. Make sure the person ished project and scrambling to you hire is a good fit for your find someone else to finish it. specific project and is organized, Even for small projects, it’s imresponsible, and easy to work portant to work with someone with. These tips will help give you like and trust. you the best remodel experience The final tip for hiring a conpossible. tractor is: Planning and communiSara Bagwell is a designer for cation are KEY. Make sure you Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling find someone who abides by this in Gainesville. principle and your project will
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