You have spent the past weeks working out the details of your “perfect new space”. Now all that needs to happen is the work. Easy enough… Right? For a lot of homeowners, this is the first renovation you will have experienced. You may have heard some real horror stories or maybe even experienced some of your own. How will this one go? There are a few things that you as a homeowner need to be aware of and a few tips that will help make this process go a little smoother.
The first step is hiring a contractor you can trust. It is of the utmost importance that you have confidence in your contractor’s abilities. The company should be large enough to handle the entire scope of your project, yet small enough where you don’t get lost amidst the numbers.
Even the most reputable contractors run into a few snags here and there. So, expect the unexpected to affect the schedule. Most projects are multi-faceted and require the coordination of several outside manufacturers and sub-contractors. Although there may be a timeline, construction delays are very possible. Perhaps there is a strike in Pennsylvania that causes the cabinet manufacturer to order materials from a company in California, which creates three days of delays. Or, maybe the plumber’s wife went into labor two weeks before her due date, and so the plumbing gets delayed. There are a thousand possible scenarios, but the true key to staying relaxed is communication. A good contractor will communicate regularly with you on what is happening and your schedule compared to the initial timeline.
Have a positive attitude! You are embarking on a journey with your contractor to create a work of art within your home. This is an incredibly exciting and yet stressful time. There will be dust, noise, and an interruption in your daily life. A good contractor will seal doorways, cover floors, use drop cloths and clean up daily to alleviate some of this stress.
For kitchens, you should try to plan meals that are easily prepared on the grill and make arrangements to eat out more often. Think ahead where you will stage a temporary kitchen. You will still need a refrigerator, microwave, sink, and everyday utensils. Mountain West Construction can assist you in setting up this temporary space. Using paper plates may prove to be very helpful as well.
If it’s your bathroom that is getting a new look, keep toiletries, towels, and hairdryers in another bathroom. Is there a closet adjacent or attached to the bathroom? All of those clothes will get quite dusty if they are not moved.
Many homeowners can study the plans for months on end, yet still not understand the full scope of work until construction gets underway. You have chosen a contractor that you trust and to whom you have communicated your vision and desire. It’s okay to get away from the house, and to relax while all this is going on. Before long, you will be living in the oasis that before only existed in your mind and through a drawing
