Surviving Remodeling
As homeowners prepare for remodeling, they often plan for
everything except the experience itself. Budget planning,
material selection, contractor negotiations are all very
important, but just as important are plans for living through
the event.
Remodeling projects can last weeks or even months. Take steps
before the work begins to prepare your family. Start
communicating with your contractor from the beginning by setting
up a list of rules that will work best for your household. Know
the earliest workers will arrive and how late they may stay.
Instruct your contractor on where workers may park and which
entrance is to be used. Don’t forget to identify who will have
the keys to your home. If you have pets or small children,
discuss how you’ll handle things like open doors and nap times.
Everyone in the family should be told to stay out of the way of
the workers. Most remodeling is, well, messy. Ask your
contractor where materials, tools and equipment will be stored
and when cleaning will take place. Should you expect cleaning to
be done at the end of each day, state that upfront. The
contractor may only plan to clean once per week.
‘Houseguests’ will abound during your remodeling project.
Workers will need the basics covered while they are in your
home. While many contracts have mobile phones, make arrangements
with your contractor for telephone access if needed. Decide
which bathroom the workers will use or have your contractor
supply a port-a-let. If you don’t want the workers to eat lunch
at your antique dining room table, let them know where they can
take their lunch break. Try offering a pot of coffee or some ice
tea as a way of letting the workers know they’re in a home, not
just on a job site. Also be sure to inform your contractor and
workers which parts of the house are “off-limits”. During this
time, family space and privacy will be critical.
Protect valuables during your
remodeling project by renting a storage unit. If available,
ask a friend or family member with garage or basement space to
help store furniture, collectibles, rugs, and paintings–anything
not replaceable in the event of an accident. Most contractors
will use protective covers for furniture and carpeting, but
double-check before hand to avoid the cost of cleaning after the
job. While the project is underway, send out window coverings
for a cleaning.
Communication is the key to a successful project. Ask your
contractor when and where he may be reached. Get all phone
numbers, in case you need to reach your contractor with during
an emergency. Keep those numbers next to each phone in your
house, and on speed dial in your mobile phone. Give your
contractor all your phone numbers so you may be reached at all
times. Set a plan for communicating with the contractor. Decide
in advance how often you’ll be updated on work progress, delays,
and material deliveries, and when you’ll be able to ask
questions. Having one point of contact between the contractor
and the homeowner helps avoid miscommunications during the
project.
Try to keep your cool during stressful times. Plan a ‘reveal’
party for your family to enjoy after the workers leave and the
paint dries. As your project progresses, remind yourself and
family members of your goals. Keeping your eye on the prize will
help keep your mind off the mess!
Jennifer Mackinday is a public speaker and writer
focusing on home improvements and repairs. Jennifer has over 15
years experience in marketing and public relations, and is also
the owner of Hoosier House Help, a free contractor referral
service.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_MackInday
If you are looking for a home remodeling contractor in
Southern Rhode Island or Southeastern Connecticut, the please
call us today at 877-4-DOM-123 or
click
here for our service request form
|
