Concord Home Improvement Categories, Remodeling Tips & Top Contractors in Concord

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT Concord CONTRACTOR

You wouldn't set out on a road trip without GPS. Don't choose a contractor before checking out our downloadable remodeling checklists. We give you the tools to ensure a happy, headache free Concord remodeling experience.

Destination home improvment satisfaction!

When it comes to remodeling and finding a reliable Concord contractor, reading other people’s reviews seems like a helpful place to start. But how do you know that an enthusiastic five star review hasn’t been paid for or made up? Are bad reviews actually from unhappy clients or could they have been submitted by competitors? When a Concord contractor appears to be recommended by a website, how do you know that the company hasn’t paid for that privilege? Trying to find a reliable Concord home improvement contractor is a challenge.

Follow our 3 simple steps and feel empowered to make the right decisions and find the right Concord contractor for you.

Help U Remodel

3 STEPS TO A HAPPY

Concord REMODELING EXPERIENCE

Concord Home Improvement Categories

HelpURemodel

3 STEPS TO A

HAPPY

Concord REMODELING EXPERIENCE

STEP 1

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF & SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PITFALLS IN Concord

STEP 2

QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL REMODELING CONTRACTOR IN Concord

STEP 3

ESSENTIAL POINTS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR REMODELING CONTRACT IN Concord

STEP 1

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF TO ENSURE
A HAPPY REMODELING EXPERIENCE

QUESTION		ANSWER
1.	How do I know how much it will cost to achieve the look I want and how long it will take?	1.	Select a few local contractors and get a ballpark estimation of cost and timeframe.
2.	How can I make sure I don’t get fooled or robbed?	2.	Find out the approximate average market cost in your local area before you decide on a budget. This gives you the power of negotiation with your contractor
3.	Whom should I trust and how far should I trust a contractor?	3.	Trust those whose attitude is that the client is king – or queen – and make sure you have a strong contract.
4.	What type of planning should I do?	4.	Do your research, have an idea of project cost and know your own budget. Know the timeline you expect. Consider possible pitfalls that could arise. See our checklist: Solutions to Common Pitfalls
5.	How do I know what type of quality is right for me?	5.	Consider your needs and your desires combined with the reality of your budget.
6.	How can I improve and individualize the final result by using my own creativity or DIY?	6.	Consult with your designer and browse ideas in magazines, websites and blogs such as: www.helpuremodel.com/nuggets www.ikea.com/us/en/
7.	How can I make sure that the contractor is responsible for the performance of any subcontractors?	7.	Put it in your contract.
8.	How can I negotiate with my contractor?	8.	Know the terminology contractors use. Know the ballpark local cost. Don’t be afraid be say when you don’t understand. Make sure the contractor does not rush you but takes the time to sit and explain everything. Be specific and clear in your needs and wishes.
9.	Should I use a designer and can my designer take charge and manage the project?	9.	For larger projects a designer can save you time, money and produce a better end result. The designer should be checking the quality of work and products side by side with you, the client.
10.	How do I choose a designer?	10.	Make sure the designer is reliable, with a good reputation and references. Make sure you have the same aesthetic. The designer should offer a fair payment schedule, linked to the payment schedule of the contractor that protects you through to the end of the project. Schedule should be based on project progress rather than dates.
11.	How do I ascertain whether references are genuine?	11.	a) Referral from a friend b) Reviews from sites that are cross referenced – Yelp, Houzz, Better Business Bureau c) Listen to the contractor’s answers to questions about other projects.

STEP 1

SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PITFALLS TO ENSURE
A HAPPY REMODELING EXPERIENCE

POSSIBLE PITFALLS		SOLUTIONS
1.	Going over budget.	1.	Declare your budget to be at least 15% less than you can actually afford.
2.	Feeling shy and uncomfortable because your budget is small.	2.	However small your budget, still declare it to be 15% less than you can afford. Don’t feel pressured into going over. Stick to your plan.
3.	Feeling more like a victim than a client.	3.	Choose a contractor who believes that the client is king – or queen!
4.	Not planning for unexpected costs such as finding dry rot or termites.	4.	That is what the extra 15% is there to cover. Assume you will need it.
5.	Assuming that your plumbing, electrical circuits, subflooring etc. are adequate to support your remodel.	5.	Check with a specialist before going ahead, particularly if it is a big project. The fundamental structures may have to be upgraded. Better to find out before you embark on your project, not once you are committed.
6.	Assuming that you will be able to easily and frequently communicate with your contractor.	6.	2-way communication is vital. Make sure your contractor listens to you, as much as you listen to him. Make sure you feel comfortable with your contractor during the selection process.
7.	Letting your contractor act as a designer as well.	7.	Designing and contracting are two different jobs. Hire a designer who can monitor the contractor’s work.
8.	Underestimating the time it takes to choose colors, finishes, appliances etc.	8.	Unless you are willing to spend your days, weekends and evenings looking at tiles and comparing faucets, hire a designer who will make the process smoother and quicker.
9.	Assuming that your contractor will not have conflicts with his subcontractors that can affect your timeline.	9.	Make sure your contract covers this and has a penalty clause if the project is not finished on time.
10.	Receiving lower quality than you were promised.	10.	Obtain a detailed breakdown on the scope of work of the products and brands to be used.
11.	Having difficulty getting the final touch ups finished off properly.	11.	Hold back the last payment until the final walk through and you are totally satisfied.
12.	Assuming your project will finish on time and planning an event accordingly.	12.	Always assume your project will take 50% longer. You will be far less stressed. Of course don’t say this to your contractor! If it finishes on time, it is a bonus.

