It really would depend on the size of the system, but to rough in surround sound shouldn't be more than around $1500. In regards to security systems, most of them are wireless these days and don't have to be pre-wired into the house. I hope that helps give you an idea of what you're looking at.
Contacting your local home improvement commission is your best recourse to start, since they typically have a fund to pay for a attorney for you if needed. They can provide mediation between both parties in hope that a court battle can be avoided. They will slso decipline the contractor if they side with you, and no contractor wants that on there record.
A lawyer is the first place to start. Your builder should be insured for problems like this. If it is a big box builder then I am sure something in the corporate contract has an answer for this. You definitely will want to keep any paperwork, emails, texts, etc just to back up your claim. Also the city/county should have the design on file because that is what the permit is attached too.
Are there specifications that say that there is to be a shower seat?
The requirements to be a Guild Quality member are:
1) Be willing to have all of your clients surveyed by Guild Quality
2) Send your client contact information to Guild Quality
3) Stay on top of the status of your projects so that surveys are sent to clients at the correct phase of the project
4) Maintain your profile so that it shares your information with the public
5) Pay your account invoice!
* Is he Licensed with the county you planing to build the addition ?
* How long he was in business ?
* What type of projects he has done in the past ?
Sincerely
Nicolas
Both can be costly. If you tear down, you may build it exactly how you want it - and potentially have less problems then trying to create something new out of something old. You never know what could potentially go wrong with an old building. It's kind of like buying an older car - it may be cheaper in the moment, but something may go wrong and have to be replaced after a year or so. If it's a good conditioned older building, then why not renovate it!! However, if it needs a lot of work, and the foundation is pretty shady, then tearing it down and starting from the bottom would logically be the best choice!
Great question!
There are a couple of different ways that you can find a reliable architect, designer, or design-build firm to design your new home.
The best way to find someone that you trust is usually word-of-mouth. Talk to people that you know who have built their own home, and see what type of process they used. Ask them what they liked best and least about the process, and learn from their mistakes. If they loved their architect, design-build firm, or contractor, that's a great place to start.
Other ways to find local design solutions for your new home would include seeking out local trade associations like the AIA chapter (if you're choosing to complete this using the design-bid-build method) for your local area, or the local NARI (for other solutions like design-build, designers, or contractors) chapter for your area.
Additionally, websites like GuildQuality can point you towards local resources, as well as other social media-oriented sites like Houzz which feature projects from local professionals. Angie's List can be hit or miss, as can Yelp, although they might give you a few ideas.
Keep in mind design-build firms as an alternative to hiring just an architect!
Ask your friends about their personal experiences as a starting point. I am sure you will both good and bad stories. You want to make sure that you ask as many questions as possible upfront to reduce surprises during the process. Take your time, this process should not be rushed. Make sure the builder know that you want to stay on budget. Get a list of allowance items and shop the stores to make sure the allowances fit your home.
Most important to me would be to ask the builder for references and go talk to previous clients.
Good luck!
The biggest mistake you can make is to focus on price. Interview people that have had a custom home built. Ask them, "what would you do different?".... there is your answer of what mistakes to avoid!
John,
Where is the home located in terms of climate region. There are some nuances when it comes to tuning glazing packages per elevation.
Keep in mind that standard Low-e glass will reduce the amount of radiant energy that enters through the window by more than 200% over clear glass right off the bat.
WoW Home Solutions
Is the home completed?
To help you I need to ask a few questions:
1. Do you have a good contract?
2. Does the contract state in writing start time?
3. Do you think you have paid money to the contractor more than the work completed?
4. Does your state require a licence?
5. Is the contractor a friend of your?
Alex,
Solar is one of the best home improvement opportunities available to homeowners today. The return-on-investment is over 100% (unlike most of home improvements). See immediate cash flow savings by "zeroing-out" your energy bill. The increase in value and decrease in time-on-market will also help when it comes time to sell.
There is still a 30% federal tax credit available, as well as other incentives depending on the state where you live. Financing options range from cash purchase to lease/PPA. You'll see the best rate of return on a cash purchase, though any option is usually better than the price you pay for utilities.
Solare Energy has been serving San Diego for 25 years and provides our customers with a free energy audit and rate analysis before designing a solar panel system for their homes. This allows us to accurately size the system to your energy consumption needs and get you the best value for your investment.
Learn more at www.SolareEnergy.com or call 858-547-4300 for San Diego area solar installations.
Rob Shaw
Marketing Manager
Solare Energy, Inc.
San Diego, CA