Las Vegas Home Improvement FAQ

How do I decide whether to move or just remodel?

Take into account your personal needs, preferences and finances. Moving requires a lot of time, effort and money, maybe as much as 8 to 10% of your current home value, according to the American Homeowner Foundation. Consider if that money would be better spent on remodeling instead.

You might strongly go for remodeling if you’ve already lived in your home for a long time and already like staying in the neighborhood. Additions such as a new bathroom may also be cheaper just by reconverting some of your living space instead of relocating to other Las Vegas homes.

Should I hire a professional or do the home improvement project myself?

This will depend much on whether you think you have the time, skills, tools, and help required of the project’s complexity. Knowledge of local regulations regarding remodeling Las Vegas homes are also a key factor. Though you might be able to save as much as 20% of the costs by doing it yourself, remember that you might ultimately end up paying more if you make a mistake or otherwise face an unforeseen complication.

Another factor to consider is resale value, since unprofessional-looking Las Vegas home improvement projects will only lower your home’s value. Shelves, painting and other minor improvements should be ok, but avoid doing major structural modifications if you think you are not skilled or experienced enough to do it by yourself.

Which professionals do home improvement projects?

Improvement projects would need different professionals depending on its size and scope.

General contractors can manage all aspects of a Las Vegas home improvement project, which includes hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting building permits, and acquiring materials and labor equipment.

Specialty contractors, however, are involved mainly with installing cabinetry, fixtures, and other similar products.

Architects can create designs for additions and major renovations, but design/build contractors can give a complete service including design and construction services while supervising the project from start to finish.

Who do I contact first, the architect or the contractor?

Opinions differ on which professional to call to the project first. Some say that the architect should come first because you have to design it before you can build it. An architect can see the Las Vegas home improvement project in a way that can give meaningful guidance to the design, and also figure out dilemmas through creative means. Site studies, securing planning and zoning approvals, along with other pre-design tasks, can also be done by an architect.

However, a contractor will be the person you interact with regularly and who will be in your home during the length of the project. Contractors could also have in-house design services that can possibly give better price offers and integration between design and implementation. They could also be working directly with architects so that the design and implementation process will go smoother.

What are the particular responsibilities assigned to architects and contractors?

More than the architect creating the design and the contractor implementing it, both also have other responsibilities. Architects are accountable for completing the construction drawings with the right specifications and detail. Depending on the jurisdiction, they may also need to secure necessary permits to make sure the drawing plans abide local codes. Contractors are accountable for setting the appropriate price of the Las Vegas home improvement project, as well as completing it in a timely period. Make sure you know which responsibility is whose before starting the project.

Is it okay for the architect and contractor to have a “vested” interest in each other?

An architect and a contractor who has an existing working relationship with each other can actually be beneficial to a
Las Vegas home improvement project by providing a smooth integration of the design and implementation process. Design/build firms can have architects and contractors who are used to working together will provide better coordination of efforts and less stress since they will be able to combine design elements and construction costs according to your budget. It’s important to avoid the triangle of blame between the homeowner, architect and contractor when something doesn’t go right with the project.

What guidelines can I follow to find the right contractor?

Select a reliable and experienced contractor who has a good track record of completed and hassle-free Las Vegas home improvementjobs. Here’s what you can do:

Avoid using the phone book. Ask your relatives, friends and neighbors for local contractors they’ve had good experience with in the past.

Contact trade groups. They usually have reputable contractors in their membership. If not, local trade organizations, such as builder associations or Remodelers Council, can give more names.

Associate with licensed contractors. Most states require licensing for contractors and will have a local licensing board to make sure they meet all requirements and have decent records. You may also consult the Better Business Bureau and the local Consumer Affairs Office for any filed complaints against a contractor and how the issues were resolved.

Interview contractors. Meet contractors personally if possible and ask for free estimates and recent references. Make sure that different contractors bidding for your project are actually provided similar specifications and quality. Also, remember that the lowest bid isn’t always the best one.

Check insurance information. Contractors are required in most states to have workers’ compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance. Verify with the insurance company the validity of the contractor’s insurance and make certain that all requirements were met. This will let you avoid being responsible for any injuries during the job if the contractor isn’t insured.

Remember to be cautious in your choice and make sure you are comfortable and confident in your final decision.

When interviewing contractors, what questions should I ask?

Contractors will always have a ready answer for obvious questions but sometimes it’s what’s unsaid that is actually important. Though you should pay attention to the information they’re not providing, here are some questions you should ask for a start:

• How long have you been in business?
• How do you approach Las Vegas home improvement projects like this?
• Will employees or subcontractors be the ones working for my project?
• Who will supervise the job?
• Do you have workers’ compensation and liability insurance?
• How many similar projects have you finished recently?
• Can you give me references from those projects?
• Do you belong to any national trade organization?
• Are you or your employees certified in remodeling?

Little details such as trash removal and work start and end for employees should also be so that neighboring Las Vegas homes will not be inconvenienced by noise, clutter or additional parking space needed by the project.

Source: RISMedia’s Real Estate Information Network (RREIN) & Prudential Americana Group REALTORS.