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Remodel & ContractorCHECKLISTallisonjaffe.com
Getting StartedBefore Starting with this Contractor & Remodel Checklist, please make sure you’ve completedyour Home Design Workbook, first, and have the following ready to reference:Floor Plan- Take site measurements and photographs.Create your idea book with Houzz / PinterestThe purpose of this document is to create a detailed scope of work to make sure you knowexactly what needs to be done. This will make it much easier to assess your budget, timelines,and receive fair bids from quality contractors.Throughout this workbook, we’ll be documenting key project information to make sure youknow exactly how and where you can:Save THOUSANDS up front, by assessing what you can avoid paying acontractor for (and do yourself!).How to find the best contractors at the best price.The 3 questions you MUST ask any contractor before writing a check (plus afew more).When (and where) to go with cost-savings vs.quality craftsmanship for abeautiful outcome.How to properly source quality materials & receive competitive pricing.Plus a lot more (like material allocations and a FORGET ME NOT checklist tomake sure everything gets done).02
Describing the workwhich needs to be done:Look through the vision you’ve created in the Home Design Workbook. As you complete thisContractor & Remodel Workbook, you’ll identify which items that follow in each section arewithin your wheelhouse and which you will need outside help to complete.Going in the Right OrderA great interior designer makes space for each room to speak to the other. You want thereto be communication between elements and rooms as you move through your home. Toachieve this, I approach my remodel designs and selection process in the following order:Standard Home Rooms:Start by using the worksheets that follow to get clear on what you want to change or addressin each area of your home. Think about the overall theme of your design and how each roomwill speak to the others:1Entry2Dining Room10Hall/Stairwell3Study11Master Bedroom4Powder Bath12Master Bedroom5Family Room13Bedrooms 1 and 26Fireplace14Bathroom 1 and 27Kitchen15Game Room8Breakfast area16Patio903Laundry Room
Hierarchy ofSelectionsOnce you’ve mapped out each areayou’re looking to upgrade, use theSelections Schedule spreadsheet to startlisting out each individual item you’ll bepurchasing. This selections list can beturned over to your contractor to makesure they have a clear understanding ofthe project scope, which will help youavoid change order fees down the line.This is the order I like to make my selections:PlumbingTileCounter TopLightingHardwarePaintCabinet DetailsDoors and WindowsTrim, Moldings and CasingsAdditional Selections yourcontractor may be sourcing foryou on your behalf.04
Going In The Right OrderThe Home Design Workbook was about dialing in the vision you have for your project. Use thisContractor & Remodel Checklist to start building out the details of your project. You’ll see somecommon items to address already listed, but use the blank space to add anything else you wantto replace, change, or upgrade for each area of your home.This list will ensure that you have a plan for every room you’ll be remodeling and that youunderstand your costs. This is an exhaustive list to make sure you don’t run into the commonproblem of forgetting about something necessary only after it’s too late. Forgotten items leadto creeping scope and project budget. Getting the details nailed down now will save youthousands in change order fees down the line.Consider each item on the following lists as its own “project”. This will be a full list of all thework which needs to be done. Mark DIY for the areas you’ll handle yourself and Contractor(C) for areas which you’ll want to hire a contractor. Add style notes and ideas to the followingworksheets, then use this as a reference to fill out a more detailed selections list.You’ll use the Remodeling & Contractor Selections Schedule spreadsheet to list specific pieces,parts, and item numbers for purchase and installation.ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?NOTESFlooringCWhite tile with groutLightingDIYOverhead lights we saw at theexpoPaintCSome shade of blue or grey05
The ChecklistEntrywayITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?NOTESExample: FlooringCWhite tile with groutFlooringLightingPaintDoor/SidelightsDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER06
The ChecklistDining RoomITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?FlooringLightingPaintDoor/SidelightsDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER07NOTES
The ChecklistStudyITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?FlooringLightingPaintDoor/SidelightsDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER08NOTES
