GETTING STARTED
Your village allows homeowners to act as a contractor for their own home remodeling projects. It must be noted, however, that a permit is required for all projects in which an addition or alteration will be done to the property. Additionally, projects that require the alteration of the roofline of the existing structure must have drawings sealed by an Illinois licensed architect or structural engineer. Lastly, check the covenants for your subdivision before proceeding with any work; individual subdivision covenants may have special requirements and restrictions.
OBTAINING A PERMIT
Although people consider obtaining a permit to be a burden, it does serve a critical role in any construction project. Having a permit entitles each homeowner:
1. Provides inspectors to answer questions
2. Offers some security from contractor fraud
3. Allows inspectors an opportunity to verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner.
TIPS ON HIRING A CONTRACTOR
-Insist on a written contract. Obtain a written contract and make sure you understand the terms. Include a time frame for the completion of the project, but do not rush. Include terms of a payment plan and agree as to who will handle additional unforseen expenses.
- Make secure payments. Itis not unusual for a contractor to require some money up front before construction starts. Never pay the full cost of the job upfront. If a contractor insists on full payment upfront, run to a legitimate contractor. A deposit of 10-20% is the normal for any contractor to request upfront.
-Conduct interviews with potential contractors. Remember the contractor is working for you. Be certain that you are comfortable working with this person. Additionally, talk with friends and neighbors; people who have had experiences with contractors (good or bad) are always willing to share their knowledge.
-Check with the Better Business Bureau. Checking with the Better Business Bureau will give you an opportunity to assess a potential contractor's work history.
-Verify the handling of inspections. Come to an agreement as to who will handle the permit and inspection process. If the contractor is scheduling the inspections, ask for copies of the results and keep them with the permit.
-Make sure the Contractor has insurance. Without insurance, you may be liable if a worker is hurt in your home. Your village does have an ordinance requiring all contractors working within village limits to be licensed and bonded.
-Ask for at least THREE references. Make sure that the sources had work done that is similar to your proposed project.
-Get THREE bids. Check material pricing with that of your local building supply store to see if the price quoted is fair.
-Establish a reasonable timeframe. If the contractor states the project will take 8 weeks, do not insist on 6 weeks; doing so might affect the quality of work.
Your village allows homeowners to act as a contractor for their own home remodeling projects. It must be noted, however, that a permit is required for all projects in which an addition or alteration will be done to the property. Additionally, projects that require the alteration of the roofline of the existing structure must have drawings sealed by an Illinois licensed architect or structural engineer. Lastly, check the covenants for your subdivision before proceeding with any work; individual subdivision covenants may have special requirements and restrictions.
OBTAINING A PERMIT
Although people consider obtaining a permit to be a burden, it does serve a critical role in any construction project. Having a permit entitles each homeowner:
1. Provides inspectors to answer questions
2. Offers some security from contractor fraud
3. Allows inspectors an opportunity to verify that the contractor is working in a professional manner.
TIPS ON HIRING A CONTRACTOR
-Insist on a written contract. Obtain a written contract and make sure you understand the terms. Include a time frame for the completion of the project, but do not rush. Include terms of a payment plan and agree as to who will handle additional unforseen expenses.
- Make secure payments. Itis not unusual for a contractor to require some money up front before construction starts. Never pay the full cost of the job upfront. If a contractor insists on full payment upfront, run to a legitimate contractor. A deposit of 10-20% is the normal for any contractor to request upfront.
-Conduct interviews with potential contractors. Remember the contractor is working for you. Be certain that you are comfortable working with this person. Additionally, talk with friends and neighbors; people who have had experiences with contractors (good or bad) are always willing to share their knowledge.
-Check with the Better Business Bureau. Checking with the Better Business Bureau will give you an opportunity to assess a potential contractor's work history.
-Verify the handling of inspections. Come to an agreement as to who will handle the permit and inspection process. If the contractor is scheduling the inspections, ask for copies of the results and keep them with the permit.
-Make sure the Contractor has insurance. Without insurance, you may be liable if a worker is hurt in your home. Your village does have an ordinance requiring all contractors working within village limits to be licensed and bonded.
-Ask for at least THREE references. Make sure that the sources had work done that is similar to your proposed project.
-Get THREE bids. Check material pricing with that of your local building supply store to see if the price quoted is fair.
-Establish a reasonable timeframe. If the contractor states the project will take 8 weeks, do not insist on 6 weeks; doing so might affect the quality of work.
Cypress
Builders
Inc.