5 Tips Every Homeowner Should Know About Remodeling
Remodeling is a big commitment that requires a lot of planning on the part of the homeowner. This can often be a frustrating and time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be if you can look at certain things from the contractors’ perspective.
To help make the process smoother, make a decision on your vision of the finished product before you begin. When a homeowner is indecisive the entire remodel process can take much longer than necessary. Be sure that you chose a contractor you feel comfortable communicating with – establishing good communication with your expectations and vision can make the process much smoother.
Be sure to do your homework before you start your project. Research the project, look at examples of other remodeling jobs similar to what you want and do some price checking on materials. Research various contractors, check their contractors’ license and insurance requirements; be sure to talk references. It is easy to go over budget or cause a delay in your remodel if you haven’t done your research; research is also important to help you avoid sticker shock when you receive your estimate.
Cutting out pictures of what you like is important, but it won’t get the remodeling project done. Knowing exactly what you are willing and able to spend for your remodel is very important. Understand that an estimate is only an estimate; there are many variables like appliances, tile and hard surface choices that can change a price.
Providing a time frame for a project is advisable but be realistic and flexible. Things that appear to be simple on paper can often time be quite different in reality. Anything from finding mold under the bathroom floor to bad electrical wires in the wall can add time and money to a project.
Although the homeowner should be part of the process and be advised of what is going on, contractors advise against micromanaging the project. Touching base with the main contact person at the end or beginning of each day is one thing; hovering over the crew as the work is being done is another.