• Electrical
• Interior Painting
• Exterior Painting
• Kitchen Remodeling
• Bathroom Remodeling
• Landscaping
• Decks & Patios
• Fence
• Plumbing
• Chimney Work
• Masonry/Brick Work
• Tile Installation
• Additions
• Custom Woodworking
• Basement Renovation/Finishing
• Flooring
• HVAC
• Garage / Shed Building
• Interior Design
• Roofing

Top Things to Consider Before You Meet with a Contractor:

Repair

Where to start:
Critical First steps:

• Create a list of what needs to be repaired, include what problems you are experiencing and where
• Determine if the water or power will need to be cut off for any length of time This may require you to notify your building superintendent a few days to a few weeks in advance
• Think ahead and determine what future repairs may be needed You may find in more economical to get them done all at once

Remodeling

Where to start:
Having a well thought out, detailed plan for your project is the best start to any home renovating/repair project

Critical First Steps:

• Look over your property carefully Consider what improvements and repairs you would like to make
• Think ahead and determine your future needs
• Think about staying at a friends, neighbors, or hotel while construction is under way

Budget:

• Decide how much can you afford
• Decide how long you plan on staying in your home

• Determine what your long term goals are for this or any project

Ask the contractor for:

• To see copies of their business license and certificate of liability insurance
• References for his/hers last 3 contracts These references should be recent and verifiable
• A written contract

• A contract spells out who, what, where, when and the cost of your project
• The agreement should be clear, concise and complete

• HOA submittal package, if required
• Warrantee information

Permits:

• Most states and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks Ask your contractor who will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project
• Online information about permits can be found at:
• DC www.dcra.dc.gov
• VA www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/buildingpermits/
• MD www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bustmpl.asp?url=/content/business/permits.asp

Electrical

Recessed Lighting Project

• Number of lights to be installed
• Locations of lights to be installed
• Select trim and baffle color
• Determine if you need layout assistance
• Discuss lighting devices and research options
• Dimmer switch
• Toggle switch
• Three way switch

• Budget

Repair

• Determine what is to be repaired
• Outlet
• Lighting fixture
• Wiring
• Fuse box
• Location of repair(s)
• Discuss if the customer is to supply the fixture, if needed
• Time frame
• Budget

Ceiling Fan Install

• Discuss if there is a pre- existing fixture or if a new location is to be wired
• Discuss if the customer is to provide the fixture
• Determine if drywall repair will be needed
• Budget

 [TOP]

Interior Painting

• Number and sizes of rooms
• Determine if drywall and or plaster repair is needed
• Discuss if there is trim, high ceilings, stairwell(s)
• Consider paint color(s)
• Determine if you will need a color consultation
• Budget

Drywall/ Plaster

• Size of repair area
• Location of repair area
• Discuss if damaged has been caused by water
• Age of home
• Budget

 [TOP]

Exterior Painting

• Size of area to be painted
• Trim work
• Consider paint color(s) (Approved by HOA or historical society)
• Determine if you need a color consultation
• Budget

 [TOP]

Kitchen Remodeling

• Square footage of the kitchen remodel. Discuss current size and desired size
• Discuss plumbing and electrical locations ( Staying, moving)
• Consider and research material selection
• Cabinetry
• Tile
• Plumbing fixtures
• Type of countertops
• Appliances
• Lighting
• Determine if you need design and layout assistance
• Budget

 [TOP]

Bathroom Remodeling

• Square footage of the bathroom remodel Discuss the current size and the desired size
• Plumbing and electrical locations ( Staying, moving)
• Consider and research material selection
• Cabinetry
• Types of vanity tops
• Tile
• Shower and sink fixtures
• Bathtubs
• Shower surrounds
• Toilets
• Determine if you need design and or layout assistance
• Budget

 [TOP]

 Landscaping

• Project area size

• Consider access to project area
• Determine what type of work will need to be done

• Landscaping design
• Landscaping installation
• All of the above

• Consider and research project materials

• Wood

• Stone
• Brick
• Masonry
• Shrubs
• Flowers
• Trees
• Determine if re-grading or irrigation work is needed
• Budget

[TOP]

Decks and Patios

• Dimensions of desired deck or patio
• Consider and research project materials
• Cedar
• Pressure treated wood
• Pavers
• Brick
• Stone
• Composite material
• Determine how the project area will be accessed
• Determine if re-grading work is needed
• Budget

[TOP]

Fence

• Desired dimensions of the fence
• Consider and research project materials
• Cedar
• Pressure treated wood
• Iron
• Chain link
• Determine how the backyard will be accessed
• Budget

