There are a number of things that need to be considered before you begin your major home remodeling project. Being aware of a few key issues can greatly reduce homeowner stress and make the job go more smoothly.
Things you need to know:
Planning
By far, the most important part of a project is the planning stage. From conception of the scope of work, cost and materials to contractor selection and the contract documents, it always pays to be diligent with this stage of the project.
Noise and Disruption
Every project will doubtless cause some degree of disruption to your normal home life. Noisy construction is impossible to avoid. To prepare for this, you can work with your contractor to arrange start and end times of the day for their work, so that you can plan your family’s life around it.
Material Delay
This is common with many remodels. Materials come in damaged, the wrong size or color and are often delayed do to weather, shipping conditions or availability, which are all out of the control of your contractor.
Clean Up
Big remodels can be messy. Make sure your contractor has included provisions for daily cleanup, material storage, debris removal from the jobsite, dust barriers and so on.
Job Completion Schedule
Don’t wait to find out if your contractor is overburdened with other jobs or has a vacation planned during your project. Get a project completion schedule in your contract. If completion time is of the essence to you, it is worthwhile to request a penalty clause in the contract
Insurance
Major construction projects can be dangerous. Even if your contractor is conscientious of these dangers and makes every reasonable effort to avoid them, that does not eliminate the possibility of them. Your home, possessions, family and others in your home should be considered. Licensed contractors are most often required by law to carry insurance to cover these items.
Communication
A comprehensive contract is an essential part of a successful project. These are legally binding documents. Make sure that you have read and understand the contract. If you have any questions or something is not clear, have a meeting with your contractor and have him clarify it to your satisfaction
Change Orders
There are very few projects that don’t have changes come up. Any changes to items included in the contract should only be instituted after issuance and signing of a contract amendment or change order. They should include, but not be limited to cost, specifications and affect on time completion. Make sure both parties have a copy.
Security
Most major projects require a number of subcontractors (and their employees), as well as the general contractor and his employees. This can multiply into quite a number of people coming and going from your home. Ask your contractor for a schedule of who will be on the job each day.