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STEP 2

QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL CONTRACTOR
FOR A HAPPY REMODELING EXPERIENCE

1.	Will I need a permit for my renovation and if so, can you arrange that for me? How long will it take to get the permit?
2.	How many similar projects have you done in this neighborhood in the last year?
3.	What type of warranties do you give on this type of project? What does the warranty cover?
4.	From your experience, are there any surprises that I should be prepared for?
5.	How will you work with my designer?
6.	When can you give me an itemized estimate that covers: work to be done materials needed labor required time it will take What do you need from me to be able to do this?
7.	In your experience, how often does this type of project go over budget and time?

STEP 2

QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL CONTRACTOR
FOR A HAPPY REMODELING EXPERIENCE

8.	What precautions do you put in place to minimize the mess factor in my home?
9.	How do you find it best to communicate once the project is underway?
10.	What kind of documentation will I receive when the project is done?
11.	What do you do with the leftover waste material?
12.	What payment schedule do you usually use?
13.	What date would you be available to start?
14.	References: Remember anyone can manufacture references that may not be genuine. Can you tell me about other similar projects and how they progressed? What problems were encountered? Listen carefully to the details of what the contractor tells you.

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STEP 3

ESSENTIAL POINTS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CONTRACT
FOR A HAPPY REMODELING EXPERIENCE

A contract is a legally binding agreement between you and the contractor that promises an action. Your bid document will usually become your contract once it is signed. It should spell out the full scope of the project. This is the time to nitpick and scrutinize the document and ask questions about anything you are unsure of. It is so much easier to resolve issues if they are agreed in writing upfront. Don’t be afraid to add to the contract. Don’t rely on the contractor to include everything but do ask him if he thinks anything else should be included to ensure that the job can be successfully completed.
Key information that should be included:
•	Contractor’s name, address and contact information
•	Name of the contact person who will oversee the project
•	License number, proof of licensing and insurance and what the insurance covers. All subcontractors must have their own workers’ compensation and liability insurance or be covered by the main contractor
•	Full scope of work
•	Total cost of project with individual pricing for agreed items
•	Itemized list of materials, with specific brands noted if requested. If the contractor is willing to give you the itemized price as well, so much the better
•	A clause that allows you to purchase and provide material yourself if the contractor needs to substitute an item, or you do not like what the contractor selects or the price he is offering
•	A clause that states that the client and the designer will sign and approve certain agreed materials (e.g. kitchen counter top, hardwood flooring, paint color) before installation by the contractor
•	Warranties for the project and the products used
•	Timetable for starting and completion
•	Responsibility for obtaining building permits
•	Payment schedule that should be based on work progress rather than time and date
•	Penalties for missed deadlines
•	Process for making changes once the project begins
•	A “broom clause” to cover demolition and cleanup provisions

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THE TOP KITCHEN

REMODELERS

IN Concord

RELY ON TOP BRANDS

SUCH AS:

DuPont, Corian, Kohler, Moen, American Standard, Hansgrohe, Waterstone, Kraftmaid, Medallion, Maax, MTI Whirlpools, Tere-stone, Swanstone, Strasser, Bristol & Bath, InSinkErator, Chicago, Grohe, and Price Pfister.

CONTRACTORS
IN OTHER AREAS NEAR Concord

antioch
Berkeley
Oakland
vallejo
hayward

Nuggets

more NUGGETS at helpuremodel.com

ORGANIZATIONS FOR Concord CONTRACTORS

BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com/)
CSLB Contractors State License Board (http://www.cslb.ca.gov/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified www.diamondcertified.org
NARI National Association of the Remodeling Industry (http://www.nari.org/)
NKBA National Kitchen and Bath Association (http://www.nkba.org/)