Contractor advice for large renovation

[Anonymous]

For those who have done major renovation do you have any advice for the renovation?
Like how often to check in, what types of things are warning signs, etc
We are doing a gut and rebuild. A little nervous about it going way over budget

[Anonymous]

1) Start googling, and educate yourself on the work. Not so you'd do it yourself, (although that becomes an option), but so you don't look like a stooge when talking to the contractors.

2) It's going to go over budget. There will be surprises that no one could have foreseen. Just accept it now, and find an extra 10-20% somewhere. Don't tell the contractor you have it, however, because then THAT number becomes your new budget and you'll need another 10-20%.

3) You will go insane over the number of decisions you have to make.

4) It's incredibly stressful to your marriage.

5) and your personal health.

6) But you generally get a nice house in the end, and it's a boost to the self-esteem that you survived the ordeal.

[Anonymous]

Google your contractor's license and read any court proceedings or other violations

[Anonymous]

From our experience, you need to anticipate and build in as many costs as possible into the budget--then add 15-20% for overruns. If you do it right, the only added expenses will be your change orders and the unexpected that the builder may find when he opens up the walls, etc. Just remember, every additional light switch and piece of molding will cost you.

[Anonymous]

make sure to have a good lawyer to look over your contract?

[Anonymous]

Don't do it... Sell and buy something that only needs cosmetic work or less.

[Anonymous]

12:14 here... Will you have any layout change? Any wall to be removed? Make sure your contractor is capable. I know of one contractor in Arlington managed to destroy a roof because of damaged structure.