The job is starting! You’re excited, but are you ready to deal with the disruptions to your house and to your routine? If your project involves remodeling much of your existing house, you might consider moving out temporarily. The novelty of camping out in your own home will quickly fade in the face of the loss of privacy and diminished accommodations, as well as the dust and noise! But if you’re going to stay home, try to be patient and understanding, and prepare for a bumpy ride.
Here are some thoughts to help you cope:
· Good communication prevents most problems, so make sure you and your remodeler agree on a system for staying in touch. Often the lead carpenter or foreman is the best contact person. Some contractors provide a box or folder where everyone can leave notes or change orders. Make sure that you communicate with the designated contact person. A single worker or subcontractor will not have the information or authority necessary to make changes or assess how it might impact the project as a whole.
· Share your concerns with the contact person immediately. What is a minor adjustment now might be a major expense later.
· Don’t panic! If you discover what you think is a major problem, get all of the facts and discuss them with your remodeler. A good remodeler knows there will be problems, and knows how to solve them.
· Expect that the project feels like it is taking too long. After the initial demolition and framing, there will be times when it seems like not much is happening. It is difficult to schedule a project seamlessly without any down time. All of the subcontractors have other projects to finish before they can start yours and if one phase of your project takes longer than expected for whatever reason, it can impact the schedule. Discuss this with your contractor. Most remodelers factor in some down time in every project.
· Expect good quality work, but remember that remodeling is an art and even the finest remodeling project will not be perfect. Finishes applied today may not match older finishes. Your contractor will strive to blend his new construction with the less-than-perfect conditions that may be present in your home.
· Your remodeler will appreciate your prompt payment of bills as specified in the contract, instead of having to ask for it. Most remodelers are working on a smaller profit margin than you might imagine and need to make timely payments to suppliers and subcontractors to get their professional discounts.
· After the project has been completed, you may notice something that doesn’t seem right. Contact your contractor and, if you did not pick the “low-bidder”, you should expect a prompt response during the warranty period and after!
Finally, if you did your homework and chose wisely, you can expect to pleased by the end result. The added comfort, convenience and space will enhance your lifestyle for years to come.
Tags: remodeler, Remodeling, renovation, stress