Renovations are stressful. They can be physically draining, emotionally taxing, and they often come with high financial costs. However, there is no doubt that renovations can also be a huge opportunity to create the home of your dreams! But as always, with prospects, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the risks before you make any decisions. This article will give you seven secrets for successfully renovating your home while living in it without losing your mind or breaking the bank.
What Are the Contractor’s Job Site Safety Measures?
The safety measures can vary by the size and type of project, but a good rule of thumb is to ask for copies of their OSHA compliance documentation. For smaller projects, this may be all you need. But if it’s a big job like Dormer Loft Conversions with lots of employees on-site daily, you should also ask about safety measures for you, your property and the workers.
You want to make sure that the company is following OSHA regulations daily. If they’re not, you may be dealing with an unsafe environment, and it’s best to turn them away. Be sure to ask about these specific measures to determine if their team is up for what needs doing and if they’re qualified to do it.
How Well Does Your Contractor Communicate?
You want a contractor who communicates well, whether to keep you informed about the project or answer any questions that might come up. This can be important, especially when renovating, so there are no surprises, and everything goes smoothly.
A contractor who communicates well usually:
– Gives you a realistic schedule and timeline for the project, so there are no surprises.
– Answer any questions about your renovation.
– Keeps you informed on progress during the workday or weekend as needed, like letting you know when he’s coming by to fix a problem or deliver supplies.
– Checks in with you periodically to ensure everything is going smoothly, so there are no unpleasant surprises.
If a contractor doesn’t communicate well, it can lead to unpleasant surprises like not being informed about changes during construction.
It’s important to know what your contractor expects of you as well, so there are no unpleasant surprises. For example, does he expect a certain level of privacy or want access to the property at all hours?
An excellent way to gauge how much communication you need for your project is by figuring out if it will be disruptive or not. A disruptive project might be one that your contractor will need access to the property at all hours or requires a high level of detail to complete.
How Efficiently Does the Contractor Report Progress?
Contractors will often provide written updates of the work as it progresses, such as a weekly or monthly email. If they do not have this service in place, ask for an update at least once every two weeks. Some contractors may be more willing to offer regular verbal reports if you’re providing oversight on-site and are there each working day.
It’s essential to get an update on the work as it progresses because you want to make sure that everything is going in accordance with your expectations and timeline. This is particularly so if you’re prepping to sell your home. This way, you can identify any potential problems early and discuss how they will affect the project at hand and offer appropriate solutions.
Are Your Valuables Secure?
If you’re not sure whether your valuables are safe, take pictures of each room before any renovation work begins so that there’s an accurate record in case anything goes missing. Bring items up from storage or hire someone to store them if you can’t bring them up to the renovation zone.
If you’re living with a partner, be sure that they know about your valuables and where they are, so there’s someone available if something goes wrong while you’re away. Don’t leave important documents or other personal items lying around on desks, tables etc. – put them into a safe place before the work starts.
Have You Done Your Research?
The first step in any renovation is to do your research. This means looking at the current market data for similar properties and figuring out how much you would need to spend on renovations, which will help determine what kind of return on investment (ROI) you can expect. Good research will also tell you how much your property is worth after renovations.
This way, when it comes time to sell the house or rent it out, you’ll already have a baseline for what’s possible in terms of ROI and valuation.
How Much Experience Does Your Contractor Have?
This is a great question. If your contractor has been doing renovations for a decade or more, then you are in good hands. On the other hand, if your contractor has been doing renovations for only two years but they have done them on multiple properties, chances are that they will be able to do yours as well.
This is why it’s so important to ask these questions when talking about a renovation project. The experience of the contractor matters, and they can make or break what could otherwise be an enjoyable process.
Do You Have Anyone To Confirm The Contractor’s Reports?
If you are getting ready for a major renovation on your home, you will want someone knowledgeable in construction processes (such as an architect or engineer) with whom you can consult. Not only can they help you understand the process, but also they will be able to give an accurate estimate of what it might cost in terms of time and materials.
An architect or engineer will be able to confirm the reports and estimates of the contractor, which is helpful because you may not be able to get an accurate appraisal on your own.
Conclusion
The first and most important thing to do is find a contractor who you can trust. It’s worth the time it takes to get someone like that because they will make your renovation go smoothly, on budget, and with as little stress as possible. The second thing is just to relax and enjoy the process. Remember, this isn’t forever, and everything will return to normal!
