Those of you who added an extension, dormer and/or renovated you kitchen...

please reccommend or make suggestions on what people should remember to put on their contract when talking to their contractor.

For example people have already been stressing to us to make sure that we have everything in writing including an end date.

We are putting a dormer on our home and completely gutting and redoing the kitchen. We are in the process of getting quotes from contactors but it is so overwhelming. I know many of you have done this and I hope I can benefit from your experience.

TIA for your help.

Re: Those of you who added an extension, dormer and/or renovated you kitchen...

Honestly, no matter what you put in the contract you will forget or miss something (which you won't realize until the topic comes up). Just be as specific as you can regarding what you want and what you're paying for. Our contract was about three pages and we still forgot things. Some things to note: are they doing demo? Will there be a supervisor on location at all times? How long will the dumpster be there? What about collateral damage (to areas of your home that they are not working on - during demo, they were pounding so hard that they knocked a plant off a shelf in my bathroom that they never worked on and broke the pot) - will they pay for damages? For plumbing, most use pex now (I think that's how you spell it - it's a plastic tubing) so if you want the old fashioned pipes, get that in writing. Are they supplying the tile/tub/toilet etc? If so, get in writing exactly what is included (make/model of toilet, tile only in shower area or halfway up rest of wall or all the way? things like that). How many electric outlets and feet of baseboard heating are included? Are they residing your whole house or just the extension and with what material? I could go on and on but you get the idea. Just go through each area or room they will work on, think about what you want them to do and with what materials, and make sure it's written down. Good luck!

Re: Those of you who added an extension, dormer and/or renovated you kitchen...

thanks for the advice! can't wait to this all finished.

Re: Those of you who added an extension, dormer and/or renovated you kitchen...

Oh boy I have alot I can add to this topic.

We are in the middle of doing a full kitchen, bath, & basement remodel.

Make sure your contract is as specific as possible. Some things to specify that you might not have thought of:

1) LIGHTING - specify a number of lights and type. For example, if you are doing high hats, say exactly how many you want. If you want accent lighting or undercabinet lighting - specify that too. If you want dimmer switches, add that on also. Electrical work can be a HUGE upcharge if you don't factor it all in.

2) Plan ahead for things like cable, phone lines, and hey even data (network) - you never know if you'll want to put a TV in the kitchen.

3) Specify a number of GFI outlets also

4) If you want a sink and electric on on your island - include that also. That's extra plumbing and electric.

5) Think about all the appliances you are getting - stove (gas or electric?), oven (is it a double?), range hood (ducted or non ducted?), garbage disposal? Water filter? Include EVERY appliance you will be installing.

6) Make it clear who is buying what. If you are doing tile - are they supplying the thinset? Are they supplying the grout or are you? Will they lay it out anyway you want? Will they seal it for you also (if necessary)?

7)Specify that any work to be done that will cost extra must be authorized by you in writing first.

8) Specify window types and sizes (if you know - if not give yourselves a generous budget) - Are you getting casements? Double hung? Arch top?

If you have any more questions feel free to ask! Good luck!! I know how difficult this process is and just know that it is SO WORTH your time to hunt around better prices and to haggle.

Re: Those of you who added an extension, dormer and/or renovated you kitchen...

I would make sure everything related to the electric is spelled out in the contract in detail.

How many electrical outlets you are getting. How many overhead lights. How many DIMMERS. How many ceiling fans. How many accent lights for stuff like cabinets. How many phone and cable outlets (the electric guy does this). How many computer outlets. How many dedicated circuits are being ran to this new space.

Electricians are only required to install everything to code and many times homeowners want extras. Don't let them nickel and dime you after the contract is signed. Get all of this worked out. And if the company says "well you normally deal with the electrician directly for *upgrades*". Tell them no you want to deal with the person signing the contract directly.

The electrician that my foreman hired was a real a**hole and screwed up bigtime.

One more thing to add to the list of issues to hand to the judge after I sue them.

Message edited 4/23/2008 9:49:34 AM.

Re: Those of you who added an extension, dormer and/or renovated you kitchen...

Thanks girls. I appreciate the advice. At this moment we are waiting for contractor to arrive - of course he's already late!