The excitement of a remodel is intoxicating. You finally have the funds, have an idea of what you want, and have found the professionals. But before you get ahead of yourself, pause, take a deep breath, and ask yourself, “Do I really know what to expect when remodeling?”
I love a good DIY or home remodel show, but tearing your home apart and putting it back together does not happen in 30 minutes! You did your due diligence, interviewed a handful of General Contractors, and found your design team, but what you need most is an advocate.
Your Designer, Architect, or Project Manager can be that. Along with their main tasks of designing, picking Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E), and/or supervising the project and its progress, they are your translators and knowledge base. But, above all, you must learn to advocate for yourself.
Managing your own expectations and understanding the process goes a LONG way to a successful remodel. As mentioned in the previous blog post, all renovations come down to budget and schedule. Here are the 3 things that I believe can make a world of difference in your next remodel:
1. OAC Meetings
The biggest issue with all remodels is information gaps. Every person involved in your project is only human and can make mistakes. Successful projects thrive in absolute transparency. Ensure that you ask any and all questions, that you ask for clarification when you don’t understand something, and always ask for the impact that a new decision will have both on budget and schedule. Once you have signed the contract with your GC, you need to set up an Owner, Architect, and Contractor (OAC) Meeting. This allows you to talk through every line item on the scope and allows for all parties to work under the same understanding.
- For example, the scope might call for insulation to code on a new exterior wall. But you don’t have a section detail of this wall which calls out the specific insulation that will be used. You assumed that this insulation will be foam, but the GC priced the line item as being Batt insulation. Automatically, the price goes up.
- Another example is the amount that was allocated for finish materials. The GC generally assumes a certain price per sq.ft., but instead of the $7/sf tile they assumed, you want the $18/sf gorgeous alabaster tile. Make sure to ask about pricing assumptions for all finishes.
- The last example is that of the items most people don’t even think about; the types of things that will be used throughout. Do you want toggle switches or rocker switches? What color and material? If you don’t think about these ahead of time, they will drive you nuts when they stand out like a sore thumb. And make sure to voice when the rule is broken, i.e. white devices and faceplates throughout except for stainless steel at the kitchen backsplash, and black wherever you are using the dark accent wallpaper.
Assumptions always lead to confusion and wasted time and money. Getting ahead of these and having a meeting with your entire team will ensure that no one is working under any assumptions.
Remodeling your bathroom? Sign up for my email list and check out this resource for a better understanding of the issues that might arise during your project, so that you are better prepared.
2. Lead Times
Lead time is the amount of time between the moment you order something, and when it actually shows up on site. The pandemic made lead times one of the biggest thorns in remodels. It has added weeks, if not months to projects. Having confirmed delivery dates helps, but even then, things are always in flux. If your timeframe cannot allow for any delays, then think about options B and C and keep an eye on them as the job progresses so that you can jump on them if option A falls through.
If you have the space and funds, I would recommend renting a POD or small shipping container to keep on site and storing items during the remodel so that you can have them ready as soon as they are needed. There is nothing more certain that actually having your item in hand.
3. Do not live in your remodel
And finally, living in your home during the remodel will most likely not save you money. Yes, you did the math and not having to rent another temporary space looks good on paper. But, you are not accounting for the invisible costs:
- For the GC, not having full reign of the space, needing to clean up every single day, working around the owner’s vehicles, and having restrictions on noise and dust creation definitely adds up. This will account for a higher construction bid and a longer construction schedule.
- Your mental sanity is worth way more than the savings you think you might be getting. The constant banging, noise of saws, trades speaking loudly, and the flow of people will drive you insane.
- There will be days where the power or gas need to be turned off for several hours if not days, this will definitely interrupt your daily schedule.
- Did I mention your mental sanity? It is worth listing twice!!!!!
That’s it! Remember, you are about to create some real chaos, but it will get better. And if you can manage to voice your questions and opinions respectfully and set expectations for communication amongst your team, you will get the space you have been dreaming of.
