Need help with Kitchen Remodel Project

Excellent tips. The fact of the matter is - I am not a handy man. I am
trying to do small things myself but I can't possibly think of doing
kitchen remodling myself. I can probably do the crown molding and
change the lock myself.

I guess the first thing to do is - check whether he is a licensed
contractor or not. He's renovating other condos in the complex but I
really need to check if he has a license and insurance. Then I need to
take all this in writing. I also need to see the renovations/work he
has done in the past to see how good they look.

"Shivani" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Is there a standard contract form that I can use? or do I just write
the stuff up on my own and take his signature?

I haven't heard of a standard contract as laws vary by state, country, etc.

I found a few links for some free forms but whether or not they are good in
your location I've no idea. Look at this:

http://www.lectlaw.com/forms/f088.htm

Your requirements seem rather specific so whatever you do, make sure you
read it over and have a witness to your signing the agreement and probably
someone who is a Notary Public also should witness and affix their seal.
(Okay, I'm paranoid.)

Jill

jmcquown said:

Your requirements seem rather specific so whatever you do, make sure you
read it over and have a witness to your signing the agreement and probably
someone who is a Notary Public also should witness and affix their seal.
(Okay, I'm paranoid.)

A notary varifies a legal instrument is authentic (such as a deed) and
certifies the person(s) signing are who they say they are and actually
witnesses the signature(s)... there's typically noneed for a notary at
a simple contract signing when all parties are present. However the
one mistake most everyone commits in these types of situations (sale of
services) is neither party asks to see a form of ID, a legal document
containing a description, photo, and signature, such as an drivers
license.... your hairdresser displays a license to cut hair, don't be
embarrassed to ask to see a contractors drivers license and show yours.
How else can the parties be sure they are actually dealing with each
other directly and not with each others brother. BTW, it's not legal
for spouses to sign each others names, in fact forging someones elses
signature is a felony.

Sheldough

Sheldon said:

jmcquown said:

Your requirements seem rather specific so whatever you do, make sure
you read it over and have a witness to your signing the agreement
and probably someone who is a Notary Public also should witness and
affix their seal. (Okay, I'm paranoid.)

A notary varifies a legal instrument is authentic (such as a deed) and
certifies the person(s) signing are who they say they are and actually
witnesses the signature(s)... there's typically noneed for a notary at
a simple contract signing when all parties are present. However the
one mistake most everyone commits in these types of situations (sale
of services) is neither party asks to see a form of ID, a legal
document containing a description, photo, and signature, such as an
drivers license.... your hairdresser displays a license to cut hair,
don't be embarrassed to ask to see a contractors drivers license and
show yours. How else can the parties be sure they are actually
dealing with each
other directly and not with each others brother. BTW, it's not legal
for spouses to sign each others names, in fact forging someones elses
signature is a felony.

Sheldough

See what I mean about how easily this could wind up in front of Judge Judy?
A Notary at least makes sure everyone has presented the proper ID before
affixing their seal and acting as an additional witness to the signatures.
They are legal representatives but they are NOT lawyers.

Anyone with questions about contracts and contract law needs to consult an
attorney. Could be the gal they have drinks with at the country club who
practices divorce law, doesn't matter. She'd still know "let the buyer
beware" from basic common law and could advise about a simple contract. The
rule of thumb with contracts is is always cover your ass.

Jill

How can we save on the counter top? Granite with installation is from
55-85$ a sq ft. Formica is 18$ a sq ft installed. When we are spending
15k$ in the kitchen, should we spend 2k more than formica and get
granite? or is formica good enough? how about the tiles that look like
granite? stone tiles? Any suggestions?

Shivani said:

How can we save on the counter top? Granite with installation is from
55-85$ a sq ft. Formica is 18$ a sq ft installed. When we are spending
15k$ in the kitchen, should we spend 2k more than formica and get
granite? or is formica good enough? how about the tiles that look like
granite? stone tiles? Any suggestions?

Go with plastic laminate (Formica is but one brand). These days the
selection is huge. And compared with granite is so inexpensive you can
change it every few years and have a whole new look. And don't let
anyone tell you granite doesn't become dulled, scratched, and stained,
definitely does and quite easily, and most stains can't be removed.
Granite is forever, save it for your departure where no one will touch
it.

Sheldon

I moved into a home recently that we had built. Had them put in
beautiful granite counters. So far, after 6 months I love them !!
They have no scratches, are smooth and cool ( great for rolling out
Pastry ) and I have the convience of putting things on them directly
from the oven, with no worries about burn marks.

In my last house, I had Corian counters installed. They are some less
expensive than granite and are nice. However, the seemed to scratch
easily and I could not set anything hot on them.

I have to say I am thrilled with the granite and feel they were worth
the extra cost.

Rosie

Just checked with the sup - he is not licensed, not insured. He was
annoyed by the fact that I asked him for this information. The question
now is - how do I find a reliable contractor? is there such a thing?

Shivani said:

Just checked with the sup - he is not licensed, not insured. He was
annoyed by the fact that I asked him for this information. The question
now is - how do I find a reliable contractor? is there such a thing?

Why does your condo complex allow homeowners to hire a handiman to do
major remodels? I don't think they know about this! If they do, you
need to get yourself on the board ASAP: because someone needs to know
the CC & Rs AND be willing to enforce them.

On 28 Jun 2005 20:08:58 -0700, "Shivani" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Just checked with the sup - he is not licensed, not insured. He was
annoyed by the fact that I asked him for this information. The question
now is - how do I find a reliable contractor? is there such a thing?

People are giving you good advice. Get someone who is licensed and
insured!

There should be several places in your area that do kitchen remodels.
Look for kitchen/bath design places. Check with places that sell
kitchen cabinets. Check with large appliance stores. You'll find
several places that will do your job.

Do a scale drawing of your kitchen and take that with you when you go
to talk with these people. Make sure you know exactly what you want.

Get a written estimate from at least 3 places. Yes, they will come to
your house to check your measurements before they give you a written
estimate * if* they know you are serious about doing the job.

Get a written contract and make certain that the contract states-
"all work done shall meet or exceed current building codes".

Also make certain it states- " all work shall be done to customer
satisfaction".

Make them put in a time line for doing you job. If they don't complete
your job on time, there needs to be a clause stating the contractor
shall pay you $[censored] per week or per day until the job is completed to
your satisfaction.

Have all the work they will do listed, and a price for each thing.If
they are supplying materials, the contract should state that.

Have the payment schedule spelled out. You will pay $x after this is
done..$y after this is done. Always hold back at least 10-15% as a
final payment after the entire job is completed.

Sit down and *think* about what you expect your contractor to do..from
materials to clean-up. Make certain all those things are in the
contract.

I just went through a total kitchen remodel...Thankfully, I got this
advice from friends who'd "been there, done that". If your contractor
won't include those things in the written contract, find a different
contractor.

Debra