 [TOP]

Plumbing

• Determine if the plumbing work is a repair or new construction
• Location of work

• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Basement
• Outdoors

• Consider and research material selection if replacement is necessary
• Faucets
• Sink
• Garbage Disposal
• Shower head
• Trim kit
• Water filtration system
• Age of home
• Current pipe material

• Copper
• PVC
• Lead

• Budget

 [TOP]

Chimney Work

• Location of repair work (Fireplace or furnace flue)
• Type of current fireplace
• Wood burning
• Gas
• Electric
• Determine if the smoke goes through a masonry chimney or a metal pipe
• Time frame- This type of work typically requires warm weather
• Budget

 [TOP]

 Masonry / Brick Work

• Size of the project area
• Location of the work to be done
• Age of the brick / stone that is to be worked on
• Time frame- This type of work typically requires warm weather
• Budget

 [TOP]

Flooring

• Square footage of places new flooring will be installed, including stairs
• Number of rooms will get the new flooring
• Number of stairs
• Determine what will need to be removed before the new flooring installation (Other flooring and or furniture)
• Consider and research product selection
• Wood
• Carpet
• Tile
• Linoleum
• Laminate
• Budget

Hardwood Floor Re- Finishing

• Square footage of flooring that needs refinishing
• Age of current floors
• Consider if the floors have been refinished before
• Number of stairs
• Budget

 [TOP]

Tile Installation

• Square footage of area to be tiled
• Location and type of tile work

• Flooring
• Tub surround
• Backsplash
• Fireplace surround

• Consider and research material selection
• Ceramic
• Granite
• Glass
• Marble
• Stone
• Consider grout color
• Budget

[TOP]

Additions

• Architectural plans for the addition
• Addition function: (family room, master bedroom, ect)
• Desired dimensions of the addition
• Consider scope of work for:
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Budget

[TOP]

Custom Woodworking

• Dimensions of the space

• Drawing or sketch of the desired project
• Consider and research material selection
• Maple
• Cherry
• Oak
• Mahogany
• MDF
• Determine if the wood is to be painted, stained, or left with its natural finish
• Budget

 [TOP]

Basement Renovation / Finishing

• Square footage of the renovation
• Determine ceiling height and if a dig out is necessary
• Consider if plumbing and/or electrical will need to be moved or added
• Determine what will be the access to the basement
• Discuss if the space will be rented out as a legal apartment
• Budget

[TOP]

Garage / Shed Building

• Desired square footage of structure
• Determine if a concrete foundation needs to be poured
• Consider and research building materials
• Siding
• Brick
• Masonry
• Cedar planking
• Composite material
• Determine if there will be any living space
• Consider if plumbing and/or electrical to be added
• Approval of HOA and or historical society
• Budget

 [TOP]

Interior Design

• Determine what rooms in the house that you will need help with
• Consider what types of projects are seeking help from the interior designer
• Paint color consultation
• New layout and design for a remodel
• Furniture placement and purchases
• Rug and other accessory placement and purchases
• Fabric selections for upholstery and window coverings
• Style or look you are seeking

• Contemporary
• Classic
• Country
• Art Deco

• Determine if you are looking for environmental or kid friendly products
• Budget

[TOP]

Roofing

• Determine your current roof type
• Shingle
• Slate
• Flat
• Metal
• Tile
• Consider what type of roof damage may have occurred
• Discuss if water leaking into your home
• Determine time frame for this project
• Budget

[TOP]

Gutters

• Determine what type of work needs to be performed
• Cleaning
• Repair
• New installation
• Determine what kind of gutters you have

• Copper
• Aluminum
• Gutter system

• Discuss your dwelling type

• Single family home
• Condo
• Townhouse

• Consider project time frame
• Budget

 [TOP]

HVAC

New Heating Cooling Systems Installation

• Square footage of your home
• Consider what kind of warranties you are looking for
• Discuss what kind a maintenance plans will you want
• Discuss backup information on system sizing and design This can include a Manual J calculation which ensures the equipment is properly sized for the home and equipment
• Budget

Cooling

• Discuss what kind of problem you are experiencing
• Discuss how long the problem been occurring
• Consider how old your HVAC system is
• Discuss last time you had it serviced
• Time frame
• Budget

Heating

• Discuss what kind of problem you are experiencing
• Determine if you have gas or electric heat or both
• Discuss how long has the problem been occurring
• Time frame
• Budget

[TOP]