The ChecklistPowder BathITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?PlumbingSinkSink FaucetToiletAccessories (Handtowel Holder, Papertowel Holder)CabinetryBacksplashCounter TopMirrorCabinet HardwareLightingFlooring09NOTES
The ChecklistPowder BathITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?PaintDoor/SidelightsDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER010NOTES
The ChecklistFamily RoomITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?FlooringLighting / FanStoragePaintDoor/SidelightsDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER011NOTES
The ChecklistFireplaceITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?Wall Tile/StoneHearth TileMantleOTHER12NOTES
The ChecklistKitchenITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?PlumbingSinkSink FaucetDisposalAppliancesVent HoodRange / CooktopOven / Steam OvenMicrowaveRefridgeratorBacksplashCounter TopLighting13NOTES
The ChecklistKitchenITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?CabinetryCabinetry HardwareFlooringPaintDoorDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingOTHER14NOTES
The ChecklistBreakfast AreaITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?FlooringLightingPaintDoor/SidelightsDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER15NOTES
The ChecklistLaundry RoomITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?Washer / DryerCabinetryCabinet HardwareLightingStorageFlooringCounter TopPaintDoor / Door HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER16NOTES
The ChecklistStairwellITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?RailingTreads and RisersFlooringLightingPaintDoor (Closet, AC)Door HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER17NOTES
The ChecklistMaster BedroomITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?FlooringLightingPaintDoorDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER18NOTES
The ChecklistMaster BathroomITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?PlumbingSinkSink FaucetTub FillerTubShower Head & ControlsAccessories (Handtowel Holder, Papertowel Holder)TileVanity BacksplashShower FloorsShower WallsMain FlooringCounter Top19NOTES
The ChecklistMaster BathroomITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?LightingVanity LightingChandelier over TubCabinetryCabinet HardwarePaintMirrorDoorDoor HardwareWindow/sTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER20NOTES
The ChecklistMaster Closet/sITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?LightingCabinetryCabinet HardwarePaintDoorDoor HardwareTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER21NOTES
The ChecklistBedroom 1ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?FlooringLighting / FanPaintDoorDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER22NOTES
The ChecklistBedroom 2ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?FlooringLighting / FanPaintDoorDoor HardwareWindowsTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER23NOTES
The ChecklistBathroom 1ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?PlumbingSinkSink FaucetShower / Tub ControlsToiletTubAccessories (Handtowel Holder, Papertowel Holder)TileVanity BacksplashMain FlooringTub SurroundLightingVanity Lighting24NOTES
The ChecklistBathroom 1ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?CabinetryCabinet HardwarePaintMirrorDoorDoor HardwareWindow/sTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER25NOTES
The ChecklistBathroom 2ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?PlumbingSinkSink FaucetShower / Tub ControlsToiletTubAccessories (Handtowel Holder, Papertowel Holder)TileVanity BacksplashMain FlooringTub SurroundLightingVanity Lighting26NOTES
The ChecklistBathroom 2ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?CabinetryCabinet HardwarePaintMirrorDoorDoor HardwareWindow/sTrim, Molding and CasingsOTHER27NOTES
The ChecklistAdditional Area:ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?28NOTES
The ChecklistAdditional Area:ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?29NOTES
The ChecklistAdditional Area:ITEM or AREA TOREPLACE / UPGRADEContractor (C)or DIY?30NOTES
Staying on BudgetKnowing What You Can SpendUse the Allocations / Budgeting worksheet to understand your costs around properly sourcingquality materials with competitive pricing.REMODELING ALLOCATIONS31
Staying on BudgetFURNITURE ALLOCATIONS32
Staying on BudgetFURNITURE ALLOCATIONSFreight/Shipping Fees - Average 15%Receiving Storage Fees - Average 100/item/per monthFurniture Assembly/Handyman Help for Install day 75- 120 an hour33
Contractor ScopeMake sure you have addressed everything you’ll need to add/replace throughout your home.Mark everything in the previous pages and tables under the specific room areas the item willbe installed.Look through each item you’ve marked as needing a contractor and complete a detailed“Scope of Work” description below for each. This will help you get clear with the contractorsyou interview on the work to be done, so you can avoid “change order expenses” down theline.Contractor Scope of Work:Room / AreaExample: Living RoomScope / Description of All Work to Be DonePaint, Door, Windows, Lighting34
