Question 1

What are the benefits of requesting a quote for my next home improvement project in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Many homeowners decide to make improvements to their homes in Columbia, especially during the spring and summer months. You should get quotes for home improvement projects, and many experts agree that you should get three of them, at least.
Though some people prefer to do some repairs themselves, it is not advisable, especially for large projects and things that could be dangerous. Instead, hire a contractor who knows what they are doing.
What Should the Bid Include?
When you request a quote from a contractor in Columbia, he or she should put it in writing. What is included can vary, but all bids should explain what the project entails and who is responsible for each part of the job.
It must also list:
Payment terms
Start/completion dates
Any permits needed (and costs to obtain them)
Labor and materials cost
Proof of worker’s compensation, licensure, bonding, and liability insurance (where applicable)
Why Request Three Bids
Often, it is hard for homeowners to get three bids from three contractors or companies. When you call someone, you must ask them pertinent questions. Then, you need to schedule a time for them to come to the home and assess your situation. This is imperative and should not be ignored.
If a contractor in Columbia gives you a price without inspecting the house, it is a red flag. They aren’t going to know the specifics of your home and case, so they can’t honestly say how much it is going to cost. Usually, upon inspection, contractors realize that there are a few minor things that need to be done, as well.
This is normal and included in the written bid. Therefore, many homeowners don’t realize that anything was ‘changed’ at all because the contractor did things the right way.
When you solicit three bids, you have a better idea of the price range and can identify any issues. You should also focus on things like flexibility, creativity, and communication skills.
What to Ask a Potential Contractor
Before you get quotes for home improvement, it’s a good idea to have a list of questions to ask potential contractors. Consider asking them about their main suppliers, how they create bids (fixed prices or estimates), and who the foreman is. You can also request to meet the foreman and anyone else who might be on the job site.
This gives you peace of mind because you feel confident about the people who are working on the team. Of course, you should also determine who is going to be in charge and if they are going to be on the site each day of the project.
Then, request a bid from each of the three contractors and request that it be itemized if it isn’t already. That way, you know what each of the charges is to make up the full price.
It’s essential that you go about choosing a home improvement contractor in the right way. Otherwise, you run the risk of being dissatisfied with the work and progress of the job. Get a quote from three reputable sources and be on your way to completing your project sooner.

Question 2

Is it possible to remodel a bathroom for less than $5,000.00 in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

The average cost to remodel a bathroom in Columbia is about $10,000. But don’t let that discourage you if you’re working with half that budget. There are plenty of ways to cut costs while still getting the look you want.
Try these tips and tricks to keep your bathroom remodel cost down to $5000.
Don’t move the plumbing
. Often the biggest expense of a bathroom remodel comes from changing the floor plan, especially the plumbing layout. Keep the main fixtures –tub, toilet, and sink -- in the same location and save.
Refinish vs. replace.
Does your bathroom really need a gut job or just a surface update? An affordable option might be refinishing features like the cabinets, countertop, or bathtub. Even ugly old tile can be repainted, as long as it’s in basically good shape.
Stick with stock items
. Custom cabinetry and special-order tile are likely to raise your bathroom remodel costs sky high. Order stock instead; you’ll not only cut costs but also receive your items faster.
Consider today’s money-saving materials.
Many materials that did not exist a decade or two ago, like vinyl plank flooring, give you efficient performance and good looks for a very reasonable price.

Make some of the work DIY.
Of course you’ll want a pro to handle complex tasks such as plumbing and wiring. However, why not take on simpler tasks like painting the walls, installing a sink backsplash, or even replacing a vanity yourself?

Question 3

What is the average price per square foot to remodel my home in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

The simple answer is that remodeling costs $10-$60 per square foot on average. However, those “average”costs are just a starting point. What you’ll actually end up paying depends on the details of your remodeling project in Columbia.
Take a closer look at what determines remodeling cost.
Whole-House Remodel vs. Specific Room
The average figure mentioned refers to a whole-house remodel. Certain rooms are more costly than others to redo. Remodeling a kitchen, say, will usually be more expensive per square foot because it involves material and labor costs which you won’t incur in a living room remodel -- for example, replacing appliances and upgrading plumbing.
Standard of Your Remodel
There are 3 general standards for remodeling: budget, mid-range, and high-end.These terms refer to quality and customization of the materials and supplies selected, as well as the extent of the remodel. Obviously, price increases as you move up the scale.
Condition of Your Home
Whether you knowingly purchased a house in need of major restoration or your renovation reveals hidden problems (for example, mold that is found when a bathroom wall is demolished), repair costs must be taken into account. Professionals advise budgeting an extra 10-20% for repairs from the outset.
Special Considerations
Is your home designated historic? Does your homeowners association regulate the details of renovations, such as which colors, materials, and so on may be used? Special considerations like these will also affect the total cost you pay.

