What’s the best way to set up a consultation or an appointment with a general contractor during the COVID-19 pandemic?
To set up a consultation or appointment with a general contractor during the COVID-19 pandemic, start by performing an online search for local professionals near you.
Message the contractor, and see if they are willing to set up a video consultation call instead of an in-person site visit. With video chat, the contractor may be able to assess the scale of the project, give you better information on what needs to be done and perhaps provide an estimate. Be sure to discuss virtual payments, as well as general strategies for staying safe.
How can I find out if a general contractor is considered an essential COVID-19 service provider?
To find out whether a general contractor is considered essential in your area during the current coronavirus pandemic, visit your city or state’s government website, which will have information on essential services.
Find information on national recommendations by visiting CISA’s Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19 webpage. However, not all jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure.
Are there ways to be safe if I hire a general contractor when social distancing?
If you decide to hire a general contractor, avoid any physical contact, don’t shake hands, keep 6 feet of distance between you and the pro and sanitize all involved surfaces. Also, use digital platforms to communicate and make payments.
Can I use digital payments to pay for general contractor services?
Currently, many general contractors are using common digital payment services like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, Zelle, Google Pay and more. And more will likely adopt these and similar platforms as coronavirus continues to force companies to take on digital capabilities.
Contact general contractors beforehand to discuss whether they accept digital payments, and take all necessary measures to meet social distancing recommendations. You can also compare general contractors side-by-side online to see which ones accept digital payments.
Does a general contractor need to enter my home?
Provided the project is located inside your home, completing the job would require a general contractor to enter your home. But if your project is located outdoors, a general contractor will likely not need to enter your home. Discuss your options with general contractors in your area before hiring.
Is it worth remodeling an old home?
It depends on the home’s condition and what you plan to do with it. For example, if you plan to live in the home for a long time, performing renovations could make the home more livable and enjoyable. If your intention is to resell it, it might be worth the time, money and effort. Old homes typically cost less than new ones, giving you a built-in budget to perform the renovations. The home’s unique character might even provide a significant boost in value once the renovations have brought the rest of it up to date.
However, you need to conduct research to fully answer this question. Figure out how much it will cost to remodel the old home and decide if the return on investment is enough for you.
Where do I start when renovating a house?
The first step is making a detailed plan for your home improvement project, which includes researching designs and appliances, and creating blueprints. Next, work out an exact budget for your home renovation, allowing extra money for unexpected expenses or emergencies.
Search for home renovation and remodeling contractors and make your decision after interviewing three to five promising candidates. Finally, make a timeline for the project, then begin packing up and preparing for the renovation to start.
How much does it cost to completely renovate a house?
Some homeowners pay as much as $25,000 to remodel a home. But you can pay more or less depending on:
- The age of the home. Older homes tend to involve more work to update.
- The size of the home. Larger homes tend to cost more to renovate than smaller ones.
- The condition of the home. Homes requiring structural changes or architectural plans will also cost more to renovate.
Additional cost factors include building permits, as well as the costs of the required materials, paints, and flooring materials and labor. To get a better understanding of how much your home renovation will cost, discuss your project with several remodeling contractors and ask for price estimates.
Also read, “How much does a remodel cost?”
How can I renovate my house cheaply?
There are a number of highly effective, budget-friendly renovations you can perform on your home. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Pressure wash your home’s exterior
- Paint your front door
- Replace your light fixtures
- Get new door knobs
- Remove your popcorn ceiling
- Add new wallpaper
- Paint your kitchen cabinets
And the list goes on. Chat with a few professionals to figure out how much your desired home renovations will cost you. If the prices exceed your budget, ask if the pros can suggest alternative upgrades that are more affordable.
What renovations are worth doing?
The most worthwhile renovations are the ones that will make your home more appealing to potential homebuyers in your market. But you should also consider renovations that will increase your own satisfaction and make your home more enjoyable for your household.
Explore remodeling ideas for your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, attic, garage — any part of your home. If you get inspired, start researching prices and come up with a budget. Then, contact a few remodeling contractors to discuss your vision and get accurate cost estimates.