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Renovators – Your New Extended Family
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| by Kim Kinrade |
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| In the real world most people are not prepared for a major renovation. Homeowners skip back from the local home and garden show with two shopping bags full of brochures and a mitt-full of business cards. There are so many different ideas on the market every season (spring and fall) that the reality of ripping up a home takes a back to the dream of a modern look. |
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| So now you choose a contractor? Well, sometimes it's not up to the homeowner to choose the contractor he or she wants. Many good contracting outfits interview the homeowner, as well. They want to know if there are plans in place, what sub-contracts they might have to obtain and if they can fit it into their schedule, especially if the buyer has a time-limit. And a contractor should explain all this to the homeowner including the time factor. |
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The interview is far more important than focusing solely on the cost. Because if it's a large renovation the contractor and some of the crew will be part of your life for for six or seven months. They are, in essence, part of your immediate family now. If there is a personality clash at the first meeting no amount of money is going to make up for the grief down the road. Other tradespersons (drywallers, plumbers and electricians, etc.) will be there for a few days and then vanish. Because, in reality, your job is only one of maybe a half-dozen they are working on so delays from these sources should be factored. |
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| From the contractor's view there's also more than profit involved. His or her working crew will be witness to your emotional swells, from the heartbreaks due to delays and the odd wrong shipment of materials to the big grins to the outbursts of joy at seeing someone's dreams come true. And let's face it, even the hardest of tradespeople love to see a homeowner who's ecstatic with their workmanship. In addition a project well done job is another gold star on his referral list. |
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| And one more item for the major renovation: Consider moving to a temporary location because adding a room in the attic or extending your home is going to be noisy and dusty. You can rent a place for 4-6 months and place your belongings in a mini-storage. You would have to pack up to move to a new home and, guess what, when you come back it will be just that - a new home. |
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| So here's a starting list:
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- Have a plan. Know what you want done before hiring someone to do it. It’ll save time, money and frustration. Go pick the brains of your local building supply stores and building inspectors.
- Don't micromanage. Whether you’re hiring your own crew to work or enlisting the help of a contractor, it’s important to know who the boss is going to be. Chances are if you’re a financial analyst or airline pilot you’ve probably never built a house before. Once that is decided let that person drive the project and let his or her professionals tradespeople do their job.
- Expect delays. A contractor is not a magician. And if you are being your own contractor and hiring tradespeople to do the job, don’t expect them to work insane hours just to finish your project by a certain date. Yours maybe one of thirty they have on the go.
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| Now check your ego at the door and have fun with it. Because in reality it is a great adventure so enjoy it! |
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| Compare FREE Estimates From Renovation Contractors NOW! |
