Previously we discussed how to prepare for a renovation and covered some more tangible items, such as clearing rooms of personal belongings, making space for tools and materials, etc. This time we’ll cover some things that would be good to think about and discuss with your contractor before beginning work.
We try to cover these items and more during our pre-construction walk-through, but we can’t always think of everything that may be on our client’s mind. The following are just some of the things to consider and hopefully the list will help to prompt other ideas for discussion.
- Working hours: Is there a time that is too early to start work? Or too late? Weekends?
- Are there any special considerations to be given to children or pets?
- What level of site protection and dust control is expected? Despite anyone’s best efforts, certain types or phases of interior remodeling are going to create dust that can find its way throughout the house. If you have a supply of air filters handy, we’d be happy to swap them out periodically throughout the process.
- How is access to the home handled? Work will be happening throughout the day, but arrival and departure times are never an exact science. Workers and supervisors will need access to the home throughout the day. We typically solve this by installing a lock box while work is underway. Even for exterior projects, interior access may be required. If a breaker trips, workers need to be able to fix it and get back to work. If a water line or wire in an exterior wall is inadvertently damaged, access to the interior may be needed as quickly as possible. Not to mention, it is nice to have a readily accessible secure and dry place to store paperwork, first aid kits, etc.,
- Are contractors allowed to use the restroom? We usually provide a porta toilet, but some clients prefer not to have them on their property.
The list goes on and on. If there is anything special the contractor should know, it is best to communicate those expectations as early as possible. We aim to please and make the process as non-disruptive as possible.
If you are thinking of upgrading or changing anything during the process of construction, it is always best to let the contractor know as early as possible. Your contractor can better prepare for potential changes to the scope of work, if he knows it may be coming. For example, it may seem to make sense to wait until the electrician is on site to mention the other outlets you want added, but there may be a need for additional prep work before the electrician comes. Most sub-contractors are only going to arrive with what they need for the job and extra trips to the store to get more materials hampers productivity. Beyond that, extra work means extra time. Not only does this affect the immediately impacted trade, but it can also wreak havoc on the schedule for the upcoming days and weeks if last-minute changes are requested.
There are a lot of things to consider when preparing for a renovation. The key to a positive experience is communication early and often. Are you ready to start that conversation? Give us a call today or fill out the contact us page on our website and we’ll reach out to you.