Whether you’ve just reserved a home renovation or are considering embarking on one, what should you expect while working with a builder? To assist you to browse the process we have compiled a list of 8 things to keep in mind during a house renovation.
1. You’ll Be the Talk of the Neighbourhood
Renovations draw a lot of attention. Talk with your neighbors about the extent of the renovation and also the planned timeline. Don’t forget to give them a heads up if there is something major happening, you do not want them to be amazed if an excavator shows up at 8 AM. Keeping everyone in the loop, along with also the occasional coffee and donuts will ensure your BBQ party invitation for a long time to come!
2. Remember That It’s a Process
The renovation process is simply that, a procedure. There will be times when you can’t contain your excitement like on demonstration day or when your fantasy bathtub is installed. However, there might also be boring days when progress appears slow. Ever see wiring being installed? It’s sort of like watching paint dry! Just try to relax and enjoy the journey.
3. Rethink Your Daily Routine
If you will be at home throughout the renovation, we could guarantee that your daily routine is going to change. There’ll be sections of this house you might have restricted access to, people coming and going through the day, often very early, and a lot of additional sounds.
You’ll want to be flexible with your routines (don’t forget to elongate first). Consider what might want to shift so that work and family lives can continue as normally as possible. And give a little extra thought to the tiniest members of the family…children, and pets! They’ll be lots of new adventures for them to enjoy (we make sure to offer opportunities to see how we work!) However, you’ll need to make sure that for the most part they’re kept safely out of the way.
4. You will want to Shoot Photos
Before. During. After! You don’t need fancy equipment, all you need is a cell phone with a camera on it. Don’t forget to take it out of your pocket to capture the entire procedure.
In-progress photos are fantastic for maintaining family members and friends up-to-date and tracking how far you’ve come. While the before and after photos are essential for comparisons. You’d be surprised how quickly you forget the older pink tub or green shag carpeting!
5. Find a Way to Stay Organized
While a fantastic contractor will take up to your plate as possible, you will still have plenty of decisions to make. It may be the old-fashioned paper and pen variety or you can go digital (there is probably a program for this).
It is going to be handy to have one place for note-taking, to-do lists, and for writing the questions that pop up in your mind while you’re cleaning your teeth.
6. Yes, There’ll Be Mess!
Your house is going to be a construction website. No matter the preventative steps, such as dust barriers and floor covers, dirt will escape to other parts of the house (it is sneaky like that!).
With the extra foot traffic and vehicles that your lawn may also be subject to a bit of tear and wear, so be ready to demonstrate your house a little extra love during the reno, indoors and out.
7. What You Should Expect From The Contractor
Your contractor is going to be your new best friend over the course of your renovation so that it’s important to choose wisely!
A great builder (& crew) would be:
- In constant communication (i.e. they’ll never ghost you)
- respectful to you, your Loved Ones, and your house
- professional (i.e. be in their Very Best behavior in Any Respect times)
- punctuation and show up on the agreed upon times
Hey, that sounds just like us!
8. What Your Contractor Should Expect From You
To assist your renovation to operate smoothly, there are a couple of things which you could do to support your contractor too. Click here to learn more.
As a Fantastic client you need to be:
- In constant communication (we would really like to have the ability to read minds but that’s not that our superpower!)
- Individual, especially now that some matters may require longer
- critical, which will help keep things moving across
- welcoming (i.e. make the team feel that you’re pleased to see them). A group that feels appreciated will frequently go the excess mile. Plus, you’ll be happier too!
With these strategies in mind, are you prepared to start a house renovation?
Check out our featured projects for inspiration or view our handy Renovation Guide to get started. To speak with one of our Project Managers telephone 519-664-2245. Visit this website for more information.