How to Avoid Problems on a Major Remodeling Project
If you've never been through a major remodeling project then you have no idea how many problems can crop up.
Some are unavoidable and some are easily avoided with the proper knowledge.
Probably the two most common problems that occur are cost overruns and extended completion dates.
Lots of other problems can occur but you can avoid most of them with good planning and good procedures.
First every major remodeling project should have a pre-construction conference with the remodeler and the home owner.
The contractor should go over their plan to produce the finished product.
The start schedule and the completion date should be understood and agreed upon by both parties.
A clear understanding of the specifications should be established so that both parties agree on the final result.
Each party should have a good understanding of what is expected from the other.
A lot of problems can be eliminated from just this one step.
Changes to the job while it is underway can create trouble if not handled properly.
Every time there is a change by either party there should also be a change order signed by both that shows the change in cost and any changes to the completion schedule.
This should take place before the change is made.
The worst thing that can happen on a major project is to get a large bill at the end that causes a dispute.
A clearly well written contract with detailed specifications is a must.
It goes without saying that each party should trust they other but you still need a contract to avoid unnecessary problems.
A good contract will protect both parties and serve as the last word in the chance that there is a disagreement or misunderstanding.
Good communications during the project should take place on a regular basis.
In many cases the homeowners are working and don't return home until after the workers have left for the day.
Either party could have questions for the other.
If this is the situation then someone should take the lead and establish a system or procedure for dealing with the questions as they come up.
Too many cooks can spoil the soup.
Each party should designate someone who represents the decision maker regarding the project.
This is the individual who is responsible for answering questions and giving direction as the need arises.
It is important that neither party circumvents this understanding.
Any major remodeling can lead to unforeseen problems and it's not possible to avoid them all.
However it's easy to eliminate a lot of them by following the recommendations in this article.
Some are unavoidable and some are easily avoided with the proper knowledge.
Probably the two most common problems that occur are cost overruns and extended completion dates.
Lots of other problems can occur but you can avoid most of them with good planning and good procedures.
First every major remodeling project should have a pre-construction conference with the remodeler and the home owner.
The contractor should go over their plan to produce the finished product.
The start schedule and the completion date should be understood and agreed upon by both parties.
A clear understanding of the specifications should be established so that both parties agree on the final result.
Each party should have a good understanding of what is expected from the other.
A lot of problems can be eliminated from just this one step.
Changes to the job while it is underway can create trouble if not handled properly.
Every time there is a change by either party there should also be a change order signed by both that shows the change in cost and any changes to the completion schedule.
This should take place before the change is made.
The worst thing that can happen on a major project is to get a large bill at the end that causes a dispute.
A clearly well written contract with detailed specifications is a must.
It goes without saying that each party should trust they other but you still need a contract to avoid unnecessary problems.
A good contract will protect both parties and serve as the last word in the chance that there is a disagreement or misunderstanding.
Good communications during the project should take place on a regular basis.
In many cases the homeowners are working and don't return home until after the workers have left for the day.
Either party could have questions for the other.
If this is the situation then someone should take the lead and establish a system or procedure for dealing with the questions as they come up.
Too many cooks can spoil the soup.
Each party should designate someone who represents the decision maker regarding the project.
This is the individual who is responsible for answering questions and giving direction as the need arises.
It is important that neither party circumvents this understanding.
Any major remodeling can lead to unforeseen problems and it's not possible to avoid them all.
However it's easy to eliminate a lot of them by following the recommendations in this article.