As a homeowner, you’re probably excited about your upcoming remodeling project. But before the work begins, there are some things you should know to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Your contractor wants you to be happy with the end result, and will do everything possible to ensure a successful project. Here are 10 things your contractor wants you to know about twin city home remodeling.
1. Be straightforward about your financial limitations.
It’s important, to be honest with your contractor about your budget. This will help them determine what materials and labor costs they can reasonably work with.
Don’t make changes without consulting your contractor first. Once the work has begun, it can be difficult and costly to make changes to the original plan. If you have a change of heart, be sure to speak with your contractor first.
2. Be available when needed.
Your contractor will need access to your home during the remodeling process, so it’s important that you’re available when they need you. If you’ll be out of town for an extended period of time, let your contractor know in advance so they can discuss the project timeline with you.
Make sure pets and small children are out of the way. Pets and small children can be a safety hazard during a construction project. If you have pets, make arrangements for them to stay with a friend or neighbor during the remodeling process.
3. There are no hidden fees
Fees are what they are, and there are no hidden agendas when it comes to remodeling. When it comes to the mark-up fee that goes along with construction, it’s important to understand that this is how your contractor makes a living. They need to cover their costs and make a profit, so be sure to factor this into your budget.
Understand at what stages payment is required, and be prepared to pay on time. Once you’ve agreed on a fee with your contractor, don’t try to renegotiate it later after the work is in progress. This will only cause friction and could delay the project.
At Black dog homes we provide everything in writing before the work begins so there are no surprises later on. All fees will be discussed with you upfront, so there are no surprises later on.
4. Be part of the process
If you want to be involved in the remodeling process, let your contractor know. They’ll be happy to keep you updated on the progress and involve you in decisions along the way. However, if you’d prefer to leave the details to them, that’s perfectly fine too. Just make sure you communicate how you wish to participate, or not participate, in the project.
We understand that remodeling can be disruptive to your daily routine. Our goal is to minimize the disruption and get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’ll do everything we can to keep you updated on our progress and answer any questions you may have along the way.
5. Remodelling comes with unforeseen events
As much as we all would like things to go according to plan, there are always unforeseen events that can occur during a remodeling project. For instance, if a contractor opens up a wall and finds that the framing is not to code they will need to make the necessary repairs before continuing. These types of events can add time and cost to the project, but as your contractor we will do our best to keep you informed of any changes and why they are necessary.
This is why it’s important to have a contingency fund set aside in case of unexpected costs if you’re not sure how much to set aside, we can provide an estimate based on our experience of working on similar projects.
6.Permits, Permits, Permits
One of the most daunting, and often overlooked, aspects of remodeling is obtaining the necessary permits. Depending on the scope of work, you may need a building permit, electrical permit, plumbing permit, or all of the above. Your contractor should be familiar with the permitting process and will be able to guide you through it but don’t expect them to work out miracles or go above the law.
In some cases, homeowners try to avoid pulling permits in order to save money. However, this is a risky proposition as it could lead to code violations or even stop the work from being completed if it’s discovered by the city during an inspection. This can end up tanking the whole process.
7.Materials Matter
When it comes to materials, there are usually three factors to consider: cost, quality, and availability. It’s important to strike a balance between these three factors when making your selections. For instance, if you want high-end materials but they’re not available in the timeframe you need, you may have to make some sacrifices. You might consider reusing some existing materials to save money, just make sure they’re still up to code and will work with the new design.
Work with our contractor to find the best materials for your project that fit within your budget and timeline.
8. Do not force your contractor to work with other people
Most contractors prefer to work with their own team of subs to ensure quality control. If you have a friend or family member who you want to use for a specific trade, be sure to check with your contractor first. In some cases, they may be able to accommodate your request but in others, it could end up delaying the project.
We understand that you may want to use someone you know and trust but it’s important to remember that your contractor has a team of professionals that they’ve worked with before and know will do a great job. Including other tradespeople in the project can also increase the risk of accidents or damage to your property.
9. Stick to the schedule
As with any business, there are only so many hours in the day and your contractor has a schedule to keep. If you need to make changes or additions to the project, be sure to communicate them as soon as possible. The sooner we know about them, the easier it will be to work them into the schedule.
Making last-minute changes can throw off the entire schedule and cause delays, which can be costly. It’s important to remember that your contractor is working on other projects as well and sometimes those projects may have already been delayed.
If you’re not sure about something, just ask. We’d rather answer your questions up front than have you make a change that could impact the schedule and budget.
10. Respect the work site
Your contractor’s job site is their office and you should treat it as such. Please do not bring pets or small children onto the job site as they can be a distraction to the workers and a safety hazard.
If you need to speak with your contractor, please call or text them instead of coming by the job site. We understand that you’re excited to see the progress but it’s important to remember that our workers are trying to stay focused so they can stay on schedule.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
