Remodel your kitchen or bath without overspending

Comparing remodeling bids

Bids for the same remodel can vary widely, and the lowest number isn’t always the cheapest job. Line them up side by side and check that each one covers:

• Demolition and disposal, and who protects the rest of your home from dust.
• Plumbing, electrical and ventilation work, and who pulls the permits. The FTC says a contractor who asks you to get the permits is a red flag.
• Exactly which cabinets, counters, tile, fixtures and appliances are included, by brand and model, or the dollar allowance for each if you haven’t chosen yet.
• Start and completion dates, the payment schedule, and the warranty on labor.

If one bid is much lower, ask why. It may leave out items the others include.

Control change orders

Every change after work starts, from moving an outlet to switching tile, can add cost and time. Agree that all changes must be written, priced and signed by both of you before the work is done. Keep a running total so you know where the budget stands.

Protect your payments

• In Illinois, home repair and remodeling work over $1,000 requires a written contract or work order stating the total cost, and the contractor must give you the “Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights” pamphlet.
• Tie payments to finished stages of work, keep the down payment reasonable, and hold the final payment until the job is complete and inspections have passed.
• Before the final payment, get a list of subcontractors and suppliers and their lien waivers, as the Illinois Attorney General recommends.
• If you sign a contract at home, the FTC says the contract should include a written statement of your right to cancel within three business days.

Paying for the project

Compare financing from your own bank or credit union before accepting a loan arranged by the contractor. The FTC warns that some scams pair a home improvement pitch with a high-cost home equity loan. Never sign loan papers you haven’t read or that have blank spaces.

Save on the work you can do

Doing your own painting, demolition of non-structural items, or cleanup can lower the bill, but agree on it in the contract so there’s no confusion about who’s responsible. In older homes, don’t sand or scrape painted surfaces until you know whether the paint contains lead.