Managing Your Home Remodeling or Addition Project
Determine the Best Time for Work
If you work during the day, your working hours may be the best time for contractors to work on your project. Many times, someone may at home or children are coming in and out throughout the day. Decide before the work begins if you have a preferential time for professionals to be working on your home. Maybe you live in a secluded area and the noise, at any hour, won't bother your neighbors so your contractors can work from 6am to 7pm. It also might be the case that you only want them working from 8 to 5 so that you don't have the distraction when you get home. Be sure to inform your contractor about any time preferences you have.
Contractor Clean-Up
Many people like to have the mess cleaned up after each day, which makes sense because no one wants to live in a messy home. However, if there are several people who spend 30-45 minutes at the end of every day cleaning up their mess and storing their tools, this will add significant time to the project. Think about having them clean up at the end of every week or some such arrangement. Depending on the length of the project, cleaning every day could add as much as two weeks onto the project.
Ask your contractor if you can do some minor cleanup at night. This will ensure that the mess is satisfactory to you, and it keeps the contractors from having to do it themselves, giving them more time to finish the project. Everyone wins.
Consider the Contractors
Although this is your home and your remodeling project it is also your mess! The contractors recommended by Simonson Lumber are trying to provide you with their best service. They do not intend to make a mess and dirty your home, though these are sometimes the unfortunate side effects of a remodeling project.
- Think about what is reasonable to ask of your contractors.
- Ask your contractor what will help them to work more efficiently and quickly.
- Allow them room to do their jobs, and they will finish your project as soon as they can.
Pitch a temporary camp.
If you are remodeling your kitchen, being without kitchen conveniences can be frustrating. Minimize inconvenience by setting up a temporary kitchen away from the construction area. Include a refrigerator and microwave oven, so you can continue to make light meals at home.
Pack away your breakables.
A remodeling project can affect every room your house. Remove pictures, move vases, and pack away valuables before work begins. Take steps to protect your immovable fixtures, including built-in cabinets and chandeliers. Have flooring covered with cardboard sheets if it needs to stay in good condition.
Be friendly and supportive.
Greet the contractor and workers when they arrive. Put out refreshments occasionally. Thank them for good work.
Communicate.
During the remodeling process, keep your relationship with the contractor and his or her workers as cordial as possible. If you are unhappy or unsatisfied with any part of the project, let them know so they can improve the situation. The contractor you hire will want you to be satisfied with your project.
Create a communication plan:
- Decide who your primary contact person is (usually the contractor)
- Place a contact notebook in a prominent location; review it each day for comments from the crew, and include your comments and questions as well.
- Set up a weekly contact schedule between you, the contractor, and the job-site supervisor.
Help your contractor work with efficiency.
If you have pets, keep them on leashes or confined. Supervise your children and instruct them not to bother the workers. Talk to your neighbors before construction starts, informing them about the time frame of the project and the nature of the work involved. Your project will progress more smoothly if the remodeler and crew can concentrate on their work with minimal interference.
Be patient.
Mistakes, mishaps and misunderstandings happen. When they do, resolve the conflict and move on.
Be nice to yourself.
Treat yourself and your family to meals out. Keep your sense of humor, and focus on the big picture: how much you and your family will enjoy your new space.
Remodeling project advice from the experts you can count on—Simonson Lumber Company
Remember two things will see you through your project: PROACTIVE PLANNING & PATIENCE.
Every project requires different products and timeframes. The steps below include general steps that may be taken to complete your addition or remodeling project:
- Your project site is cleared for rebuilding (walls, floor coverings, ceilings, cabinets etc. are removed)
- Plastic sheeting seals the demolition area from the rest of the house; check it frequently to make it as airtight as possible, or you will have dust and debris everywhere.
- The crew prepares the foundation; frames the walls, floors, and roof; and installs windows.
- The plumbing is rouged in; electric, phone, and cable lines are run; and conduits for HVAC systems are installed.
- Insulation between studs and rafters is applied; drywall on walls and ceilings is installed then taped, mudded, sanded, and primed; and underlayment on floors is installed.
- The house is roofed and sided.
- The crew finishes wall and ceiling surfaces; installs cabinets, counters, mouldings and window trim; and hooks up appliances and light fixtures.
- The top layer of flooring is installed, and plumbing and electrical systems are finalized.
- Tour the remodeled space with your contractor, itemizing any details that need to be finished and any mistakes that need to be corrected; keep a detailed list.
- Complete a final inspection with the contractor, checking off the items from your preliminary walk-through.
- Go over instructions for equipment and discuss warranties.
- Let the new space settle in for a few months. Make sure all systems work properly, and watch for drywall cracks or nail pops. Call back the contractor for any follow-up repairs; good contractors will check back periodically to make sure everything is right.
Throughout your project, you have probably developed an amicable, friendly relationship with your contractor. Show your appreciation for a job well done. A letter of thanks and/or a small gift is perfectly appropriate. Offer to serve as a client reference for your professional's future jobs.