The kitchen and bathroom are crucial rooms in your home. This makes remodeling them a big financial and emotional investment. And if you want to be closely involved in the decision making of this process, it can also be a big investment of your time. It is important to know what to expect before hiring a remodeling company before your start your kitchen or bath project. Here are 5 steps to take before starting your remodeling project to help you better understand the process.
You want your remodeler to know how much you are willing to spend on a project. This will not only put you on the same page as your remodeler, but will also help with selecting materials in order to get the job done. A good contractor should have experience working within a wide range of budgets and will be able to suggest ways to save money on certain aspects of your project. Homeowners can also often save money by doing some tasks on their own, such as cleaning and painting.
The more you know about your project – the better! Make sure your contractor knows what permits are required and what regulations need to be followed for your remodeling project. Your remodeler should be responsible for applying for and acquiring all necessary permits. Ask for information. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. And if subcontractors are involved, make sure they are certified. Know what’s going on behind the scenes.
The right person for the job will be easy to talk to. Make sure you see eye to eye by hiring a remodeler that understands your goals and has experience in the type of job you are looking for. The contractor should be completed up front about the entire process of the job. Communication is key for all projects, so work together to come up with the best way for both you and your remodeler to communicate. Make sure you understand how you will be contacted and receive information. You do not want to get in the way of day-to-day work by the crew, but it is a good idea to set up a regular conversation with the project manager. After all, it is your home and you have the right to be in the know about what is going on!
A schedule is more than just a start and end date. Having a schedule that outlines tasks and timing will give you a big-picture view of sequencing and deadlines for things such as tile and countertops. A lot of times, deadlines can change during the remodeling process. It is up to the contractor to let you know if there is any sort of delay in your project and to address any issues that may arise.
With projects such as kitchens and baths, schedule is everything. The cabinet lead time determines the contractor’s start date and sub-trades need to be scheduled in quick succession. Additionally, there are numerous selections to make for these project. Be prepared. Know the order and timing for these things so that you can have all your decisions made and materials on order so nothing is left out which can delay projects substantially if items are ordered late or are on back-order from the manufacturer. Be sure you have a clear line of communication with your remodeler on your schedule; both for material selections and a general outline of the days and times workers will be on site.
Kitchen and Bathroom remodeling can be an invasive process. Your remodeler should aim to make the project as hassle-fee and non-obtrusive as it can be. If you are planning to stay in your home while the remodel is taking place, make sure you are prepared to not have use of the room being worked on. You are also going to want to prepare your home for this project. Clear the space so that the workers can store their tools and also seal the site’s entry point. Keep your eyes on the prize! Although the project will be disruptive, don’t forget that the end result will be completely worth it.