An educated shopper is a smart shopper. This especially holds true in the world of hiring and working with contractors to make improvements to your home. As you interview potential contractors, being able to understand the terminology they use can help you avoid miscommunication and ensure a smoother remodeling experience so that you and your family can enjoy your new or updated kitchen, bathroom or room addition even sooner.
Here’s a glossary of some of the common terms used by builders and remodelers to help you understand the language of your remodeling project:
Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which the brand, model number, color, size or other details are not yet known.
Bid: A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project.
Building permit: A document issued by a governing authority, such as a city or county building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project.
Call-back: An informal term for a return visit by a contractor to repair or replace items the homeowner has found to be unsatisfactory or that require service under the warranty.
Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR): A professional designation program offered through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers Council™. To attain the CGR designation, a remodeler must take a specified number of continuing education courses and must comply with a strict code of ethics.
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS): The CAPS designation was developed by the National Association of Home Builders and AARP. CAPS professionals have been taught the strategies and techniques to meet the home modification needs of homeowners who want to continue living in their homes safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. CAPS graduates pledge to uphold a code of ethics and are required to maintain their designation by attending education programs and participating in community service.
Change order: Written authorization to the contractor making a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost.
Cost-plus contract: A contract between a contractor and homeowner based on the accrued cost of labor and materials plus a percentage for profit and overhead — also known as a time-and-materials contract.
Draw:A designated payment that is “drawn” from the total project budget to pay for services completed to date. A draw schedule typically is established in the contract.
Lien release: A document that voids the legal right of a contractor, subcontractor or supplier to place a lien against your property. A lien release assures you that the remodeler has paid subcontractors and suppliers in full for labor and materials.
Mechanic’s lien: A lien obtained by an unpaid subcontractor or supplier through the courts. When enforced, real property — such as your home — can be sold to pay the subcontractor or supplier. If a subcontractor or supplier signed a lien release, then this lien cannot be enforced.
To learn more about remodeling your home, visit www.biahawaii.org.
Karen Nakamura is CEO of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.