Home Remodeling Project

Many homeowners pursue home remodeling projects to address an immediate need or provide for the future of the house. Any home remodeling project, whether it be a simple fixture replacement or a major addition, will involve at least some pre-planning and financial investment on the part of the homeowner. No one wants to become involved in a 'money pit' situation- a series of events in which one home remodeling repair inevitably leads to a dozen unplanned repairs. These are the things we have to keep in mind before planning for the Home Remodeling:   • How much experience does the contractor have in doing projects like yours?  Does he specialize in this type of project, or will he be using your home to learn on?  Typically, contractors who have done several projects like yours will have a better idea of the actual costs and production issues involved in your project.

• You meet with your contractor and complete a schedule of when you can expect your house remodel to be done. Set aside time for regular meeting, whether by phone or in person. This will allow you to keep on top of any issues and track your progress to make sure everything is moving along according to the predetermined schedule.

• You need to secure the proper building permits before construction is under way. Before a homeowner can begin an addition, the city department which oversees private construction projects must issue a building permit. This permit insures that the home remodeling plans meet specific building codes and only qualified workers will handle the essential rewiring and refitting needs.

• Even a simple replacement of bathroom or kitchen fixtures can involve some background knowledge of safety factors. Wallpapering and interior painting are other areas where beginners may find themselves over their heads. Before tackling any home remodeling project, it pays to watch videos or read books produced by professionals. A local building supply store may offer in-store demonstrations of basic remodeling techniques or provide technical support.

• Invariably, every job has something that wasn't planned on coming up.  Delays due to weather, unforeseen conditions that come up once walls are torn down, changes to design and material choices, and problems with employees or subs can all upset the planned flow of the project.  Are you prepared to be flexible and work with your contractor to find solutions when these problems arise?

Once you have this out of the way you may also want to let your neighbors know that you will be remodeling your home. It's a good idea that you let them know what type of remodeling you are doing (exterior, additions, interior etc.); how long the remodel will last and the hours that the workers will keep. You want to make sure you're not being a nuisance to your neighbors with workers hammering away on the exterior of your home at 8am in the morning. So be sure to set some hours and that they all stick to it!