If planned and executed

properly , the remodeling process can be a relatively smooth one . Unfortunately many people do more research when buying a television than they do when preparing to undertake a home remodeling project .

D . R . Domenichini Construction was named Morgan Hill Business of the Year in 2012 and also voted ( 2014 & 2015 ) Best Contractor in Morgan Hill by the Morgan Hill Times . The owner , David Domenichini , resides in the Morgan Hill area and brings nearly 20 years of experience to his family-owned and operated business . Follow them on Facebook for weekly project updates , hints , tips , giveaways and more . You can visit their website at drdcon . com or call 408.691.3283 .

The following are steps to help create a positive remodeling experience :

Put your ideas on paper , preferably actual architectural drawings . These specifications will define the scope of work and be given to each qualified general contractor that you have invited to bid . Drawings and detailed specifications will help eliminate the unknowns and decrease the potential for change orders . Change Orders are additional invoices that are issued to the homeowner when the unexpected occurs . For example , if there is plumbing in a wall that wasn ’ t referenced in the drawings and / or specifications .

Ask friends , family and neighbors if they have any personal , positive experiences with a general contractor . Use Yelp and internet searches to read customer testimonials and company reviews . It is a good idea to get bids from three different contractors . Ask for references and be diligent in following up with a visual inspection on at least one prior job . While checking references , ask if the contractor was reliable , had good communication skills , and whether or not the customer was charged excessive change orders .

Check that the Contractor ’ s license is current and active . Call the CSLB ( 800.321 . CSLB ) or visit their website , cslb . ca . gov . On the website you can also check the status of the company ’ s workers ’ compensation insurance . Additionally , go to epa . gov / lead / pubs / toolkits . htm to confirm that the company is EPA lead-safe certified . The EPA ’ s new Renovation , Repair and Painting Rule became a Federal law as of April 22 , 2010 , and reportedly few general contractors in California have received certification .

Get a written contract . Avoid bids that are vague . Materials should be specified by brand and model number , if at all possible . Be sure that you completely understand the terms of the contract . When will the project commence and what is the projected completion date ? How will change orders be handled ? Never pay more than 10 % or $ 1,000 ( whichever is less ) up front . If the contract calls for progressive payments , never pay more than the value of the work completed .

Have a meeting before construction begins to discuss mutual expectations and concerns . Schedule on-going meetings , preferably once a week or so . The meetings do not need to be lengthy ( a half-hour is often sufficient ) but are necessary to provide adequate communication throughout the duration of the project .

Schedule a final job walk at the completion of the project . During this walk , the homeowner has the opportunity to identify , discuss and document any defects or incomplete work . This detailed list is often called a “ punch list ”. It is a good idea to supplement this punch list by marking the actual areas of concern on the walls , ceilings , etc ., with blue painters tape . Number the blue tape and reference them on the punch list . Never pay the final retention fee until the project is complete . Never pay with cash .

Using this check list will help assure that the overall experience will be as pleasant as possible . You will then be able to enjoy the surroundings of your newly remodeled project !

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 gmhtoday . com

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