Contractor ScopeContractor Scope of Work:Room / AreaScope / Description of All Work to Be Done35
Contractor ScopeContractor Scope of Work:Room / AreaScope / Description of All Work to Be Done36
Contractor ScopeContractor Scope of Work:Room / AreaScope / Description of All Work to Be Done37
Your SelectionsScheduleNow that you’ve clearly outlined all of thework which needs to be completed, it’stime to start making your selections (thefun part!). Use the Selections ScheduleSpreadsheet to build out an itemized listof parts, pieces, and fixtures you’ll bepurchasing for install in your home.View the SelectionsSchedule SpreadsheetWHAT TO EXPECTTips from a professional interior designer.Here are a few things I’ve learned overthe last 10 years designing award-winninghomes and touch on cost-savings vs. qualitycraftsmanship for a beautiful outcome.PRE-CONSTRUCTIONPre-planning of a space can take 2-3months.This can be an additional 1-1.5months when sending out yourproject to be bid as well asadditional conversations betweenyou and your preferred contractor.Permitting takes time (ranging between6 weeks to 3 months).An average remodel from demo tocompletion can vary between 4-5months.38
Additional TipsIf remodeling your kitchen, expect to be eating out A LOT or making what we call “garage tacos”.A good contractor will move your dishwasher and refrigerator to the garage.Purchase a small induction burner and utilize a bathtub or auxiliary bathroom as your main sink.When remodeling more than 2-3 areas of your home, most contractors will prefer you move outof the house but that may not be feasible, so speak with your contractor on how they keep yourhouse maintained as you are moving though the remodel.Want to phase out your projects?Pro: It allows you some space to breathe.Con: It could increase the overall cost of the project because the contractor will have tocome back twice.Talk with your contractor on the best way to navigate this option.Having all selections up front will help you have a more meaningful conversation with yourcontractor, saving you and everyone on the project a lot of time and money:Plumbing should be your first order of business with everything else running secondary to thatPlumbing selected based on timeline and installation of valves.PAINTSelect paint on site with paint swatchesPaint swatches will not come in a flat finish, so be mindful of that.Paint your walls and ceilings or walls and baseboards the same color.Refinishing cabinet doors is sometimes as costly as redoing all the cabinetry. If cabinets are morethan 20 years old, consider redoing them.DOORS AND HARDWARESolid core doors are always a better investment than hollow core doors.Hardware (pulls/knobs) is the functional jewelry of the kitchen, it protects cabinets from hand oiland allows them to last longer.When it comes to finishes, don’t be afraid to mix and match (you can easily mix and match finishesand appliances, they don’t all have to be the same).39
Additional TipsLIGHTING3 Types of Lighting to Consider:General lighting (cans)Task lighting (under cabinet, pennant lights)Decorative lighting (lamp, chandelier)SPACE PLANNINGGood rule of thumb: At least 36 inches should be provided for walkways between an islandand counter. If the counter space contains a work area and appliances such as a sink, stove ordishwasher, the work aisle should be 42 to 48 inches wide.When you are removing a wall, be sure to consider what you will be putting back in the spacewhere the wall was removed.Are you redoing the floors? You’ve got to think about what goes in that empty space.It’s easier to move plumbing in a pier & beam home than a concrete slab.SELECTIONS:Pick the plumbing first, then pick the lighting that feels similar in style.Find lighting that follows the same curves and feel as your plumbing.Choose your tile before countertops because an interesting tile is going to dictate the countertopchoice.Most people will gear their countertops towards some kind of quartz.Pick the thing in each room that will have more color/flavor/interesting detail, first (usually thetile).You’ll be more limited in your tile selects if you go with your countertop selection first.Grout: Use the “squint test” - put a piece of grout sample to your tile. If you squint your eyes and itblends in, that’s a good way to know if it’s a match.View the Selections Schedule Spreadsheet40
