Advice On a Smooth Renovation Process
It’s that time when you’d like to turn your home into everything you have dreamed of - more open space, bigger kitchen, utilize that odd corner, move some walls around, and add new energy efficient windows. However, you wish you could avoid the headache your neighbors went through during their renovation and take on your renovation with confidence and luxury. Below are some points we’d like to share from our experience that will help you streamline and get the most out of your next remodeling project.
Steps for a Smooth Renovation Process
Plan Ahead – One of the best things every contractor likes to hear at the initial meeting is, “We’ve done some research and already have ideas of what we want”. Knowing what homeowner wants will help the contractor give more accurate advice on design, material selection, and costs. The better a contractor understands the needs, the easier and more cost efficient the process will be.
Design Phase – it is always important to spend time in the design phase of the process. It is common for homeowners to prioritize the start date rather than preparing for the start date. Remember, it is much easier to redraw something than to rebuild something.
Communicate Effectively – Utilizing “the silent treatment” is the best way towards a disastrous renovation process. If you do not like something you see, you tell the contractor or the field superintendent immediately. Also if you do like where things are going, don’t be afraid to tell the whole world, or just the contractor. It gives us reassurance that we are on the right track to meeting your needs. Also if changes are to be made, make sure they are in writing to prevent “He said, she said” discussions in the end.
Budget – It is important to have a budget in mind and also to share it with the contractor. Not knowing what the budget is, the contractor may waste time giving the homeowner more than they need or less of what they want in the design phase. Therefore, knowing the limits the contractor can work within the budget to obtain the perfect balance between the homeowner’s needs and wants.
Detailed Scope of Work – It is normal to request a detailed scope of work to avoid “But that was not in the scope” conversations. It is common for many contractors to provide vague descriptions during bidding with intent of being the lowest bidder, and later surprise the homeowner with change orders and cost increases. Even though change orders are inevitable, it is best to decrease the number by obtaining a detailed scope of work.
Timely Decisions – If material and design selections are required from the homeowner, make sure the contractor gives a deadline for those decisions to be made so that the construction schedule is smooth and on time. We like to use on online system with our clients for this specific point. It helps streamline the decision process and keep us on time and on budget.
Aside from all the other points to consider, these would be at the top of the list. Renovating your home should be an exciting time that is meant to be enjoyed and not dreaded. Give us a call and let us know how we can help make your home more enjoyable and also increase the value of your home in today’s fast growing market.