Understanding Contracting Warranties

Carlsbad, CA, June 2, 2015—When you're getting ready to build or remodel, many things are buzzing through your brain: building design, budgeting, and whether or not the new deck will be ready for summer. However, the last thing on your mind may also be the most important: the contractor's warranty.

A contractor's warranty ensures quality workmanship and required repairs if faulty products or workmanship is discovered, explains Isabel Alvarez, REALTOR® at CENTURY 21 Award. While not every state requires by law that a contractor doles one out, you can always request one, and a contractor who shies from providing a warranty may be a red flag.

“When your contractor confirms they do offer a warranty, ask to see a copy of the written provisions to make sure you have sufficient protection from defective work,” suggests Isabel. You may want to become familiar with your state law, if applicable.

But what should you look for in your contractor's warranty? Several things, according to Isabel. “A well written warranty document detailing specific information should be provided and incorporated as an addendum to the construction contract.” Information should also be provided as to the procedure to follow for prompt warranty services, as well as what happens should a dispute arise over warranty issues.

Some contracts include allowances, which should be reviewed together.

“Rather than price specific products or materials, many contractors prefer to use product allowances,” explains Isabel. A building allowance is an amount included in the contract to be used toward the purchase of these products and materials as they are selected by the consumer.

Typical categories where allowances might be used include flooring, cabinets, and lighting fixtures. Allowances allow homeowners more time to finalize exact selections as the project progresses, and they can simplify the cost control process. The disadvantage, however, is that the cost of final selections can easily exceed the amount of money allowed, resulting in significant extra charges to the homeowner.

“Shop for each allowance category before you finalize the allowance amounts provided in the contract,” suggests Isabel. This way, you can budget for additional funds or adjust allowances to better reflect the actual monies required.

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For more remodeling information, please contact Isabel Alvarez at isabelalvarez@century21award.com, (760) 207-2831, or www.century21award.com/agents/IsabelAlvarez

For additional real estate information, please contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657, or CENTURY 21 Award.

Contractor vs. Architect: Who Comes First?

Temecula, CA, May 19, 2015—Many different home improvement professionals may enter the scene when you're renovating your home, from the contractor to the architect and even an interior designer. However, when it comes to planning your project, opinions vary about which professional to call first, according to Laura Attig REALTOR® at CENTURY 21 Award.

Some say the architect comes first because you have to design it before you can build it. The architect, who is trained to resolve problems creatively, can help define the project in ways that provide meaningful guidance for the design.

“The architect can also do site studies, help secure planning and zoning approvals, and perform a variety of other pre-design tasks,” says Laura.

(Image via FreeDigitalPhotos.Net)

On the other hand, Laura notes, a contractor will be the one you interact with on a regular basis and the person who will likely be in your home every day, possibly for an extended period depending on the scope of your work. Many contractors have in-house design services, or design/build firms, and can possibly offer better price and integration between design and implementation. Others may have several architects with whom they work directly, which could also provide a smooth integration between design and implementation.

When deciding who to bring aboard first, it’s important to have a clear idea of what each professional's role includes.

“Beyond having the architect create the design and the contractor implement it, both professionals have additional responsibilities,” says Laura. The contractor is responsible for pricing the project and ensuring that it is completed in a timely fashion. The architect is responsible for getting the construction drawing completed with proper specifications and architectural detail. Since many jurisdictions require architectural drawings to be reviewed to ensure the plans sufficiently meet local codes, the architect may also be responsible for applying for and securing the permits. Make sure that everyone, you included, understands who is responsible for what before work begins in your home.

Of course, Laura explains, it doesn't hurt to have a situation where the architect and contractor already have an existing working relationship. In fact, such an association could benefit a project by ensuring the smooth integration between the design and implementation. In a residential project, there is sometimes a triangle of tension between the architect, the contractor and the homeowner in terms of finger pointing and assigning blame. There is greater coordination of efforts, and generally less stress, with a design/build firm where the architects and contractors are accustomed to working together and are knowledgeable about construction costs and can fit design plans and specifications to your budget.

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For more information on contractors, please contact Laura Attig at lattig@century21award.com, (951) 733-8460, or www.century21award.com/agents/LauraAttig

For more information on real estate, please contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657, or CENTURY 21 Award.

