Pitfall: I thought that was included!

If you don’t define a comprehensive scope document, you will be in for surprises.  When doing any home renovation, surprises are not what you are looking for.  In most instances, Surprises = Extra Cost.  Of course, size and complexity of the remodel are closely related to the number and impact of unexpected items.

It’s not that unanticipated events can be eliminated completely, but with some foresight, you can minimize their size and impact.  This means that you need to have thought through the project as completely as possible.  Determine what you will provide and what you expect the contractor to provide.

It’s best to write down what you will do and what you expect the contractor to do.  Provide this document to the bidders and ask them to price the work as indicated.  In so doing, you will understand the proposed work more completely.  And so will your bidders.

A scope document also reduces unknowns of the renovation or remodel project.  Unknowns are risk.  And risk shifted to the contractor naturally costs you more.

- Frank Soellig