There’s always more than one way to get something done.

If you know your property has some problems, but you can’t see exactly what they are until the contractor opens up the finished surfaces, you’ll want to protect yourself from expensive surprises by including probable repair tasks in your design documents as "Alternates". By bidding this work before you sign the construction contract, you’ll get the best possible price for the repairs.

LOOK FOR SIGNS OF TROUBLE

When you inspect your site, look for symptoms of problems that are hidden from view. You can’t see through the floor, but if you walk on a spot that is soft or bouncy, you can predict that there is a structural problem beneath that spot. We once found a soft spot in the floor in front of a kitchen sink. It turned out that the weight of a kitchen sink cabinet was being held up by the sheet vinyl flooring because a little drip in the plumbing behind the sink had rotted half of the floor framing.

"ALTERNATES" CAN ALSO GET YOU GOOD PRICES

When you are creating your renovation plan, consider every possible creative solution you can for each of your design challenges. For example, if you need more light in your kitchen, consider, and include a bid line-item for, all of the following solutions:

• Enlarging the window over the sink
• Adding a window in the breakfast nook
• Adding a skylight
• Replacing your solid wood back door with a 1/2-glass door
• Adding task lighting under the overhead cabinets
• Adding more ceiling fixtures

Any one of these solutions would solve the problem, but each would add a different feel to the room, and each one would cost something different from the rest.

WHEN THE CONTRACTOR BEGINS WORK

Ask your contractor to open up the problem areas before he does any other work, and negotiate the cost of the repair before you go any further. Even if you didn’t anticipate the extent of the required repair, the price he put on your best-guess Alternate will provide you with a reasonable place to start your negotiation. You won’t be entirely at his mercy.

MORE INFORMATION

You’ll find lots more information about the home remodeling process in Managing a Renovation: Staying in Charge and Out of Trouble, our friendly and comprehensive homeowner’s guide to remodeling project management. Download the table of contents and a sample chapter, or go to the order form to purchase it.

We offer ready-to-use construction forms, including a complete remodeling contract, in our Bookstore, as well. Have a look.

And, you may want to look at our list of More Resources for some great design ideas.

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