Renovation Tips

Tip #1: Small Progress Payments for Your Protection

For your protection RGH Development recommends small progress payments instead of fewer large sum payments. This motivates the contractor to stay on schedule and keeps you in control of your money. While some contractors may ask for as much as 50% of the price of the project up front, RGH Development will never ask for more than 10%-15% based on the size of the project and in some cases much less than that. A contractor who is confident in keeping to their schedule and providing customer satisfaction will have no problem with more payments based on progress.

Tip #2: Take Advantage of Free Kitchen and Design Services

When it comes to kitchen design it is always a good idea to use a contractor that offers free kitchen design services. Even if you are using an architect it never hurts to have a second source for ideas and pricing. A good contractor will have the ability to provide this service which shows a dedication to professionalism, customer service, and a depth of resources available to you. RGH Development will bring in a specialist in kitchen cabinets to provide cabinet and layout recommendations. Because of our contacts and volume of work, RGH Development will be able to secure the cabinets you select at a very competitive price. You’ll get a functional and dynamic design, the cabinets you want, at a competitive price, and professional installed to your complete satisfaction.

Tip #3: Temporary Kitchen Facilities Can Minimize Inconvenience

Discuss the use of temporary kitchen facilities during construction with your contractor. Instead of being left without basic services, some RGH Development customers have found temporary set ups to be a great way to minimize inconvenience during a kitchen renovation. This can often be done at a very reasonable cost. It is always a good idea to use a contractor with experience who is always thinking about the customer.

Tip #4: For Your Protection Check Insurance Certificates

When considering a general contractor be sure to ask to see insurance certificates before making your final decision. It is not enough for a contractor to say they have insurance you want to know that they have at least $1million of liability insurance to cover any claims you may have. RGH Development believes strongly in protecting its customers so we carry $2million of insurance.

Tip #5: Avoid Delays with Early Countertop Selection

One of the most common delays in a kitchen renovation is waiting for a granite countertop to arrive. A late arriving countertop prevents other parts of the project from being completed. RGH Development believes that selecting the right countertop is an important and personal decision you don’t want to rush into so we recommend to all our customers to start looking early. Once you make your selection your granite slab must still be measured and cut to exact specifications adding more time to the countertop process. Starting early means you’ll have more time to find the right piece of granite and you’ll avoid delays and inconvenience later.

Tip #6: Identifying Hidden Costs

A knowledgeable and experienced contractor can be an extremely valuable resource for evaluating and estimating a home improvement project. They are able to look beyond the elements of the basic job to see what else you might need that could impact the cost later. For example, is the heating and air conditioning system large enough for your new addition? Is the wiring in your house sufficient or does it need to be upgraded? RGH Development has the experience of working on homes in your area to know what potential problems or hidden costs you might run into. Knowing what to look for will prepare you so there are no surprises later.

Tip #7: A Dedicated Onsite Project Manager Makes Your Renovation Go Smoothly

One of the most frustrating aspects of a home improvement project is not finding your contractor when there is a problem or issues that needs to be resolved. RGH Development addresses this by assigning a dedicated onsite project manager to your project. Your dedicated project manager will start by understanding what you want to accomplish from your renovation and will make helpful suggestions. The project manager will advise you on zoning issues, help you navigate building department regulations, identify potential hidden costs so there are no surprises, and deliver an estimate that RGH Development will stand behind. Our project manager will work with you to design the space or we will work with your architect to ensure the smooth execution of your plans. Your project manager is there every step of the way to make sure schedules are met, the site is left clean each day, and that you get the quality you’re paying for and the service you deserve.

Tip #8: Local References Give You Peace of Mind

Always ask a general contractor for references of people who they did work for in your area. Be sure to ask if the contractor kept to the agreed upon schedule; if they left the work site clean each day; if they were available and responsive when questions or problems came up; if the workers were polite; if they delivered the quality and service that was paid for; and most of all did they meet or exceed the customers expectations and satisfaction. At RGH Development we pride ourselves on delivering quality and service and we are happy to furnish references from people we did work for in your area. We encourage you to contact our references because they will give you the piece of mind that everyone who plans a home improvement project needs to have.