Question 4

What Pro Listings Can You Safely Consider for Your Home Improvement Project in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to your home improvement project, there are a variety of ways to find the appropriate contractor. These can include Angie’s List, Home Advisor, Adopt a Contractor, and Yelp. We are going to talk about each website separately to help you understand why they are all great options. You can safely consider these pro listings for your home improvement project in Columbia.
Home Advisor
Home Advisor is a nationwide network that offers professional listings for home improvement contractors and handymen throughout the country.
It works when contractors become members and offer their services through the website. Consumers can go online and search by zip code to find professionals. Then, they hire that person to come to their home and perform the work. Afterward, the customer writes a review so that others know how good the contractor is.
Of course, you can also get multiple bids from different contractors in Columbia. Fill out one form and get quotes from local pros who want your business.
Angie’s List
Angie’s List is another website that lists a variety of home improvement professions throughout the country. While there is a free membership, it doesn’t come with all the perks. You can choose to pay for membership and get upgrades, such as phone support and email support. Plus, you also get the magazine produced by the company mailed to your home (in most cases).
When you join, you can see a variety of companies and contractors in Columbia. There are verified reviews about each one, making it easier to compare them. If you’re a paid member, you also have access to exclusive discounts. You choose the company you desire, hire them, and have the work completed. Then, you share a review to the community or resolve issues through the Angie’s List team.
Yelp
Yelp works similarly to the other internet services companies. You type in what you want and where to search (zip code or city/state), and get a variety of companies in the area. They are rated by stars, and you can read reviews. It also lets you request a consult from the contractor right from the Yelp page.
You may also go to the website or call the number yourself. When you sign up (which is free for consumers), you can save and share a particular company. This can help if you plan to compare prices from multiple contractors (and you should).
Adopt a Contractor
Adopt a Contractor is another online platform that can generate leads for your home improvement project. It’s easy to use and is based in Florida. However, it’s designed to be used nationwide.
This tool is one of the newer ones on the market and sells leads where possible. Still, it is a great tool for consumers who want to comparison shop.
Final Thoughts
If you want pro listings for your home improvement project, we have talked about four different options. Try them all out to see which one meets your needs the best and has contractors in your area.

Question 5

How Do You Pay For Remodeling in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Remodeling your home is not cheap. Costs average $10-$60 per square foot, and can add up quickly.
So how do you pay for remodeling in Columbia?
Here are 7 methods.
1. Cash. Tapping your savings or gifts is a great way to go ... if you have these resources available.
2. HELOC. Once you’ve built up some equity in your home, a Home Equity Line of Credit acts as a secured loan, at a reasonable rate of interest.
3. Personal Loan. An unsecured personal loan can be a fast, easy source of remodeling funding, even if you don’t have much home equity yet. The annual percentage rate is somewhat higher than with a HELOC.
4. HomeStyle Loan. With good credit and a low debt-to-income ratio, a Fannie Mae HomeStyle mortgage can help you pay to remodel either your principal residence or a vacation home.
5. 203K Loan. A 203K“rehab loan” may be available to you through the Federal Housing Administration.This type of remodelingloan is bundled with your mortgage, at the time ofinitial property purchase or refinancing. To qualify, you’ll need to take out mortgage insurance and occupy the home yourself.
6. Credit Card.Your Visa or MasterCard might be the handiest option to pay for a small remodel. Save on the typically high APR by taking advantage of a low-interest credit card promotion.
7. Contractor Financing. A growing trend is financing provided directly by the contractor who does the work, at competitive interest rates.

Hometips about Remodeling / Addition

What are the benefits of requesting a quote for my next home improvement project in Columbia?

Is it possible to remodel a bathroom for less than $5,000.00 in Columbia?

What is the average price per square foot to remodel my home in Columbia?

What Pro Listings Can You Safely Consider for Your Home Improvement Project in Columbia?

How Do You Pay For Remodeling in Columbia?

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home improvement contractors in the industry.

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Hometips about Remodeling / Addition

What are the benefits of requesting a quote for my next home improvement project in Columbia?

Is it possible to remodel a bathroom for less than $5,000.00 in Columbia?

What is the average price per square foot to remodel my home in Columbia?

What Pro Listings Can You Safely Consider for Your Home Improvement Project in Columbia?

How Do You Pay For Remodeling in Columbia?

Find a Contractor Near Me

We make it our mission to find you the leading home improvement contractors in the industry.

Projects by Cities

Our Partners

We make it our mission to find you the leading
home improvement contractors in the industry.