8 Remodeling Best Practices for Illinois Homeowners

Protect Yourself from Costly Mistakes

Remodeling your home can increase your property value and enhance your living space, but it also comes with risks. Illinois homeowners need to be aware of potential issues like cost overruns, poor craftsmanship, and contractors who may not have their best interests in mind. Follow these tips to protect yourself during your home remodeling project and ensure the job is done right.

1. Do Your Homework: Research Illinois Contractors Thoroughly

Choosing the right contractor is crucial to a successful remodel. Start by researching Illinois home remodeling contractors through online reviews, and ask for references from other homeowners in your area. Be sure to hire a contractor who is licensed with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and carries the required insurance and bonding.

When comparing bids, be cautious of price inflation in high-end areas like Wilmette, Winnetka, and Lake Forest, where contractors may assume you’re willing to pay more. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs to ensure you’re getting a fair price.

2. Get a Clear, Detailed Contract

In Illinois, contractors must provide a written contract for jobs exceeding $1,000 under the Home Repair and Remodeling Act (HRRA). Make sure your contract includes all details, such as the scope of work, materials, timeline, and labor.

Contractors are also required to provide the “Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights” pamphlet, which explains your rights as a homeowner. You can view the pamphlet here.

Minimize the need for change orders by planning thoroughly. If changes are necessary, ensure that all modifications are documented in writing with associated costs.

3. Obtain Necessary Permits

Obtaining permits for home improvement projects in Illinois is critical to ensure the work is compliant with local building codes. Permits not only protect you from substandard work but also help ensure your project passes inspections.

Make sure your contractor secures all the necessary permits to avoid fines and issues with your homeowner’s insurance.

4. Insist on Insurance Protections

Always request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your contractor to confirm they have general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you from financial responsibility if an accident occurs on your property.

Additionally, ask for a final waiver of lien after each payment. This protects you from any liens that subcontractors or suppliers could place on your property if the contractor fails to pay them. You can view an example of a waiver of lien here.

5. Use a Written Payment Schedule

Avoid paying the full amount upfront. Break down the payments into milestones and hold back a significant portion until the project is fully completed to your satisfaction. Limit your upfront deposit to 10-20% of the total project cost to reduce financial risk.

6. Stay Involved in the Project

Regularly check in on the progress of your project and maintain open communication with your contractor. Keep a detailed record of all communications, agreements, and payments to protect yourself if any disputes arise. Illinois law allows you to verify that the work matches the contract.

7. Beware of Common Remodeling Scams in Illinois

Stay alert for these common home remodeling scams in Illinois:

• Unlicensed contractors: Verify licenses through the IDFPR.
• Lowball bids: Extremely low bids often lead to hidden costs or poor quality.
• Cash payments: Always use traceable payment methods like checks or digital transfers for record-keeping purposes.

8. Consider Legal Protections

For large home remodeling projects, it may be wise to consult an attorney to review the contract. Include a dispute resolution clause in your agreement to handle conflicts through mediation or arbitration, saving you time and money.

Conclusion

Remodeling your Illinois home is a great investment, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. By researching contractors, securing permits, and insisting on clear contracts and payment schedules, you can protect yourself from common pitfalls like contractor scams and inflated costs.

Make sure your contractor follows the Home Repair and Remodeling Act guidelines, avoid costly change orders, and don’t make final payments until the work is completed to your satisfaction. With the right planning and due diligence, you can enjoy a successful home remodeling project while protecting your home and finances.