Who is Who? Learn Your Home Improvement Professionals

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA, DEC 2nd, 2014—Building a new home or remodeling your existing space can be a confusing process involving many different parties, from contractors to architects and everyone in between. In the following article, DJ Doss, REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Award explains the roles of different home improvement professionals.

(Image via FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

General contractors - General contractors are companies or individuals who contract with you to manage all aspects of the project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining building permits, and supplying materials and labor equipment needed to do the project. “The contractor is responsible for pricing the project and ensuring that it is completed in a timely fashion,” says Doss.

Specialty contractors - Specialty contractors are mainly concerned with installing products, such as cabinets and fixtures.

Design/build contractors - Design/build contractors basically offer one-stop service, providing design and construction services and overseeing a project from start to finish.

Architects - Architects design homes, additions, and major renovations. “The architect is responsible for getting the construction drawing completed with proper specifications and architectural detail,” explains Doss. Since many jurisdictions require architectural drawings to be reviewed to ensure the plans sufficiently meet local codes, the architect may also be responsible for applying for and securing the permits.

Now that we've outlined the roles of each professional, it's important to note a few other things, like who to bring aboard a project first – the architect, or the contractor? This argument runs parallel to the old chicken or egg question, and opinions vary about which professional to call first.

“Some say the architect comes first because you have to design a project before you can build it,” says Doss. The architect, who is trained to resolve problems creatively, can help define the project in ways that provide meaningful guidance for the design. The architect can also do site studies, help secure planning and zoning approvals, and perform a variety of other pre-design tasks.

“On the other hand, a contractor will be the one you interact with on a regular basis and the person who will likely be in your home every day, possibly for an extended period depending on the scope of your work,” explains Doss. Also, it's important to note that many contractors have in-house design services, or design/build firms, and can possibly offer better price and integration between design and implementation. Others may have several architects with whom they work directly, which could also provide a smooth integration between design and implementation.

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For additional real estate information, please contact DJ Doss at dj@djdoss.com, (949) 306-4001, or  www.djdoss.com


For more real estate information, please contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657, or CENTURY 21 Award.

5 Questions for Your Contractor

SAN DIEGO, CA, SEP 30, 2014—Home remodeling is a great option that allows you to get the house you desire, without picking up and moving or starting from scratch. However, there are many precautions to take when remodeling, from thorough planning and budgeting, to finding a remodeler that fits your needs. Below, Jenn Ragusa, REALTOR® at CENTURY 21 Award suggests 5 questions to ask a builder before you decide to hire them.

(Image via Freedigitalphotos.net)

How much experience do you have with this kind of project? Your home remodeler may tell you
they have years of experience, but that doesn't mean they have years of experience on your job, specifically. “You don't want to find out mid-way that this is the first bathroom they've built from scratch,” says Ragusa. One of the most important things is to references from him so you can check on the quality of his work and his clients' experiences with him. Most contractors will also have a project book with photos of past jobs that they have done so you can get an idea of whether or not he is familiar with the type of project that you are considering him for.

Who does your design? If your contractor doesn't have a specific go-to person for design, this means you may need to hire an architect in order for your project to be successful. Many builders, even talented ones, don't have an eye for design, which can end up being a hassle when the door to your brand new kitchen pantry bangs up against the stove when you open it.

Where are you located? “A contractor who doesn't have to travel far to get to a job means they are likely to be more punctual and have a faster response time if any issues should arise,” notes Ragusa.

How does my budget sound? Be sure to be upfront with a potential contractor about your budget, and how flexible it is. “While many are uncomfortable talking about budgets, this will save a lot of stress and hassle for both parties involved,” says Ragusa.

How do you find your estimates? Every remodeler estimates differently; some offer very detailed estimates, while others ball-park. “Understand a contractor’s pricing process before signing any contracts,” recommends Ragusa.

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For more information on contractors or buying/selling a home, please contact Jenn Ragusa at jenn@ragusagroup.com, (619) 251-9394, or at www.ragusagroup.com

For more real estate information, please contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657, or CENTURY 21 Award.