Tips for Surviving Your Remodel
At Kenny’s Tile, we have worked on a lot of home remodeling projects. Of course, we want your remodeling project to go as smoothly as possible. Our number one piece of advice is to establish good communication with the project manager who is in charge of your remodeling project. This will help eliminate most problems and resolve others as they arise. A remodel is not always neat, predictable, or pleasant, but here are some tips to help make it as speedy and enjoyable as possible:
Communication is Critical
An overview/timeline is a great thing to have to keep you and your contractor on the same page. This way expectations won’t be overly high and misunderstanding will be minimized. No doubt it won’t go exactly as planned, but it will seem a lot closer if you have a plan to start with.
Establish a single contact and get a phone number where he/she can be reached. This will prevent mixed messages and false expectations. Delegate a family spokesman so the contractor has the same advantage. Discuss any mid-project changes with this contact to avoid confusing the work crew.
A kickoff meeting is a great way to get on the same page as the contractor(s). Establish set times for regular meetings with your contact person to review progress and discuss the schedule for remaining work.
Establish work hours so there is no confusion about starting and stopping times. Also designate areas of your home, such as bathrooms and entrances you’d prefer the workers to use.
Timing and Planning Will Help Avoid Delays
Try to consider the logistics involved in ordering, shipping and delivering materials to avoid delays.
Avoid last-minute decisions and delays by selecting any necessary materials in advance. This will help you avoid delays and keep the project moving forward.
Clear the work area of unnecessary furniture, draperies, clutter, etc. Cover any furniture that cannot be moved and protect the flooring as well if it is not being replaced. Protect or move any plants that could be in the way.
Let your neighbors know especially if the project is outdoors so they will be prepared for noise and traffic – both on foot and in vehicles.
Have a “Plan B” to Your Normal Life
Especially with kitchen remodels, plan to move the microwave, toaster, coffee maker, etc. to a secondary location so you can still enjoy hot meals or your morning cup of coffee before you head off to the office.
Have an escape plan. Some remodeling projects will involve smelly paint, varnish, floor finishing, etc. that you will want to avoid altogether. When this occurs, you may want to plan to visit a relative or neighbor nearby to avoid the unpleasantness. Sometimes, a short stay at a motel will make your life less hectic.
Be patient, flexible, and allow for human error. The contractor is just as anxious as you are to finish the job. A kind word and fresh drinks will go a lot farther than fussing and fuming at the crew should misunderstandings or delays occur.
If you’re planning a remodel, give Kenny’s Tile a call. Our professional installers will make your experience as pleasant as possible. And don’t forget to take advantage of our in-house designers for help planning your project and choosing colors, styles, and more. Call Kenny’s Tile for your next remodeling project.
