Home remodeling and renovation projects can be fun and exciting. But if you don’t approach them the right way, they will become your worst nightmare quickly. No home remodeling project will go perfectly however, careful planning from the outset will go a long way to avoid pitfalls’.
Having a strong vision for your project, before meeting with a contractor, should be your first step.
Here are four valuable things to know before you begin your home remodel:
Always Choose the Contractor that has Proven to be Competent, and Aligns Best with Your Philosophies
In my book, Residential Building and Remodeling, I discuss how important it is that you engage a contractor that, from your point of view, “gets it!”. Of course they need to be licensed and carry the appropriate insurance, that’s a given however, when you are talking about hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars invested in your home, it will be the little things that will thrill you or drive you absolutely crazy.
Look at chapter 4 to learn more about why hiring a contractor is a lot like getting married.
Never Plan for an Important Event Based on your Planned Home Remodeling Completion Date
Homeowners often think a project will not take as long as it does however, life happens!
When your contractor starts tearing into the space, they will likely discover conditions that no one could have foreseen. Discovered conditions could arise that delay the project several days, weeks or months. With supply chains disrupted from Covid, you simply might have to wait on back-ordered materials.
Talk to your home remodeling contractor about their timeline and ask for a written schedule with regular updates if that schedule has had any modifications, and expect to be flexible.
Don’t Make Quick Decisions When Planning Your Home Remodeling
When remodeling a home, it’s essential to take the necessary time to consider all aspects of your project.
Spend time in the space you wish to renovate, envisioning how the changes will enhance or detract from the projects vision. What you thought was a great idea might not be after seeing how you use the area.
One of the biggest regret’s homeowners live with is failing to gather as much information possible, then realizing what other options/features they could have incorporated into the finished project.
The best approach is to first determine the vision for your project, write it out, make sure it is clear in your mind and then engage the most qualified design professional that aligns with your philosophies to bring that vision to fruition.
Engage the Most Qualified Design Professional and Contractor, That Align with Your Philosophies as Early On in the Process as You Can
You will speed up your home remodeling project significantly when you are specific with your contractor.
Bringing the contractor on early helps him understand the theory behind your vision for the project. That way, he better understands your budget, timelines, and so on. This allows for fewer surprises and time to address potential problems, change orders, or delays later on in the project.
Discuss every aspect of your home remodeling project and present those specific ideas to the design professional and contractor. They will then be able to tell you how realistic your thoughts are and what to expect.
When you search for “home remodeling near me,” you likely have a lot of design professional and contractor options to choose from and you need a steady hand to guide you through the process. Paul Johnson, Principal of Gryphon Consulting, has been engaged in the home remodeling industry for over 35 years and wants to help you.
I know what to look for and more importantly, what questions to ask. I have completed many Owners through their multi-million dollar construction projects in the past and would look forward to representing you in yours.
So, do your homework on project you desire, and contact us when you’re ready to go!