Before hiring a renovation contractor, find out what the price covers, who handles design and permits, and how the work will be managed. The answers should explain your project, rather than offer general assurances. You can start these conversations with an initial concept; you don’t need finished plans or a settled budget.
What Work Does the Estimate Include?
Ask for a scope of work that identifies the rooms, construction tasks, quantities, and materials being priced. Check the drawing version and selections used for the estimate, along with any assumptions, allowances, and exclusions.
An allowance is a budget amount for an item or work that has not been fully selected or defined. Ask what it covers and whether installation is included. Also identify costs you will pay separately, such as owner purchases, design services, or application fees.
Use our guide to comparing renovation estimates to check whether competing prices cover the same work.
Who Handles Design, Permits, and Building Requirements?
Ask who prepares drawings, submits permit applications, communicates with reviewing agencies, and coordinates inspections. If a building or board has its own alteration requirements, confirm who handles those approvals too.
At Bau, we work with your architect or designer and can help you engage design professionals when needed. We coordinate the required documents with licensed professionals, submit permit applications, and work with the applicable agencies through approval. We wait for required approvals before starting the work they cover.
How Is the Schedule Developed and Maintained?
Ask how the schedule accounts for design, permits, deliveries, and construction. Find out when you need to approve layouts, choose finishes, or arrange somewhere else to stay.
Ask how the contractor updates the schedule and explains delays or changes. You should understand what supports the target completion date and what could affect it.
How Will I Hear About Progress and Changes?
Ask how you will receive progress updates and learn about decisions that need your attention. Confirm how changes are priced and approved before the affected work begins.
We send regular progress updates with photos, explaining completed work, outstanding work, and upcoming decisions. Before changed work begins, we explain the proposal and its effect on cost and schedule.
Can My Household Stay at Home?
Ask which rooms and utilities will be unavailable and how the team will separate household access from construction. Review protection, storage, deliveries, and planned shutdowns before deciding to stay.
You may need alternative accommodations if essential rooms or utilities will be unavailable. Our living-at-home guide explains the household arrangements to discuss with your contractor.
How Is Work Checked and Closed Out?
Ask how the contractor inspects and tests the work during construction and coordinates required agency inspections. Find out how the final walkthrough and any requested changes will be handled.
At Bau, we walk the finished project with you and prepare a punch list of any requested changes. We resolve those changes and organize applicable closeout documents, including relevant permit and inspection records.
What Should I Confirm Before Signing?
Review the agreement alongside the scope, price, allowances, exclusions, schedule, and assigned responsibilities. Resolve any differences between the conversation and the proposed documents before signing.
Contact Bau to discuss one room or a complete home renovation. We can help you develop the project from an initial concept or work with plans you already have.