Answer:
It sounds as though you are off to a good
start by meeting with contractors. Now
you need a plan for your basement
improvement and maybe some
specifications. The more planning that
you put into the job, the more power
you will have to make informed decisions. Having
a plan and specifications will enable
you to compare estimates because each
contractor will be bidding on the
exact same work. The information below
applies to any home improvement
project.
Draw some sketches and/or plans on your own.
Write down exactly what you really want as far as
design, layout and materials. Determine what would be nice to have if you had the money.
Figure what you might want to add later after you've finished paying for the initial project. Put together a list of specifications for materials such as brand of windows, type of heating/air conditioning system, lighting, flooring,
sinks, toilets, etc. Don't overlook small details like choice of faucets,
wall switches, dimmers, electrical
receptacles, cable TV
jacks, telephone jacks, network connections, paint,
molding, doors, etc. Keep in mind that not all materials are the same. There are different grades for everything. The building codes only specify minimum
standards, not maximum. It is up to you to decide if you want better
quality materials.
If you
do not know what you want you should
look at other projects that are similar
to yours. Talk to your neighbors,
friends and relatives. Go to design
showrooms. Look in magazines. Talk to
suppliers. I know this is a lot of
work, but to get what you want out of
your home improvement project you need
to do your homework. If you
don't know what you want how can you
expect your contractors to know?
If needed, have an architect draw your plans. Make sure that you get plans drawn for electrical, plumbing, heating/air conditioning in addition to the structural and foundation drawings. Also have a set of specifications made (You can do this) for each trade that tells the contractor exactly what
materials that you want used such as Decora style electrical receptacles and switches instead of the standard face type. It would be
best if you include manufacturers part numbers.
Once all of these plans are drawn, go to a copy place (Not all of them can do this) and have full size photo copies made of all of the drawings and specifications. Photo copies are much cheaper than the architects plans.
Next solicit bids from at least 3
contractors by giving them each a COMPLETE
SET of photo copied drawings and specifications. That way each contractor will be bidding on the same type of work and materials. If you don't specify, then the contractor will determine his
or her own specifications which may have higher or lower standards than your own. In that case you
will have no idea if you are getting a good deal or not because you cannot compare apples to apples.
If the bids come back too high, start to look at ways to save
money. Perhaps you could do some work yourself such as insulating and painting.
Another way to save is to tell each
contractor that you will be
responsible for cleaning up the job
site and disposing of the trash. You could also act as your own general contractor and solicit bids from each trade.
You could also cut some things out for now that can be added later. For instance,
suppose that you wanted recessed lighting everywhere, but it adds a significant cost to your electrical price. You could have the electrician install the switches and some wiring
up into the ceiling to feed the lights, but have the recessed cans installed next year.
You could have the bathroom plumbing
roughed-in, but finish the bathroom
when you have more time and money.
Good planning is the key. On some
projects It should take you more time to plan than it does for the actual construction.
As far as choosing a design I suggest that you take a look at your neighborhood. What have the neighbors done? Will your idea for a design be consistent with the original architecture of the house? When it is finished will it look like an addition from the outside or will it look like it was an original part of the house? There are many books and magazines with pictures of homes in them. Browse through them for ideas. Avoid unproven materials and manufacturers with small track records.
Be sure to submit the plans to your town for approval and
have the contractors apply for
necessary permits and have all work inspected.
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