A Time for Renewal:
Congratulations! You've made the decision to start cautiously preparing for success on your next home building
or remodeling project. In reading through some of our helpful remodeling tips you should find yourself better
protected and better positioned to deal with many of the issues that arise during the home remodeling process.
As with starting any new project I've found that it is always better to just...
START SMART:
Make sure your plan is right!
You should review and understand completely with your Architect what your established goals are and have at
least one conversation about the concept of building Green. Get advice on what environmental considerations
might be right for you and your project.
Plan also on asking questions about “Universal Design” and how simple techniques can make your life much
easier in the future!
Once your program requirements are established and your creative ideas are developed and put to paper, your
final architectural documents are prepared. These plans and specifications should have all the measurements
needed to construct your new home or addition. Information on the plan should include all specific State &
Local code requirements that apply to your job.
There should be a list of design specifications noting quality standards for your project. Additional plans as
may be needed would include both electrical and structural drawings. If you start a large renovation project
without a complete set of these detailed plans, you will see costly delays and unplanned for charges to your
budget.
THE TOWN:
Each Town varies with their own specific requirements. If you are considering an addition or renovation, make
sure you are within your own Town requirements before you spend time developing plans that might not be
feasible. You need to know before hand if your planned addition might need some type of variance prior to
approval. Town regulations for front, side & rear yard setbacks as well as wetlands requirements and certain
zoning ordinances are simply ways in which your Town can protect and maintain quality in your neighborhood
environment. Make sure that you become informed about those restrictions before you start the design process.
It may be costly otherwise.
PREPARE:
Get a reasonable preconstruction budget, scope of work and schedule put together. When your list of
requirements is defined you will be more in control of what you are trying to build or accomplish. Don't leave
these important details up to the contractors bidding on your job because each one (qualified or not), will
interpret your plans differently. Ideally you should have a clear and defined scope of work prepared before you
bid out your project, or you won't get exactly what you want when you want it. Do this early and be
knowledgeable of the specific goals you want to achieve.
PROTECT YOURSELF:
There is no better time then NOW to protect yourself from unqualified or unlicensed contractors.
Make sure that your contractor has General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance and that you are
named as additionally insured on their policy. Obtain a copy in case of an accident. Also make sure that an
Indemnification contract agreement is signed additionally holding you harmless in case of an injury. Be sure that
each trade-contractor on your project has this same protective coverage in place so that you are not held liable
should an accident take place on your property.
MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS:
You're going to need to get working on selections for tiles, fixtures, accessories, flooring, cabinetry, lighting, etc.
as soon as possible. We are fortunate that there are several great design showrooms in our area with
knowledgeable staff ready to assist you with the latest in home fashion and design. Help yourself by being
prepared;
Bring room sizes, tile or floor material quantities and any sketch design layouts with you. This should make
your initial visit more productive. Also, try to have an established budget for each item in your project. This
spending plan will help you focus on specific areas where you need control. (Maybe you don't need to spend
$1,100.00 for a shower head in the guest bath?)
Remember, the final product is only as good as the materials selected. Get help putting the design pieces and
selections together so that the look is just what you're dreaming of when it all comes together. Also remember
that the contractor or construction manager's job is to facilitate the installation of what you select, so select
carefully and select early. Non-stocked products have obviously longer lead times for delivery then stocked
items. Selections made early should be part of the bid specification package which will allow the project to be
bid correctly. Early selections should also allow for material ordering to be done in a timely manner and
according to schedule. It can be a lot of work on your own so if you can, get some help.
KNOW THE SCHEDULE, JOB CONDITIONS & KEEP IT CLEAN:
Make sure you have a construction schedule that works with your time frame and one that your contractor can
adhere to. Your schedule should be detailed trade by trade with necessary dates required for material selections
and procurements identified. Scheduling should be part of the General Conditions in your contract including
hours of operation. Certain Towns and Villages have restrictions on when work can start and cease on Holidays
and weekends. If there is a question, you can contact your local police department for specifics.
Also with regard to time, you may or may not want your contractor in your house past normal business hours
finishing work. To avoid any unpleasant surprises it is important to define his/her hours of operation up front.
General Conditions should also include simple but important items like cleaning and general protection of your
home. Make sure you have in writing who will do what and when. You won't know how really important this is
until you start living with dust and debris throughout your house! Make sure your contractor or Construction
Manager has planned to protect your existing home and furnishings prior to the start of any work.
KNOW YOUR CONTRACT:
- Make sure that your approved contract references complete plans and specifications including the Architects
name, plan dates and plan page numbers.
- Make sure that there is referenced and attached a detailed scope of work that includes all specific notes,
qualifications and exclusions or conditions to the contract. If there is an alternate add or deduct price, make sure
that you clearly understand the details.
