Advice on Remodeling

[MsMulan]

Hello All,

Thought I would try the DIS community for some information. I am getting ready to embark on renovating the main bath and kitchen in my house. I am seeking advice on where to start. I am a constant HGTVer but when it comes down to starting my own project I am a real newbie.

Also, I am terrified of contractors. I havd a really bad experience with a company to replace my deck. Long story short, I checked them out on Angie's List, BBB and references. Worked long and hard with them to get a good price, paid a deposit and then they disappeared. NICE, I know. I don't and can't afford to waste any more money.

My hope is that I can by the materials, appliances, etc. and hire someone to install everything. Not sure if this is a smart way to go but I would like to have some control over what is going into my house. I also want to ensure I am getting a good value.

 

[leslie826]

My DH is a contractor, seeing that all his business comes by word of mouth, I would start by asking friends and neighbors for references. Get a few estimates and see who you feel comfortable with. DH often gives a labor only price, so you can definitely find someone who will work with you on that. And yes, I think it is smart. If you go through a place like Home Depot, they will charge waaay more than the materials actually cost. Good luck!

 

[MrIncrediDad]

I'm a DIY guy myself so my wife and I did almost all of the work on our house on our own (full kitchen & bath gut job, windows, doors, electrical we did just about everything). The few contractors we did hire (roofing, plaster, granite, carpet, plumbing) we used word of mouth to find them and got about 3-4 estimates for each job. A good contractor will have references, a license, insurance, will call you back, and will pull permits as needed.

We never use big box store installation services. They are over priced and the store acts as a middle man who then contracts the work out to a contractor you know nothing about.

Good Luck!