11 Amazing and Disappointing Things to Expect During Your Remodeling Project

Most of the homeowners we work with during a remodeling project are unsure of what to expect during the process. We wanted to address some of the best and worst things about remodeling today. Of course we could tell you that the entire process is going to be puppies, rainbows, and butterflies, but… it isn’t. It’s going to be an awesomely messy process with some incredibly exciting high points and disappointing low points. Are you ready to see our breakdown of the process?

1. Decisions – The tough decisions are generally made before any demolition begins. Other decisions may be made and changed throughout any phase of the process, but make sure to let us know sooner rather than later if you change your mind.
2. Dust – Remodeling is dirty business. We will put up plastic to help protect the rest of your home from the construction area, but dust travels. Consult your HVAC technician to discuss the idea of blocking ducts that lead to or from the construction area to help cut down on dust.
3. Noise – Power tools are loud. Nail guns, saws, drills, and sanders make noise, and all of those tools will be in use at various times, sometimes even simultaneously. Workers will be yelling back and forth looking for things and enjoying general chit chat on occasion while they work. Consider staying at a friend’s or neighbor’s house for the day while it’s loud.
4. High Points – Every homeowner has specific things they want to see; or that they want to see gone. You may get super excited about the demolition if you hate your existing cabinets or excited about the new backsplash if you’ve waited for months to see it installed. Whatever you’ve truly been looking forward to will be tucked away in your memory as high points. Feel free to take pictures so you have that memory forever.
5. Low Points – You’re going to get tired of whipping out your credit card or checkbook to pay for things. You’re going to get tired of having so many people in your house during working hours. You’re going to get tired of the mess and the noise. But hang in there, the process is only temporary, and your newly remodeled home will look amazing.
6. Budget Issues – Regardless of how many times you checked and double checked pricing, some things will sneak up on you. Make sure you set aside 20% above and beyond the cost we quote you so when you decide you want to upgrade to the nicer countertop or fixtures, the money is there.
7. Unexpected Surprises – We never know what we’re going to see when we start the demolition process in a kitchen or bathroom. We may run into water damaged insulation or serious water damage to the structural members of the house. We always hope for the best, but we just don’t know what the home has been through since it was built. Excessive water damage will have to be repaired before we can continue with the project.
8. Delays – Aside from the potential delays created by the unexpected surprises we just mentioned, we may run into issues with the delivery of materials. These are things that we have absolutely no control over, so they frustrate us as much as they frustrate you.
9. Changes – Changes to the layout or materials used during the remodeling process may increase or decrease the cost of the project, and often create delays. Most change orders come from the client. Let’s say you decide half way through the process that you want the Carrera Marble Brick Mosaic instead of the Natural Varied Mother of Pearl backsplash. We will probably have to order the new materials and work on something else in the meantime. It is, after all, your preference in materials.
10. Stragglers – Little things that will need to be resolved as time goes by. This can include things that arrive broken or dented from the manufacturer. We obviously can’t use damaged goods in your remodel, so we have to send them back and request an exchange.
11. Welcome (Back) Home! Self explanatory! Welcome back home; it’s time to invite friends and family over to help you enjoy your newly remodeled home.

The most important thing you can do is choose a trusted contractor on Cape Cod to remodel your home. We know the area. We know what to expect. We know that you need to be protected from the occasional Atlantic hurricane that wanders up the East coast. Give us a call at 508-684-5644 to discuss your upcoming project, an existing project, or the possibility of working with us. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation and show you why we’re the best choice for your project!