General contractors do their best to keep jobs in line and on budget but want consumers to know that the process is a two-way street. A survey of 300 general contractors nationwide published by Consumer Reports in June 2016 detailed seven kitchen remodeling mistakes made by consumers that are guaranteed to cause problems for homeowners. Among them:
- Changing your mind. Nearly 60 percent of contractors said that the No. 1 way to drive up costs is for homeowners to introduce changes after a project begins. Changes increase costs by an average of 10 percent.
- Skipping the background check. Consumers who hire unlicensed contractors forfeit protections from their state licensing board. Licensed contractors are legally obligated to guarantee their work. The survey also found that licensed contractors are better at holding down costs when unexpected problems arise.
- Using open-ended contracts. Contracts that lack details regarding materials and specific start and end dates leave consumers vulnerable to remodelers who may become distracted by another project mid-job.
- Forgetting functionality. For example, rangehoods work much better at removing smoke and odors than does the built-in ventilation of an over-the-range microwave; undercabinet lighting helps eliminate shadows on kitchen counter workspaces; and drawers in base cabinets help maximize storage.
- Relying on rough sketches. Vague, rough sketches do little to thoroughly address design challenges. Using 3-D drawings helps consumers visualize the space and identify traffic-flow problems, such as whether circulation is blocked when the fridge door is open. Virtual-reality software lets consumers immerse themselves in the new space before work ever begins.
Add new comment
Related Stories
How to Weatherize Roof-Wall Intersections
Mitigating moisture between changes of materials and panes requires special attention
3 Steps for Installing House Wrap and a Rainscreen
ProTradeCraft's Building Resilience walks you through how to install a self-adhered house wrap, liquid flash obstructions, and top it off with a rainscreen
How to Insulate a Heated, Structural Slab with XPS
ProTradeCraft's Building Resilience season three starts with making a basement more comfortable
How to Retrofit Foundation Footings
To make a low-height basement a more comfortable living space, this remodeler digs deeper but needs to add support to do so
Crawl Spaces to Basements: Proceed with Caution
Converting a crawl space to other uses can upgrade a home and add significant value, but when done incorrectly, it can also be disastrous
Webinar: Project and Trade Management Musts—The New American Remodel 2023
Access the webinar here to learn project and trade management lessons from The New American Remodel 2023
How to Attach a Patio Roof to an Existing House
Discover expert tips on how to attach a patio roof to an existing house. Elevate your homeowner clients' outdoor living spaces with our comprehensive guide.
How To Improve Energy Performance in Existing Attics
There’s more to insulating the attic than attic insulation; there’s venting, air sealing, and misery
Model ReModel 2022: A Case Study in Sustainable, Thoughtful Construction
The eighth annual Model ReModel project features an accessory dwelling unit, designed for aging in place, attached to a 19th-century Victorian