Kitchen & Bath Learning Center
Welcome to our Learning Center, your trusted resource for all your home remodeling questions! Whether you're wondering about the timeline for planning a kitchen remodel, the design decisions involved in a bathroom remodel, or the costs associated with these projects, we’ve got you covered!
Our expert articles dive into essential topics like selecting the best water filter system for your kitchen remodel, understanding the difference between a bathroom renovation and a remodel, and finding the right remodeling contractor for your project. We also offer insights on choosing the best building materials and tips for living in your home during a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Explore our comprehensive guides to make informed decisions and turn your dream home in the New Hampshire Seacoast or Southern Maine into a reality!
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What is the difference between time & materials and cost-plus contracts?
What does cost-plus even mean? Is it just a fancy term for time & materials, or is it something entirely different?
Navigating the world of remodeling contracts can be intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with the industry lingo. That’s why we’re here to break down the difference between time & materials (T&M) and cost-plus contracts, so you can make an informed decision. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these contracts differ and when each one might be the right fit for your project.
And if you’re wondering, “Which contract type is best for my remodel?”—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll get into that as well!
What information does a contractor need to provide a price quote for my project?
When you’re planning a remodeling project, getting a price quote from a contractor is a key step. How can you ensure that your contractor understands your vision, and the quote is accurate and thorough? Have you been wondering:
What should I include in my project description to get an accurate quote from a contractor?
How detailed should my project plans be before asking for a quote?
Do I need to have a budget in mind before requesting a quote from a contractor?
Do I need to have a complete design before getting a quote from a contractor?
How do I compare quotes from different contractors?
What factors influence a contractor’s price?
Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process so you can be sure that you have the details you need for a successful remodeling experience!
What are material allowances?
When a homeowner is planning a home improvement project, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. Every single decision will affect their budget, either positively or negatively.
How can a homeowner know if they can afford the project if they have to spend months designing it and choosing all of the materials before they can learn what it will cost? Is that what a material allowance is for?
When are material allowances used in a construction project? What are the advantages of material allowances? What are the disadvantages of using material allowances? Should I sign a contract that has material allowances in it?
Which is better: a time and materials, cost-plus, or fixed price contract?
When you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel in Portsmouth, NH, one of the most critical decisions you'll face is how your contractor will bill you. Your choice in this area can significantly impact not only your budget but also your overall experience during the remodel.
There are primarily two methods of charging for a service: a variable cost method, ie. Time & Materials or Cost-Plus. Or, a guaranteed cost method, like the aptly named Fixed Cost (also called Fixed Price). To avoid surprises, it is important to know which method your contractor will be using.
Let's explore the different contract types—Time & Materials, Cost-Plus, and Fixed Cost—and help you decide which will be the best fit for your project.
Should I pay markup on building materials for my home renovation in NH?
Have you ever reviewed a quote or invoice from a contractor and noticed a markup on the building materials? Did you wonder why that extra charge was there? Maybe you even thought to yourself, "Is this really necessary?"
It’s totally understandable to question whether that markup is justified. After all, it feels like it’s just extra money added on top without any real benefit. But is there more to it than just the price difference?
Before jumping to conclusions, let’s take a closer look at what that markup buys you and why it might actually be saving you more than you realize. When we’re done, you will have the information you need to decide whether paying a markup makes sense or if you should be exploring other options.
What is the difference between an estimate, a quote, and a bid?
Contractors and homeowners alike often use the words “estimate”, “quote”, “bid” & sometimes even “budget” interchangeably, and this leads to a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. What do all these terms mean? Do they all mean the same thing? What is the difference between an estimate, a quote, and a bid? Which one should you ask your contractor for?