- day-to-day living? Should you consider moving out during any portion of the construction process? What if want to make changes? The more you know upfront about the whole process, the less anxious you’ll feel.
- Take an active role throughout the project. It’s your investment and your home, so you want to follow things closely and know what’s going on at all times. The best results come from good communication and a good working relationship between you and your renovator. Ask for and expect regular, if not daily, updates. Know how to get hold of the renovator if you have questions or concerns. Be prepared to spend time going over drawings, monitoring the progress of your project, and discussing decisions with your renovator.
- Don’t expect a problem-free renovation. The bigger the project, the more likely you will run into the unexpected, such as existing deficiencies hidden in the walls, delays in special orders or bad weather. Be flexible and understand that some things are beyond the renovator’s or your control. “If there is good rapport and trust between you and your renovator, it is usually easy to find a solution and move beyond the problem.”
- Plan ahead for your finishes. Typically, homeowners are responsible for choosing cabinets, flooring, tiles, fixtures and the many other finishes that will complete the job. This can be time-consuming: “My afternoon at the bath showroom turned into two full days.” Set aside plenty of time and begin early – in some markets, there may be a significant delay for special orders. And take full advantage of your renovator’s experience to help you find the best options.
- Keep money in reserve for extras. Once the work begins, it is not uncommon for homeowners to want to go an extra step - a better quality tile, brand new appliances and so on. “Once you are into it, you realize that just so-so is not good enough, and that now is the best time to get those extra little touches of style or luxury.”