Home Remodeling Preparation - Amount of Time - Building Permits - Parameters

Basic Preparation Tips Before Starting A Home Remodeling Project

Are you looking for some tips on how you can start remodeling your home? Perhaps you are just getting started with a home remodel? Either way, a good place to get great tips is from the National Association of Home Builders.

For instance, did you know that adding a room or two to your home can easily take months to complete? Granted, a "simple" bathroom or a kitchen remodel should only take a few weeks, but I've heard of instances where it has taken close to a year to complete a simple kitchen remodel. Now, I'm not trying to scare you, but a proper emphasis on the preparation before you embark on a home remodeling project is a good idea. This topic is discussed quite a bit on the National Association of Home Builders' website.

So, it is important that you allot enough time for a remodeling project, and be sure you meet with your contractor and complete a schedule of when you can expect your house remodel to be done. Also, you need to secure the proper building permits before construction is under way. Once these initial steps are completed, have another meeting with your contractor and set aside time for regular meeting, whether by phone or in person. This will allow you to keep on top of any issues and track your progress to make sure everything is moving along according to the predetermined schedule.

During these meetings, you may also want to talk about any items that may need to be custom ordered, as you may want to handle any custom orders for your home remodel yourself. Be sure to give enough time for the items to be ordered and delivered, because there are instances where an item is back-ordered, or if it is a custom item it may require some production time (for it to be built).

Set some parameters for the workers! This is something that most rarely think of until it's too late.

For instance, you may want to let them know whether it's ok to play the radio during work hours. What kind of music do you tolerate? How loud can they play the music?

How about parking? Are there specific areas you need the workers to park their vehicles? Are some areas off limits?

What about the use of your facilities? Are they allowed to use your bathroom, if so which one? Perhaps you would rather have the construction company provide a portable toilet (this is not recommended, but it is an option).

How about the use of your phone? Do you allow smoking anywhere on your property?

As you can probably see, it is definitely a good idea to discuss these things before workers set foot on your property. This will minimize any misunderstanding
and reduce potential conflict and arguments between the workers and yourself...

Ok, so once you have this out of the way you may also want to let your neighbors know that you will be remodeling your home. It's a good idea that you let them know what type of remodeling you are doing (exterior, additions, interior etc.); how long the remodel will last and the hours that the workers will keep. You want to make sure you're not being a nuisance to your neighbors with workers hammering away on the exterior of your home at 8am in the morning. So be sure to set some hours and that they all stick to it!

Having all of these little things in place, and communicating with all parties (including your neighbor, the contractor and/or the workers) will expedite your project and allow for better overall results.

By Steven Resell

Steven Resell is a successful webmaster and publisher of ImAllThumbs.com. He provides more Home Remodeling information and specific tips on Bathroom and kitchen remodeling that you can research on his website at http://www.ImAllThumbs.com