I need to renovate my condo, how do I take on this stressful project ? I'm not handy.?

Answer 1

First and foremost make sure that the renovations you are planning are not in violation of any HOA standards. If you are planning any structural changes be sure to attain the blueprints for your unit and any units you may be supporting, you have to be careful messing with a load-bearing wall. Also there may be PERMITS you need to acquire from your city (and possible approval from your HOA if you're making any exterior changes like new windows or doors), but that should be handled by the contractor you hire (except the HOA, that's all you)...which I recommend you do since you're proclaiming to not be handy. Trying to teach yourself to be handy could be disastrous and more expensive because you'd have to hire someone to fix what you screwed up.
Make sure that the contractor is LICENSED, ask to see their portfolio and request to speak to former clients of theirs, they'll tell you first hand how the contractor performed; and of course get a bid. Check out at least 3. I would definitely purchase most of the products myself, you can often find them online for cheaper once you decide what you want from seeing it in a store/catalog whatever. Might want to let the contractor buy the building supplies (sheetrock, paint, nails, etc.) though because most home improvement stores give contractors a discount. Make sure that you receive a RECEIPT though. Don't let them get away with ballpark figures. You may want to consider supervising the work and not blindly trusting them. Contractors often hire subcontractors and potentially unlicensed workers do the job. I wouldn't leave my project solely in the hands of someone I barely know. And if anything they do starts to bother you don't be afraid to fire them. There are many more contractors willing and wanting to put forth an "A" effort for you.
Have fun, it's going to be quite the experience! :-)

Answer 2

I recently renovated my condo and it was a stressful job. Thankfully I already had a colours picked out. And my dad (who happens to be a contractor) helped me (well, he kind of did it all). My suggestion is to interview 3 contractors, get a quote and then go from there. Know what you want done... but be open to the contractors ideas and suggestions. See if you can help w/ anything (like painting trim and doors) to make it cheaper for yourself.
Also reuse your hardware if possible (like cupboard handles) that will save a little bit. If you have expensive taste, try to find similar items at a lower cost.
But remember to listen to the contractor. They do this for a living. He/she will know what they are doing, and if they are any good they will help you as much as possible in finding good deals on everything.
Hope this helps. Good luck w/ your renovations!

Answer 3

Are the walls and floors in generally good shape? If not you probably need to get a professional to come and help install new floors and repair any damaged walls. I personally hired someone to do the work I wasn't comfortable with like water damage and sheetrock repair and am choosing to do the floors and painting myself. If all you need is paint and some basic updates, recruit friends and family, have a barbecue and get busy with rollers and brushes, painting is hard to really mess up. But seriously if you are going to require plumbing, electrical and any kind of serious remodeling or if you have water damage please consult a contractor, in the long run it will save you alot of time and money, find one in the paper, they are usually not as expensive but always check references. Also ask around the workplace to see if anyone knows of someone that's responsible to do the work, that's what we did and it's working out great. As far as selecting materials, colors, fixtures... the people at hardware stores have a general idea about what to use, look at lots of books and stay with the style of your basic structure, don't try to do Tuscan in a modern ranch for instance. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Hire a contractor that a friend recommended and only after the job is quoted. Be as definite as possible in your design and requirements. Any extras are extras outside the quote.

The other alternative is partner with a friend that is handy and trade for something YOU can do... taxes, investments, doctor, whatever...

Good Luck

Answer 5

hire a contractor to do the job for you. It will look professional and you will have no worries as to how to do anything except pay the man. Be sure to get at least 3 quotes cause the price will vary depending on the scruples of the contractor