10 Easy Tips to Help You Survive a Remodel

1. Two way communication is key. Make sure your remodeler listens and answers questions clearly, as well as in a timely fashion. When problems come about, you want someone who picks up the phone and works it out with you.

2. Being able to trust your contractor. You will be spending alot of time together planning the future of your home, so it is important that you get along well. 

3. Understand the schedule. Have a plan with timelines created even before the project begins, and stick to it as best as possible. Remember though, unforeseen obstacles may happen. 

4. Request to have a written proposal to avoid confusion down the road. Verbal conversations can be forgotten so it’s best to have your wishes and their commitments in writing. 

5. Don’t forget to solidify the seemingly little things. Examples may be: What time of the day will workers be in your home? How will they get in? Cleanup? 

6. Be flexible. It can be hard to be flexible at times, but doing so will help you go with the flow and handle the bumps in the road. 

7. Document changes. Change orders happen and they need to be documented. Know how these will be handled and understand that changes may delay the project and increase the budget. 

8. Agree on a contract. The contract should include: timeline, price and payment schedule, detailed information on products and materials, insurance, permits, change order procedure, notice of your right under the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling Off Rule (your right to cancel the contract within three days if it was signed someplace other than the remodeler’s place of business), and anything you think is important. 

9. Request a lien waiver upon completion of the project. This document verifies that all contractors and subcontractors have been paid. 

10. Know what you want. Establish a personal project plan that you and your remodeler can agree upon. This keeps everyone in the same mindset.