Q: I need a bigger home for my growing family. Considering the price of houses these days, I decided to renovate and add more rooms rather than buying something bigger. However, I’m starting to worry about what happened after I told my friend. What should I be careful about? – Daniel
A: Renovations are complex, have many moving parts, and can cause problems. Your first task is to find the right professionals to work with you. While many contractors and architects are talented professionals, not all are, so do your best research. Ask for references and call them to talk. Check your licenses, credentials, and public records to make sure there are no issues. Once you get over that hurdle, it’s time to interview. You need to build a relationship with them and know how to get along with them. Some people don’t get along well depending on their personality. Even if you have the best people working in your home, if you can’t communicate with them effectively, things can go wrong.
Make sure you know what you want. Plans need to be detailed and specific so everyone involved in the project is on the same page. Please review your contract carefully to match your needs with the specific materials you wish to use. Be sure to have a clear schedule that includes penalties for missing deadlines without a valid reason. There needs to be a clear understanding of what is expected of everyone involved, including yourself.
You should look into the subcontractors working on your project. Although the general contractor has chosen them, you are responsible for making sure they get paid. Most people do not realize that if the GC does not pay the funds already disbursed, an unpaid supplier or subcontractor can seize the property.
Get the job inspected once it’s completed, and don’t make the final payment until everything is completed as agreed. Make sure municipal inspections are completed and permits are closed. If you review the details, pay attention, and make sure everyone does what they agreed to, your renovation will have a much better chance of success.
Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and is certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in real estate law.