Q. What questions should I ask to ensure I'm selecting a professional contractor?

Q. Should we move or improve our existing house?

Q. What questions should I ask if I'm leaning toward purchasing a new home?

Q. We need more space. Would It be more cost effective to buy a new house or add on to the house we already have?

Q. What questions should I ask to ensure I'm selecting a professional contractor?

A. Here's a good list to help you find a qualified contractor like Welhouse Construction Services:

• Does the contractor have a permanent location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers?
• How long has the contractor been in business?
• Has the contractor attended additional building courses or conferences to stay current with trends and techniques?
• Does the contractor have proof of worker's compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
• Will the contractor provide you with names of previous customers? Ask if they would hire the same contractor again.
• Are you able to communicate easily with the contractor? Misunderstandings during the course of a project can lead to cost overruns and delays.
• Do you feel comfortable with the contractor?
• Will the contractor provide you with a complete and clearly written contract?
• How does the contractor handle lien wavers?
• What is the contractors service after the sale?
• Have you contacted the Better Business Bureau or the WI Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection?  They can alert you to any outstanding complaints.
• Is the contractor licensed, any designations relating to the trade?

Back to Questions

Q. Should we move or improve our existing house?

A. Here's a list of questions to help you decide.

• Is your home conveniently located near your job and other important activities?
• Neighbors can be wonderful, lifelong friends.  Are you happy in your neighborhood?  Consider schools, church and friends.
• Is the value of other homes in your neighborhood rising?
• Does your home offer most of what you want in a house?  Could a few changes make a world of difference? What are your needs and can they be met with some improvements to your existing home?
• Do local building codes allow you to build and addition either up or out?
• Is the kitchen or bath one of the first places you want to make changes?
• Is the lack of space a major complaint about your current home?
• How much would desired improvements cost?
• What’s the possible return on investment for improvements?  Of course, improvements may increase the value of your home for buyers in the future.  But, don’t just consider the monetary return.  Will improvements increase the quality of time you spend at home?
• What would your monthly housing costs be after moving to a new home?

Back to Questions

Q. What questions should I ask if I'm leaning toward purchasing a new home?

A. Here's a good list to get you started.

• Compare the location of your present home with the areas you're considering.
• Try to imagine your present home after it’s been remodeled. How does it compare to a new home?
• Determine the value of the amenities such as landscaping or window coverings that you’ll have to replace if you move.
• Determine the cost of new furniture or appliances for a new home.
• What is the cost of selling your present home?
• How long have other houses in your neighborhood stayed on the market?
• Would you have to sell your current home before closing on another one?
• What might settlement costs be for a new home?
• What would your monthly housing costs be after moving to a new home?

Back to Questions

Q. We need more space. Would It be more cost effective to buy a new house or add on to the house we already have?

A. In today’s real estate market the purchase price of a new home will be based on the size of the house, the location & amenities. So before you decide to buy a new house, it would be wise to know what your current home is selling for by the square foot. Several of our clients have had additions incorporated into their current homes & have increased the value considerably over the cost of remodeling.

For example: let’s say your home in its current location is worth $125 -$175 per sq. foot & you can add sq. footage by remodeling at the rate of approximately $ 75-100 per sq. foot. A room addition of 12 x 14  would add 168 sq. feet and at $100 per sq. foot the cost would be $16,800, but the actual value of the addition could be as much as $29,400. That’s an incredible investment!

The remodel not only adds space & value to the existing home, but other benefits like staying in a favorite neighborhood and close to local friends and schools (not to forget taxes & moving costs). The actual cost of the addition will obviously depend on several key factors like the type of addition, the location & comparative properties in your area. For all the enjoyment & ‘value a design/build remodel offers, it is definitely worth looking into.

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