|
Completing your renovation successfully
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 06 May 2009 18:34
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Up front planning, and hiring a professional renovator, lays a solid foundation for a successful renovation project. Once the actual work begins, much of the homeowner's task is complete. You can now relax and enjoy watching your ideas take shape creating the home you have always wanted. How the renovation will affect your daily life depends to a great extent on the type of renovation you are involved in, and how long it will go on. Many of the responsibilities of both the renovator and the homeowner have already been spelled out in the contract. Before the work starts, sit down with your renovator and discuss how you can both ensure the steady progress of your renovation. Keeping the lines of communication open and maintaining a pleasant work environment is, ultimately, the responsibility of all members of the "renovation team". BEFORE THE WORK BEGINS . . .Discuss the requirements for the work The renovator will need access to electricity and water on a regular basis. Delivery and temporary storage of building materials, and the disposal of wastes should be decided upon.Determine the rules of the house for the work crew Discuss your expectations of the crew with the renovator. Let your renovator know which parts of the house are off limits; determine access to bathroom facilities and eating areas, as well as kitchen privileges, if any; discuss your smoking policy, telephone access, and your attitude toward music in the home. Verify that municipal permits and approvals have been obtained as needed The contract may stipulate that your renovator will do this, however, ultimate responsibility rests with the homeowner. RENOVATOR RESPONSIBILITIESScheduling work to minimize inconvenience Your professional renovator will make every effort to avoid disruptions and inconvenience. For instance, additions will be built and partially finished before the connecting wall is removed. Temporary hook-ups for water and electricity will allow you to continue your daily cooking and cleaning routines.Keeping you informed at all times Your renovator will name a contact person for your project either the site foreman or him/herself who will stay in touch with you throughout the project. The contact person will give you regular updates on the progress of the work, let you know when to expect tradespeople and tell you, in advance, when you will be needed for decisions. Meeting deadlines The contract should clearly outline the project schedule and deadlines to which your renovator will work. If the work gets off-track for unforeseen reasons, the renovator will discuss the situation with you immediately and find ways to correct it. Daily clean-up Professional renovators leave a clean work site at the end of each day. Be sure to discuss your expectations with your renovator. |
