When contractors talk about Green Lumber, they are usually referring to lumber that hasn’t been kiln dried or seasoned. This means that the lumber is still wet inside and full of sap from the tree. It is an all too common practice in the Northwest to use green lumber for rough framing due to our proximity to the lumber mills and the fact that it is cheaper than kiln dried lumber. However, the problem with this practice is two-fold.

The first problem is that as wood dries, it changes shape and warps. Depending on the severity of this process, it can cause the entire structure of your home to warp over time, which is one of the common causes of cracking in the drywall or plaster on your walls.

The second problem is that in can take years for green lumber to dry, and over time wet wood is likely to grow mold! The combination of the heat from your house and the moisture trapped in the lumber in the walls creates a friendly environment for a not so friendly fungus.

Now it’s important to note that not all “green” lumber is bad. I say this because some people may refer to lumber that came from sustainable forests as “green” lumber. I will talk about sustainable lumber more in a future article, just make sure that any lumber you get is kiln dried or seasoned before you use it to build or remodel your home.

Danny

The HOME PROS of NC, Inc.

Remodeling Companies, General Contractors, Home Builders, Consumers etc.!! Please watch this video in the link below for a serious issue on Drywall manufactured in China.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Consumer/story?id=7146929

Cost plus: You and your contractor arrive at an estimated cost and you agree to pay all actual costs plus the contractor’s fee. It’s a common type of bid, but you assume the risk of cost overruns and corrections.

Turnkey: The contractor commits to a fixed price for cost overruns. Change requests are documented, signed by both parties and typically paid for prior to the change being made.

Combination: If you choose to do part of the work yourself, you may combine elements of the cost plus and turnkey approach. The key is making each party’s responsibilities absolutely clear.

Your contract should include:

Detailed descriptions covering all aspects of the work to be done.
Remodeling plans signed by both parties.
Payment plan (never pay more than 30 percent down).
Start and finish dates.
Change orders are to be approved by you before work is done.
Final inspection and sign-off prior to final payment.
In addition, include these provisions:

Cancellation rights: When you sign a remodeling contract, you have three business days to change your mind and cancel it. Contractors are required to tell you about this right and provide you with any cancellation forms.

Lien protection: On large projects involving subcontractors, protect yourself from liens against your home in the event your primary contractor fails to pay the subs. This can be done by a release-of-lien addendum or by placing your payments in escrow until the work is finished.

Permitting: It is the contractor’s responsibility to obtain building permits, if required, and to perform the work in accordance with all building codes.

Warranty clause: Make sure all warranties on products and materials installed by your contractor are in writing and verified.

Control the quality
You’ve heard the old phrase “built to spec,” right?

Well, specifications, or specs, are written instructions detailing how the work on your project is to be completed, including installation processes, materials and actual products to be used. Without specs, a contractor is free to complete the work to his or her satisfaction, not yours.

If your project is a major one and your budget allows, have your architect include specs with your blueprint and hire a knowledgeable professional as your independent inspector to make sure the work is performed “to spec.”

Bottom line: The best-laid plans of home remodeling have a way of going awry without your watchful eye to oversee the process from start to finish. If you want it done right, hire a reliable professional, get everything in the contract, then watch over it like a hawk to make sure your contractor is performing quality work.

Then, of course, sit back and enjoy a remodeling job done right.

1. How much will it cost?
2. When can you start?
3. When will the work be finished?

While these are three great questions, they simply do not provide you with enough information about a particular contractor to enable you to make an informed, intelligent decision.
By asking the following questions you’ll stand a much greater chance of hiring the right contractor and avoid becoming another unfortunate victim of a “nightmare” remodeling story.

21 Questions You Should Ask to Help You Choose A Reputable Contractor

A reputable contractor should be able to answer all of the following questions positively. You would be wise to avoid any contractor that can’t.

(Note: We strongly urge you to print this out for use if you interview other contractors)

1. Will the remodeling contractor provide you with a written contact that clearly spells out exactly what he will do, what his price includes and does not include including a guaranteed price, payment schedule and a completion date?

2. Will the remodeling contractor require that all change orders be in writing to eliminate any misunderstandings and unexpected cost overruns?

3. Does the remodeling contractor carry general liability insurance?

4. Does the remodeling contractor carry worker’s compensation insurance?

5. Will the remodeling contractor provide you with a written lien waiver at the end of the job?

6. Is the remodeling contractor a member NAHB? Does he subscribe to their Code of Ethics?

7. Is the remodeling contractor member of the Remodelers Council?

8. Is the remodeling contractor a member of the local Better Business Bureau?

9. Does the remodeling contractor offer a 2 year unlimited warranty on all workmanship?

10. Will the remodeling contractor pull any necessary permits?

11. Who will be in charge of my job? May I meet this person or persons?

12. Has the remodeling contractor been a party in any construction litigation in the past five years?

13. Will the remodeling contractor provide you with adequate references?

14. What percentage of the contractor’s business is repeat or referral based?

15. How many projects like yours has the contractor completed in the last year or two?

16. How does the remodeling contractor plan to reduce dust and protect the rest of your home from the affects of the work? (Good contractors erect dust barriers and use drop cloths and other protective materials to protect your home).

17. How is daily and general clean up handled?

18. Will the remodeling contractor provide a Jobsite Communication Board that is checked daily for any questions or concerns you may have thought of after working hours?

19. Will the remodeling contractor provide you with a written contract that clearly spells out exactly what they will do, what the price includes and does not include and specifies a guaranteed price, payment schedule and a completion date?

20. Will a professional designer and/or architect design your job? (For projects that warrant the level of service).

21. Does the remodeling contractor provide realistic renderings, sketches and perspectives that allow you to clearly visualize your project early in the planning stages? (Again, for projects that warrant the level of service).

(Note: We strongly urge you to print this out for use when you talk to references)

1. What type of project or projects has the contractor done for you?

2. Did they do a quality job?

3. Why did you choose this contractor?

4. Did you get prices or opinions from other contractors that you feel had comparable specifications and credentials, if not, Why? And if so, how did they compare?

5. Did the contractor finish within the timeframe he said he would?

6. What would you say about the crew members that did your work - were they respectable and clean? Did they seem to know what they were doing?

7. Was the contractor responsive to you your questions and/or concerns? Could you reach him quickly?

8. Did they maintain a neat and orderly jobsite?

9. Did the contractor do what he said he would do?

10. Were there any additional charges and if so, were they handled in such a way that left you feeling satisfied?

11. On a scale of 1-10 (ten being highest) how would you rate your overall experience with this contractor?

12. Do you have any reservations about hiring him again?

13. May I come by to see the work first hand?