Lake County Home Remodeling Contractor
Surviving Remodeling
 As
Lake County 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
Ohio remodeling
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
If
you are looking for a Lake County home remodeling contractor please call us today at1-440-354-0427 or complete our
online request form.
|
