Getting Started
Ground Rules
Before the work starts, take the time to sit down with your renovator
and discuss the ground rules for the project. Working together and
establishing good communications at this point will make sure that
everything goes as smoothly as possible. Some of the issues to resolve
include: access to water, electricity, bathroom facilities, storage of
equipment and materials, and clean up. Talk about how much dust is
likely to occur in which areas and plan ahead to remove or cover certain
items. You'll probably need to share keys with the contractor and his
workers. Ask who will be responsible when you are not in the house.
The renovator's responsibilities include scheduling work according to
your needs, keeping inconveniences to a minimum; keeping you informed at
all times (when to expect subtrades, what is likely to happen when),
being available to answer questions and to discuss changes, honoring the
deadlines in the contract, and respecting your home and family.
Your responsibilities as the homeowner include keeping the work area
free of furniture and personal items, treating the workers as skilled
professionals, selecting materials on a timely basis, keeping changes to
a minimum, bringing up concerns as soon as they occur and making
payments in accordance with the contract.
Scheduling
How will the project unfold? Have your remodelor create a schedule of
the phases of the project so you'll know the time needed for each and
what's expected. Different crews may perform demolition, install
framing, exterior covering, insulation, masonry, finish carpentry and
roofing. Painters, electricians and plumbers will likely have to make
several trips to complete their jobs. It is a complicated schedule and
disruptions may occur. Have your contractor inform you about the days
that no work will be done and explain why (sheetrock joints must dry,
slabs must cure, subcontracted workers must be available). Also plan
ahead for the days that the electricity or water may be off.
Handling Changes
Expect the unexpected. Even the most carefully planned remodeling job
can present challenges. Who knows what the remodelor will find when
moving a wall? What happens when a great idea strikes you in the middle
of the project? Discuss, in advance, how your remodelor prefers to
handle changes as they occur. Many contractors will issue a change order
and estimate the charges involved.
Information Flow
How often can you expect an information update from your remodelor? Will
you talk on a daily basis? An as-needed basis? This can be one of the
most important issues to resolve before starting the project. Consistent
communications can put the homeowner at ease and help him or her plan
for minimum disruptions during the project.
Payment Schedule
A professional remodelor will present you with a contract prior to the
project's beginning. The payment terms will be specified in the
contract, so this is the time to negotiate the payment schedule. You
likely will be asked to pay 10% to 20% up front and then pay invoices on
a monthly basis. Honoring these terms will help the project progress on
schedule and will prevent tension in the relationship. When presented
with an invoice it is your responsibility to review it and contact your
remodelor as soon as possible if you have questions or need
clarifications. |
