Now is the time to learn things your remodeling contractor wishes you knew.
No, They Don’t Want To Hire Your Nephew
Contractors value their relationships with their own people, including subcontractors and employees. These people are critical to the ongoing success of their business.
They don’t want to use your chosen subcontractors, even if your brother-in-law is an expert electrician or your nephew just earned his master plumber certification. Just don’t ask.
Yes, They Really Do Want You Out of the House
For big jobs, the safest place for you and your family is out of the house. If you can’t afford to leave for the duration of the full project, talk to your contractor about when major work is scheduled and the most important times for you to be out of the way. That way, you can plan to make your exit for a shorter, more defined time.
If you must stay in the house, work with your contractor to mark off areas where you can and cannot be; this ensures your safety and the workers’ ability to get the job done efficiently.
The workers may need to leave professional tools like saws for cutting concrete or tile, drills, or pneumatic nail guns at the worksite. If you have children, it is especially important to be clear about how to keep everyone safe while the job is ongoing.
No, They Don’t Want To Reuse Your Old Stuff
That rickety old balustrade is charming, but it is also likely to crack, break, or disintegrate upon removal. The same goes for older windows.
Old flooring can be restored but be prepared to pay considerably more for that. In most cases, a contractor will prefer to use new materials over trying to salvage old items.
Ideas for Renovating Home
Home Remodeling Ideas addressing renovation planning, budgeting, ideas for kitchen-bath-attic and more. Collect ideas on how to plan and manage your home renovation.
Yes, It’s Okay To Ask Questions
Your contractor wants to know exactly what you want. It’s far preferable for you to be clear about what you want than to be reticent to say exactly how you want the result to look.
Contractors would prefer a happy client, not one who becomes increasingly upset with the job to the point of filing a lawsuit when it’s all done. Speak up early about what you expect and hope for in the results of your remodeling project.
No, Surprises Are Not Included
Your contractor wants you to know that surprises happen, and there’s no way to know in advance how much it will cost to fix them. Make sure your contract contains an estimate of additional costs for unexpected events.
other related articles of interest:
How To Find A Good Remodeling Contractor To Remodel Your Home
5 Questions to Ask General Contractors Before They Do Work on Your Home
Your contractor could open a wall and find a nest of carpenter ants. Or when they go to install a new tub upstairs, they discover that a plumber from a past remodel cut joists, compromising the structural integrity of the bathroom. In that case, repairs will be necessary before the new contractor can finish the bathroom.
You may discover wiring that’s not up to code or hazardous materials in an older home. Fixing these things costs extra money, and there’s no way around it. Your contractor may be a great person, but they can’t see through walls. Plan for contingencies before they happen.
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