Even in this day and age it's safe to say that remodeling remains an intensely lucrative business. Aside from improving the value of your property, it can also lead to more environmentally sound living conditions and an increased quality of life. People use remodeling to increase their chances of selling property at a higher price, as well as for long-term investment purposes.
But remodeling comes with its own set of pitfalls. Whether you're new at it or have had previous experience in the past, it's nonetheless important to pay attention to the details in order to avoid the various problems which can arise and derail your initial plans. Here's a quick list of common remodeling mistakes which you should steer clear of:
1. Shady contractors.
From using "high-pressure" sales tactics that require you to make a decision on the spot to boasting unverifiable credentials, you'd best keep away from any builder that tries to coerce you into accepting his terms unconditionally. It's a good idea to simply take the time and consider your options. Always try to get at least three bids for your proposal before committing to one contractor and make sure you opt for the one who shows you the most transparency and honesty during the negotiation phase.
2. Honest but unreliable contractors.
Even if you avoid "fly-by-night" contractors, you might still get saddled with an incompetent one. The rule of thumb here is that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Unrealistic deadlines, shoddy workmanship and lack of a warranty can all be signs that your remodeling contractor just isn't cut out for the job. People will make all sorts of promises, so it's good to try to follow them up with references from previous customers that can testify to that particular contractor's level of expertise.
3. Absence of required permits.
A crucial if oft-overlooked aspect of any remodeling process lies in acquiring all the necessary permits and certificates you'll need in order to do things according to local building laws. A reputable contractor should know which ones to get, but unfortunately these are all too often skipped in an ill-advised attempt to save some extra time.
This, however, can lead to serious irregularities that can cause further problems when it comes to selling the property. The best way to avoid unnecessary hassle is to make sure that you get all the necessary paperwork to prove the legitimacy of your structure and its adherence to local legislation. There are two types of reports that will come in handy in such cases:
1. Building Inspection Certificate
This document highlights all the important information about the property, including details about its structural condition, what changes have been implemented throughout time, as well as the general state of the building itself. In doing so, the Building Inspection Certificate ensures that the property is ready for sale in a way that is beneficial for both parties. All doubts and unknowns about the building are erased due to the thorough examination which has to be done before emitting the certificate, thus ensuring that no further inspections will be needed afterwards.
2. Building Compliance Certificate
After you've made sure that your property is structurally sound and presents no upkeep issues either, you still need to ensure that the building itself complies with local laws and regulations. These can differ greatly according to your whereabouts, so it's definitely a good idea to find a trustworthy source which can provide documentation proving that everything is in order. Things like checking the electrical safety of the property or how it will react in case of a fire or a flood can make a world of difference for anyone interested in living there. By obtaining a Building Compliance Certificate, you eliminate any disputes which might arise as a result of non-compliant structures or other potential illegalities.
All in all, when done under the right conditions, remodeling can be an exciting and profitable way to improve your living conditions and elevate the price of your real estate. However, beyond simply avoiding mistakes, you should be always aware that obtaining the necessary certificates is paramount when it comes to remodeled properties. By merely making a wise choice from the beginning, you can save yourself a lot of time and money down the line.
