Preparing for Construction Season at Home
Everyone in Michigan has heard there are two seasons: winter and construction. In this case, we’re not talking about roads; we’re talking about home improvements. As most people pick a remodeler based on price or the comfort level they feel with that contractor, they should also prepare for those bumps in the road they may encounter with a project.
In addition to comparing estimates, homeowners should interview the contractor’s referrals, as well. When interviewing referrals, homeowners should ask how much stress they lived through. Also, homeowners should ask remodelers what happens when they come across a problem, such as rotting wood or leaky pipes. Will there be a change order or a change in the timeline of work? It’s very important to get what remedies will be taken when what we call an “interruption of the rhythm of the work” occurs in writing. If a job takes six to eight months and it takes 18 months, you need to have documentation of why it took so long.
Also, when people come home from work, they leave their stresses behind. But after two to three weeks of dust, visqueen and debris, it can become a wearing experience. In the example of a new kitchen, where will the contractor set up a temporary kitchen? Your living room may become your kitchen and your family room may become your dining room. As a remodeler myself, I’ve recommended that homeowners budget eating out a number of times a week just to get out of the house. It’s important to talk about these things before the job starts.
Another thing to consider before a construction project gets underway is how to contact the contractor in case of emergency after hours. Does he have a cell phone or an answering service? And establish ahead of time what an emergency is. Sunday at dinnertime is not the time to be calling your contractor to tell him that the 2X4s look warped and probably shouldn’t be used. Hopefully, that time – and most of the time during a remodeling project should be time for a smooth ride with a pleasant destination planned for the end.