Hiring a ContractorBuilding Your Contractor ListTo find the best contractors in your city, you want to go off of a referral. Here’show to get qualified contractor referrals.Ways to find a good contractor:1. Ask an Interior Designer for a referral in your area.2. Ask your homeowner friends or neighbors for recommendations, especially those who haverecently had renovations and enjoyed the results.a. Use an app like NextDoor.3. Search online for the type of service you need in your area.a. Read the official Google Reviews.4. Check out online reviews.a. Houzzb. Google5. Use social media to ask friends or followers for local recommendations.When it comes to any kind of creative work, remember that it’s usually best to pay a premium tosomeone with a lot of experience. You’re paying not only for quality work, but for the peace ofmind that it will be done right the first time without any cutting of corners.Never Say These Things to a Contractor Before Hiring Them1. Never Tell a Contractor They’re the Only One Bidding Your Project.2. Never Pay 100% Upfront (even if they offer a discount).3. Give Clear Timelines and Expectation, Do Not Say Time Isn’t Really an Issue for You.4. Do Not Let a Contractor Choose Your Materials, they are not designers.5. Never Hire Illegal or Unregistered Workers.6. Do Not Agree to a “Handshake Deal” (get it in writing).41
Hiring a ContractorHow to Play Well on the Job Site with Your Contractor1.Don’t interrupt their sub-contractors and workers while they are on the job site working.2.If you need something, always ask the contractor or forman directly.3.If you don’t see something happening, there’s usually always a reason. Be patient. Know thatyou have a human working on the job and humans are not perfect.4.DON’T HOVER. Be present but do not micromanage your contractor. A good hire will get thejob done.Contractor Screening Questions & Worksheet*Print and fill out for each contractor you speak with1.Description of Job / Contractor Needed2.Contractor Name3.Company Name4.How many years experience do they have?5.Are they licensed for any of the work they provide?6.How do they accept payment and what are their payment terms?7.How important are timelines and deadlines to them?8.How many people are on their crew and will there be a dedicated site foreman on yourproject?9.Have them discuss the types of permits you’ll need for your project.10.What type of work or kind of jobs are they best at or most enjoy?11.What kind of communication system do they have in place?12.What are their core values in their business?42
Hiring a Contractor13. Visit a project of theirs that is currently in progress14. Ask to see what their bids look like.a. How detailed are they?15. What is their response time in responding to your inquiry?16. How often will they visit the site thought-out the project.17. Ask them to share an experience where there was a hiccup in a project and how they wentabout trouble shooting it.a. How did they handle it? What was the solution?18. How do they keep the job site clean?19. Ask each contractors to provide you with the following:a. Photos of a project that was completed within the last 90 days.b. A referral list of 2-3 people they’ve done work for in the last 90 days.20. Why does your project interest them?Remember, this is your home and these people will be coming in and out of it (likely with ateam of people). It’s okay to take your time and make sure you find someone you vibe with. Theremodeling process can be absolutely overwhelming, which is why many people hire an interiordesigner—not just for a beautiful design, but to make sure the entire process is handled with a levelof care and confidence, so you can relax into the process.But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good experience doing it yourself. It all comes down toyour budget and your preference. Properly filling out this entire workbook is a great first step tohaving all of the information you’ll need to do a proper negotiation and find a skilled contractorwho can bring your dream design to life for you.If you still feel overwhelmed, feel free to reach out and schedule a 1-hour consulting call with me.I’d love to learn more about your project and give you a second set of eyes before you jump intoall the details.43
My clients have told me that these initialconsulting calls are very valuable at givingthem the relief they are looking for when toomany tasks and ideas are buzzing around.These 1-hour calls will help you get theclarity you’re seeking before you hirea contractor or make any permanentchanges to your home.Normally, this 1-hour call is 400, but I’moffering it to those who have completedthis work book for only 197, when youbook through this link Your remodel can be beautiful and yourideas can come to life, but if you just wantthe reassurance of having someone checkyour work, I’m happy to offer that to you.Book Your 1-hour Call Now44
Before Starting with this Contractor & Remodel Checklist, please make sure you've completed your Home Design Workbook, first, and have the following ready to reference: . Purchase a small induction burner and utilize a bathtub or auxiliary bathroom as your main sink. When remodeling more than 2-3 areas of your home, most contractors will .
