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When choosing a contractor, you may want to take a look at a current work site<br />
— is it organized and safe? This is especially important if you intend to live in the<br />
house while the work is being done.<br />
Even if a contractor has an excellent reputation, if he has recently changed subcontractors<br />
or hired different workers, the quality of his work may change, so try<br />
to speak to someone who’s worked with him as recently as possible. Questions<br />
you may want to ask include whether he was punctual, stuck to budget and timeline,<br />
and how he handled any problems that arose.<br />
whom will I need?<br />
Many builders appreciate being approached to quote on a job once the client<br />
already has preliminary sketches from an architect. These may cost several<br />
hundred dollars, but pay off in savings of time and money, as both customer<br />
and builder have an idea of the parameters of the project, and can create<br />
more accurate estimates.<br />
All building and renovations require plans submitted to the township by an<br />
architect. The one exception to this rule is that if the homeowner serves as<br />
his own general contractor, he can submit his own plans. For simple projects,<br />
then, a space planner can prepare an outline of your plans for you to complete<br />
and submit on your own. (One caveat: being named in the plans as your<br />
own contractor can potentially make it harder to recoup a claim from your<br />
builder’s insurance)<br />
Realistic planning<br />
Make sure to plan for sufficient time to allow your workmen to complete their<br />
work. Eager homeowners are notorious for under-estimating the time necessary<br />
for construction. While countless variables can affect a project timeline,<br />
there are certain minimums you should plan for. Your new deck might be built<br />
in 2 days, and your kitchen completed within 2-3 weeks, but finishing your<br />
basement will require 6-8 weeks. If you are building a 3-4000 square foot<br />
home from scratch, allow 6-8 months for construction.<br />
Outdoor construction, dependent on the vagaries of the weather, will proceed<br />
FOR ALL YOUR ASPHALT PAVING NEEDS<br />
L LC<br />
CHAIM<br />
P: 732.595.2688 E: CrownPavingNJ@Gmail.com<br />
2017 Lakewood Home Buyer’s Guide | 81
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