If you are starting a home remodel or renovation project, then you will want to be prepared for many things. No remodel or renovation ever goes smoothly and the more that you are prepared for all of the issues that go along with these projects, the better off you will be.
1. You should never expect perfection when it comes to home remodels or renovations. It is never going to happen and something is always going to not work the way that you wanted it to. You also need to remember that people are working on your house and people make mistakes. They do not mean to, but it happens. No one is ever perfect.
2. If you wait to decide on a budget until the work has started, you will have a problem. A budget should be determined before you even plan on what you want done.
3. When you are looking at incoming bids for your project, you should remember that you shouldn’t always go with the lowest bid. That person may not do as good of a job as the person with a higher bid. On the flip side, it doesn’t mean that the person with the highest bid will do an excellent job either. It is a good idea to get references for everyone you are getting a bid from as well as look for feedback online, so that you can make a decision not only on price but reputation.
4. It is important for you to never lose your temper during a project like this. It can affect all of the work that your contractor does as well as how you treat each other and communicate together.
5. Not every contractor is going to be insured and some may say that they are even when they are not. It is always a good idea to ask for a copy of their insurance. Legally they have to provide it and if they are good at what they do, they will have a copy readily available for you.
6. You should always assume that a project is going to take longer than you think it will. If you do not plan for this, then that will be an issue for you. Remember, mistakes happen and problems arise when it comes to remodeling.
7. Verbal agreements might be easier, but they will not hold up in court if an issue occurs. Make sure that you get everything in writing, so that both you and your contractor know what is expected at the end of the project. The written agreement will hold you both accountable for everything.
As long as you are prepared for all of the complications of a remodel or renovation, you should be able to survive everything that happens during that time. If you keep the lines of communication open, treat the people working on your house well, and stay patient - you should still have your sense of humor intact when everything is finished.
Call John at @Design Remodel at 508-348-7763 if you’re in the Cape Cod area and would like to start making plans for your 2017 remodeling project.