8 Tips For A Successful Remodel

1. Choose wisely. Hire Reier Construction, LLC., as your general contractor. This, we believe, is the starting point for your successful remodeling project or addition.

2. It's about the relationship. You are hiring us to come into your home, your precious family space, and turn it upside down. It's essential that you feel 100 percent comfortable with us. The operative word is trust. You can trust Reier Construction to provide excellent craftsmanship at a fair price. You can also trust us to be open and straightforward with you, and to answer all your questions.

3. Great Value   The key word here is value. We pride ourselves on providing excellent value in craftsmanship and customer service. That means we'll do what we promise. It means using high-quality building products and high-quality building practices. It means being available before the project begins, during the project, and long after the project is completed. It means having a schedule and sticking to it. It means that your job will be professionally managed by an experienced Project Manager.

5. A good contractor is worth the wait. A good contractor is a busy one. At Reier Construction, we generate so much business from referrals and repeat clients, it keeps us busy and in demand year round. We do, however, have the know-how and the resources to manage several projects at a time. This means that if you have to wait, it shouldn't be too long. And to take the uncertainty out of waiting, we offer a Construction Retainer Agreement that "retains" us as your contractor for your project and establishes a Project Commencement Date. Please come and talk to us when your project is in the pre-design stage. We require a deposit representing a small percentage of the approximate value of the job. We will provide you with detailed pricing for your job, so you'll know exactly how your hard-earned money will be used on your project.

6. Don't sign a contract that maxes out your budget. The truth of remodeling is that it is impossible to know all of the issues going into any project. Even with the best planning, there are always surprises. Sometimes the surprise comes in the form of a hidden condition that is revealed during demolition and will need to be repaired, such as rotted framing and faulty wiring. Sometimes the surprise comes after the architect's drawings are executed, when what you imagined the space would feel or look like on paper isn't what you want in reality. Therefore, you should always hold money in reserve. A good rule of thumb is that the contract amount should still allow you to hold onto 20 percent of your budget to pay for changes. We call that 20 percent your "contingency." Hey, maybe you won't need it, and you can always upgrade some lights or a toilet, or save it for some future vacation. But if you do need it – and most people usually do – you'll be glad it's there.

7. Shortcuts are long cuts. We don't believe there is any such thing as a shortcut in the remodeling process. You will get what you pay for, and if you take a shortcut to save money, it will probably cost you more in the long run. Better to invest in excellent framing and HVAC systems. You can always upgrade your refrigerator or doorknobs later.

8. Time to move out. Depending upon the size and scope of your project, you might consider moving out of your house for the duration. Remodeling is noisy. Remodeling is dusty. Many clients move out when possible, and are glad they did. Just ask a friend who has lived through a remodel. The overall experience is far more pleasant if you aren't living in the middle of it.