Surviving Remodeling
As Philadelphia
homeowners prepare
for remodeling, they
often plan for
everything except
the experience
itself. Budget
planning, material
selection,
contractor
negotiations are all
very important, but
just as important
are plans for living
through the event.
Remodeling projects
can last weeks or
even months. Take
steps before the
work begins to
prepare your family.
Start communicating
with your contractor
from the beginning
by setting up a list
of rules that will
work best for your
household. Know the
earliest workers
will arrive and how
late they may stay.
Instruct your
contractor on where
workers may park and
which entrance is to
be used. Don’t
forget to identify
who will have the
keys to your home.
If you have pets or
small children,
discuss how you’ll
handle things like
open doors and nap
times. Everyone in
the family should be
told to stay out of
the way of the
workers. Most
remodeling is, well,
messy. Ask your
contractor where
materials, tools and
equipment will be
stored and when
cleaning will take
place. Should you
expect cleaning to
be done at the end
of each day, state
that upfront. The
contractor may only
plan to clean once
per week.
‘Houseguests’ will
abound during your
remodeling project.
Workers will need
the basics covered
while they are in
your home. While
many contracts have
mobile phones, make
arrangements with
your contractor for
telephone access if
needed. Decide which
bathroom the workers
will use or have
your contractor
supply a port-a-let.
If you don’t want
the workers to eat
lunch at your
antique dining room
table, let them know
where they can take
their lunch break.
Try offering a pot
of coffee or some
ice tea as a way of
letting the workers
know they’re in a
home, not just on a
job site. Also be
sure to inform your
contractor and
workers which parts
of the house are
“off-limits”. During
this time, family
space and privacy
will be critical.
Protect valuables
during your
remodeling project
by renting a storage
unit. If available,
ask a friend or
family member with
garage or basement
space to help store
furniture,
collectibles, rugs,
and
paintings–anything
not replaceable in
the event of an
accident. Most
contractors will use
protective covers
for furniture and
carpeting, but
double-check before
hand to avoid the
cost of cleaning
after the job. While
the project is
underway, send out
window coverings for
a cleaning.
Communication is the
key to a successful
project. Ask your
contractor when and
where he may be
reached. Get all
phone numbers, in
case you need to
reach your
contractor with
during an emergency.
Keep those numbers
next to each phone
in your house, and
on speed dial in
your mobile phone.
Give your contractor
all your phone
numbers so you may
be reached at all
times. Set a plan
for communicating
with the contractor.
Decide in advance
how often you’ll be
updated on work
progress, delays,
and material
deliveries, and when
you’ll be able to
ask questions.
Having one point of
contact between the
contractor and the
homeowner helps
avoid
miscommunications
during the project.
Try to keep your
cool during
stressful times.
Plan a ‘reveal’
party for your
family to enjoy
after the workers
leave and the paint
dries. As your
project progresses,
remind yourself and
family members of
your goals. Keeping
your eye on the
prize will help keep
your mind off the
mess!
Jennifer Mackinday
is a public speaker
and writer focusing
on home improvements
and repairs.
Jennifer has over 15
years experience in
marketing and public
relations, and is
also the owner of
Hoosier House Help,
a free contractor
referral service.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_MackInday
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