tipS to help homeowners MANAGE THEIR HOME PROJECTS

Not all contractors are the same; each has their own strengths and weaknesses. To find a contractor that fits your specific vision for your home project, gather reviews from local resources, Google, and others such as friends, family, and neghbors. Always ask to see a portfolio and proof of work when considering hiring a contractor. Understand their working style: Are they a general contractor who brings in crews, or do they perform the work themselves? If they do, what are their qualifications?

Always ensure the contractors you hire for your home have the proper insurance policies in place and the correct licenses. Request proof of insurance in the form of a "Certificate of Insurance" (COI) and for their license number(s). A General Contractor is responsible for collecting COIs from each subcontractor they hire and ensuring that all policies are adequate. As a homeowner, you want to make sure everyone is covered in case of an accident or injury on your property.

Always ensure a legally binding contract is signed between you and your general contractor, clearly outlining the scope of work and managing client expectations. This contract should include the contractor's contact and license information, their policy for unforeseen variables, and procedures for upgrading items within the scope of work. Each time a change order or upgrade is made, a new document must be generated and signed by both parties.

If you've completed the first three steps—researching your contractor, collecting their proof of insurance, and reviewing your contract—you should be well-prepared! Most professional contractors operate on a "Draw Schedule," meaning large lump-sum payments are made at specific intervals throughout the project. Homeowners should never pay 100% upfront and should consider it a "red flag" if a contractor requests this

There's no such thing as perfect construction. Even in new homes built by the most reputable builders in the USA, you'll find walls that aren't perfectly straight, trim with slight gaps, and imperfect corners.

 This is simply the reality of construction! Keep this in mind when managing your expectations, especially during the different construction phases which may highlight some flaws. In older homes undergoing renovations, these imperfections will be even more noticeable as your contractor deals with existing site issues such as framing around settled walls, fixing settlement cracks, and more.

Be sure to attend or request "Blue Tape Walkthroughs" before and during the punch-out phase with your contractor. This allows you to discuss any imperfections and address any questions you may have as the homeowner. Once your project is complete, ensure there is a signed document outlining what to expect regarding warranty issues over the next year and how the contractor will handle them.

It is 100% normal, and in most cases unavoidable, for new drywall to grow settlement cracks throughout the first year after installation. As these installed material acclimatize throughout the seasons and shift with your home, it is normal for nail pops, tape marks, and cracks to become noticeable. Be sure to get an understanding with your general contractor prior to project completion on if and how they plan to touch up these types of details.