The top 5 things a homeowner should do before a project begins
The top 5 things to know before your remodel
As a seasoned remodelor, I have had the pleasure of working in many wonderful homes for some outstanding clients. I have always tried to set expectations in the right tone so that both the homeowner and the contractor are on the same page. I write this assuming you have done the due diligence to choose a licensed and insured contractor that you trust. Over the years there are a few things that I consider vital before the project begins and I will list them here!
Selection of Finishes
Most larger remodeling project involve choosing things such as plumbing and electrical fixtures, tile, flooring and cabinetry etc. During the early phases of project development I strongly encourage my homeowners to begin the shopping process as soon as possible. Once your contractor has provided cost or allowances for any given item, begin looking at your choices. I insist that in most cases my clients have made all selections in the 4-6 week period before the job begins. My calendar is often built around the arrival of critical items such as cabinetry which can take 4-6 weeks to arrive. Not having materials on hand will slow the job down as the contractor may need to delay work until items arrive. No one, I mean no one I have ever met wants to have a project ongoing with no workers on hand for a few days!
Where is all your stuff going?
Depending on what part of the house you plan to work in, it is likely there are items that will need to be moved or stored. Basements often present the largest challenge as we all tend to move little used stuff down for storage. I have a clause in my agreement that asks the proposed work area to be free and clear of all belongings. Most contractors will offer to move large items when doing project like finishing floors when the items must be moved, but as a rule your contractor does not want to move furniture or personal items for liability issues. There are many options, many customers move things into a nearby room for the duration of the project. If there is a bigger need for storage, temporary storage can be rented and things can be moved into Pods in the driveway. In cases where there is years of accumulation as well as furniture I recommend that an organizer be brought in to help sort and store as needed.
What to do with my Pets?
If you have pets, the remodeling can be disruptive for them. It can even be frightening with the strange faces and the loud noises. It is best to find a secure area to keep the animals in during the day when the work is ongoing. For animals that are a bit more sensitive, a doggie day care or a kennel might be needed if they are adversely affected. It is always vital for your contractor to know about your pets and how they behave, particularly if one of them likes to “escape”. We all love our pets and want them safe and happy, communication works best in these cases so the animals are most comfortable. It is best to make a plan before the work begins.
What about my neighbors?
It is best to let your neighbors know there will an increase in activity due to construction. Encourage them to let you know if there are any parking issues or if trash finds its way into their property. As the contractor, I try to introduce myself to the nearby homes and give them my contact info “just in case” but not all of us do this. If your neighbors let you know about any issues you can quickly share them with the project manager. Also, if you have an association with your community they will want to be alerted. Some even want to approve your plans if they involve additions or color changes to your home. They may also have some requirements for things like dumpsters and portable toilets.
Make sure you understand the Plans/Specifications
This is important, none of us ever want to have the “I thought you were going to do this…” conversation. It is paramount that there is a set of plans that have been approved by the client and signed off on with the contractor. It is equally important for the client to have read the contract in its entirety. I know this seems hum drum, but if you find something missing or just are not clear on what something means, ask! I work very hard to present a contract that has all details included, but sometimes things get lost during revisions etc. Please ask and communicate with your contractor before he begins building if you see an omission or need some further understanding!
It all boils down to making sure that both the client and the contractor communicate openly and freely. If both parties can say or ask what is on their mind without worry anything that comes up before of during construction can have a great solution!