Where Denver-area pros offer advice
Tom Higgins owns and operates Superior Products Home Improvements in Littleton and is the immediate past chair of the HBA of Metro Denver Remodelors Council.
Q.What are the current trends in home remodeling?
A.The biggest trends in remodeling right now relate to the slumping housing industry and the consumer credit crunch. People who might have otherwise traded up and bought a new home are now opting to stay in their current home. This encourages remodeling projects because home owners often opt to remodel a room they’ve always wanted to fix, knowing that they are going to be there for awhile.
Another trend is that the big home builders are now starting to get into the remodeling business to make ends meet. On one hand, competition is good for consumers. On the other hand, some contractors with no real expertise in remodeling are getting into that business.
Q.What are the current design trends in remodeling?
A.One of the biggest remodeling design trends is a focus on “outdoor living.” Outdoor living extends the livable space of your home with decking systems (made with new composite materials that don’t rot, crack, or need much maintenance) and outdoor cooking/dining areas and outdoor cooking equipment ranging from high-end grills and smokers to outdoor refrigeration units. Given Colorado’s 300-plus days of sunshine a year, investments in outdoor living certainly make sense for Colorado homeowners.
Q.What remodeling work has the best chance of improving the resale value of my home?
A.According to a 2008 study by Remodeling Magazine, the top investments that will enhance the re-sale value of one’s home are new siding and replacement windows. This is because new siding and new windows contribute greatly to a home’s curb appeal. In addition to improved aesthetics, new energy-efficient windows help lower heating and cooling bills because there’s less leakage. With the anticipated rises in heating costs this winter alone, investing in windows that keep the cold outside and the heat inside makes good sense.
Q.How do I hire the right remodeling contractor?
A.It’s a sad truth that home improvement contractors are ranked number one in consumer complaints, according to the Better Business Bureau.
To follow the top 10 best practices in contractor selection, seek out contractors that:
1. Don’t use high-pressure sales tactics.
2. Offer standard payment terms (vs. asking for all the money up front, or cash).
3. Can prove their credentials and gladly offer references.
4. Obtain the permits for the project (vs. asking you to get the permits).
5. Offer a realistic schedule (vs. something that doesn’t seem feasible).
6. Offer a written warranty of their work.
7. Are organized in their approach to the work and contract.
8. Are a member either of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
9. Get a high percentage of their work from repeat business or referrals from their past customers.
10. Offer a lien waiver (which protects you from a lien, should the contractor not pay their subcontractors).
Q.How do I protect myself from my property being placed under a lien when undergoing a remodeling project?
A.In many cases, your remodeling contractor will utilize subcontractors for certain parts of the project. It’s the contractor’s job to ensure these people are paid for their work. To ensure that this has been done and to protect you from a property lien for unpaid subcontractors that have not been paid, insist on a written lien waiver upon completion of the project for both materials and labor, and make sure the contractor is willing to provide you with a lien waiver before you begin the project.
Q.What elements should a contract for remodeling contain?
A.A good contract for a remodeling project should contain the following 10 items:
1. Project timetable.
2. Specific price and payment schedule.
3. Detailed specs for products and materials.
4. Insurance information, including safety provisions for children and pets during the remodeling process.
5. Permit information.
6. Procedures for handling change orders.
7. Lien releases (waivers).
8. Provisions for conflict resolution.
9. Notice of your right to cancel the contract within three days.
10. Details on logistical issues such as access to your home, care of the premises, bathroom usage by workers, clean-up policy, and work that’s not included.
Q.As the head of the HBA of Metro Denver’s Remodeling Council, what advice do you have for people considering a remodeling project?
A.There are three key things homeowners need to watch out for when starting a remodeling project:
First, have a plan.
Second, don’t over-invest.
Third, have a detailed contract from the start so project specifications, special items — and what’s not going to be done — are crystal clear.
