Contractors

Contractors may be General Contractors, Remodelers, or Home Builders. Their responsibility is to execute the project by hiring and scheduling the subcontractors, such as carpenters, flooring and cabinet installers, tile and stone setters, electricians, plumbers, drywallers, wallpaper hangers, and painters. The contractor is knowledgeable about building codes and is responsible for obtaining all building permits. It is their responsibility to coordinate and schedule the subcontractors and make sure that all work is completed according to code. Contractors will bid a project or work on a time and materials basis (this time and materials basis is hard to budget for as it does not have a specified cost to the project).

Keep in mind that even when you receive a firm bid from your contractor, costs can rise due to unexpected conditions or changes. This includes unknown or hidden systems (structural, electrical, or plumbing) that are discovered during demolition or your decision to deviate from your original plans. Both will add time and cost to your project.

Contact the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Inc. (NARI), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or ImproveNet.com.