- Make sure that payment terms and conditions are clear and that you are comfortable with those terms. Make
it your plan to only release initial down-payment funds, if any, predicated on your receipt of all insurance
certificate's and agreements. This insurance must be in place prior to the start of work or the work does not
start, period. Do not let any contractor on your property without full and complete insurance.
- Remember that by consumer protection laws, you have a right of recession on your contract which allows you
three days to cancel out of a signed home improvement contract for any reason. Don't feel pressured, if
something does not feel right, it probably isn't! The point is to feel comfortable and think clearly about what
you expect from your contractor and your working relationship and plan accordingly.
- There may be an infinite number of clauses you could enter into your own contract that would further help
you control the contractor but remember, yours is a two way agreement and he/she is providing a valuable
service for you, so be fair. All that being said, it is always advised to have your attorney review any contract
you might consider signing especially if it is of significant value pertaining to your home.
- Your payment terms might want to include that final payment for the job will be released upon completion of
the final project including all punch-list items. Each and every payment should be accompanied by a signed
Waiver of Lien/ release on your property. These general terms could prove helpful with both the contractor and
the homeowner understanding there respective obligations and concerns when it comes time for final payment.
FINISH SMART:
Remember to make sure that when the project is nearing completion:
operational and maintenance directions.
Finally as part of all these closeout procedures, don't forget to generate that punch-list and give it to your
contractor as soon as possible while they still have personnel on site.
YOU DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE...
Often after successfully completing a special project, you and your contractor or Construction Manager might
not want to say goodbye. If he/she has performed all of the above work to your satisfaction and completed your
punch-list responsively, then think of offering them your complete and honest recommendation. The
construction business can be thankless. If your contractor or alternatively, your Construction Manager, excelled
on your project show your appreciation by recommending them often. They will appreciate your gratitude and
so will you if at some point six months down the road you need them back for an adjustment or miscellaneous
repair.
I hope you find this information helpful in following your own home remodeling or building pursuits. Save the
information and refer to it often.
Any questions don't hesitate to contact us:
Sincerely,
Bill Kelly
W.L. Kelly & Associates, Inc.
P.S. Don't forget to take pictures of your project, you'll enjoy them later!
Congratulations! You've made the decision to start cautiously preparing for success on your next home building
or remodeling project. In reading through some of our helpful remodeling tips you should find yourself better
protected and better positioned to deal with many of the issues that arise during the home remodeling process.
As with starting any new project I've found that it is always better to just...
START SMART:
Make sure your plan is right!
You should review and understand completely with your Architect what your established goals are and have at
least one conversation about the concept of building Green. Get advice on what environmental considerations
might be right for you and your project.
Plan also on asking questions about “Universal Design” and how simple techniques can make your life much
easier in the future!
Once your program requirements are established and your creative ideas are developed and put to paper, your
final architectural documents are prepared. These plans and specifications should have all the measurements
needed to construct your new home or addition. Information on the plan should include all specific State &
Local code requirements that apply to your job.
There should be a list of design specifications noting quality standards for your project. Additional plans as
may be needed would include both electrical and structural drawings. If you start a large renovation project
without a complete set of these detailed plans, you will see costly delays and unplanned for charges to your
budget.
THE TOWN:
Each Town varies with their own specific requirements. If you are considering an addition or renovation, make
sure you are within your own Town requirements before you spend time developing plans that might not be
feasible. You need to know before hand if your planned addition might need some type of variance prior to
approval. Town regulations for front, side & rear yard setbacks as well as wetlands requirements and certain
zoning ordinances are simply ways in which your Town can protect and maintain quality in your neighborhood
environment. Make sure that you become informed about those restrictions before you start the design process.
It may be costly otherwise.
PREPARE:
Get a reasonable preconstruction budget, scope of work and schedule put together. When your list of
requirements is defined you will be more in control of what you are trying to build or accomplish. Don't leave
these important details up to the contractors bidding on your job because each one (qualified or not), will
interpret your plans differently. Ideally you should have a clear and defined scope of work prepared before you
bid out your project, or you won't get exactly what you want when you want it. Do this early and be
knowledgeable of the specific goals you want to achieve.
PROTECT YOURSELF:
There is no better time then NOW to protect yourself from unqualified or unlicensed contractors.
Make sure that your contractor has General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance and that you are
named as additionally insured on their policy. Obtain a copy in case of an accident. Also make sure that an
Indemnification contract agreement is signed additionally holding you harmless in case of an injury. Be sure that
each trade-contractor on your project has this same protective coverage in place so that you are not held liable
should an accident take place on your property.
MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS:
You're going to need to get working on selections for tiles, fixtures, accessories, flooring, cabinetry, lighting, etc.
as soon as possible. We are fortunate that there are several great design showrooms in our area with
knowledgeable staff ready to assist you with the latest in home fashion and design. Help yourself by being
prepared;
Bring room sizes, tile or floor material quantities and any sketch design layouts with you. This should make
your initial visit more productive. Also, try to have an established budget for each item in your project. This
spending plan will help you focus on specific areas where you need control. (Maybe you don't need to spend
$1,100.00 for a shower head in the guest bath?)
Remember, the final product is only as good as the materials selected. Get help putting the design pieces and
selections together so that the look is just what you're dreaming of when it all comes together. Also remember
that the contractor or construction manager's job is to facilitate the installation of what you select, so select
carefully and select early. Non-stocked products have obviously longer lead times for delivery then stocked
items. Selections made early should be part of the bid specification package which will allow the project to be
bid correctly. Early selections should also allow for material ordering to be done in a timely manner and
according to schedule. It can be a lot of work on your own so if you can, get some help.
KNOW THE SCHEDULE, JOB CONDITIONS & KEEP IT CLEAN:
Make sure you have a construction schedule that works with your time frame and one that your contractor can
adhere to. Your schedule should be detailed trade by trade with necessary dates required for material selections
and procurements identified. Scheduling should be part of the General Conditions in your contract including
hours of operation. Certain Towns and Villages have restrictions on when work can start and cease on Holidays
and weekends. If there is a question, you can contact your local police department for specifics.
Also with regard to time, you may or may not want your contractor in your house past normal business hours
finishing work. To avoid any unpleasant surprises it is important to define his/her hours of operation up front.
General Conditions should also include simple but important items like cleaning and general protection of your
home. Make sure you have in writing who will do what and when. You won't know how really important this is
until you start living with dust and debris throughout your house! Make sure your contractor or Construction
Manager has planned to protect your existing home and furnishings prior to the start of any work.
KNOW YOUR CONTRACT:
- Make sure that your approved contract references complete plans and specifications including the Architects
name, plan dates and plan page numbers.
- Make sure that there is referenced and attached a detailed scope of work that includes all specific notes,
qualifications and exclusions or conditions to the contract. If there is an alternate add or deduct price, make sure
that you clearly understand the details.
- Make sure that payment terms and conditions are clear and that you are comfortable with those terms. Make
it your plan to only release initial down-payment funds, if any, predicated on your receipt of all insurance
certificate's and agreements. This insurance must be in place prior to the start of work or the work does not
start, period. Do not let any contractor on your property without full and complete insurance.
- Remember that by consumer protection laws, you have a right of recession on your contract which allows you
three days to cancel out of a signed home improvement contract for any reason. Don't feel pressured, if
something does not feel right, it probably isn't! The point is to feel comfortable and think clearly about what
you expect from your contractor and your working relationship and plan accordingly.
- There may be an infinite number of clauses you could enter into your own contract that would further help
you control the contractor but remember, yours is a two way agreement and he/she is providing a valuable
service for you, so be fair. All that being said, it is always advised to have your attorney review any contract
you might consider signing especially if it is of significant value pertaining to your home.
- Your payment terms might want to include that final payment for the job will be released upon completion of
the final project including all punch-list items. Each and every payment should be accompanied by a signed
Waiver of Lien/ release on your property. These general terms could prove helpful with both the contractor and
the homeowner understanding there respective obligations and concerns when it comes time for final payment.
FINISH SMART:
Remember to make sure that when the project is nearing completion:
- All warranties are packaged and presented to you for easy reference.
- If your utility's were altered or worked on, (i.e. Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC) etc., make sure that those
lines or plumbing valves are tagged. - If the electrical panel was worked on make sure the contractor labeled it.
operational and maintenance directions.
- If major renovation work was performed then you should discuss with your contractor the need to
check and clean all HVAC filters prior to completion of work. Sometimes these filters can get clogged
during construction with dust and debris. - Separate issues might arise at the end of your project if telecommunication is involved. Make sure you
are clear on who will be contacting the phone or cable company for service as well as who will be
paying for the hookup.
Finally as part of all these closeout procedures, don't forget to generate that punch-list and give it to your
contractor as soon as possible while they still have personnel on site.
YOU DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE...
Often after successfully completing a special project, you and your contractor or Construction Manager might
not want to say goodbye. If he/she has performed all of the above work to your satisfaction and completed your
punch-list responsively, then think of offering them your complete and honest recommendation. The
construction business can be thankless. If your contractor or alternatively, your Construction Manager, excelled
on your project show your appreciation by recommending them often. They will appreciate your gratitude and
so will you if at some point six months down the road you need them back for an adjustment or miscellaneous
repair.
I hope you find this information helpful in following your own home remodeling or building pursuits. Save the
information and refer to it often.
Any questions don't hesitate to contact us:
Sincerely,
Bill Kelly
W.L. Kelly & Associates, Inc.
P.S. Don't forget to take pictures of your project, you'll enjoy them later!
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