Once you have chosen the experienced design build contractor that you will be working with to bring your project to life, you know it won’t be long until you are standing in your newly remodeled home. But there is still a lot of your project that needs to be worked through, and now your greatest ally in creating your dream home will be your professional contractor. But how can you ensure a great lasting relationship with your contractor with clear and open communication, so that both of you feel happy with the details of the job and delighted with the final product? Here we take a closer look at some of the finer details to keep in mind when working with your remodel contractor.

Talk About A Schedule

When your chosen contractor is coming to work at your home, it can be useful for them to understand what the schedule in your home is so they can choose the time for them to work most effectively. If you plan to live in your home while the remodel is being done this is an especially important matter to discuss with your contractor.

While small one room remodels such as kitchen remodels or bathroom remodels might not have huge impacts for your family, once you start remodeling more than one room at a time, scheduling becomes more important. It’s also important to make your contractor aware of any vacations or special events that may come up during the remodeling process, so they can schedule accordingly.

Introduce Them to Your Home

Every home is unique and different, and although an experienced contractor will be pretty familiar with the features of most homes, it’s still worthwhile going over any special traits or quirks your home has. It’s also important that your contractor knows if there are children and pets in the home, although it is important that you as the owner take the responsibility of care for your children and pets always.

It’s also a good idea to move personal property and furniture away from the project area, to facilitate an easier job for your contractor and protect your belongings. Be sure to make yourself available should any questions about your home arise.

Maintain Written Correspondence and Paperwork

If your remodeling project needs to be changed from the original plans in the midst of work being done on your home, it’s important that your contractor creates a written change order, and that both you and the contractor sign the amendment and keep a copy for your records.

Remodeling can be a stressful and messy time, but it’s important to keep all your important paperwork in a designated job file, where you can safely store your contract, plans, specifications, invoices, change orders and all correspondence in one place. Ensure that your contractor also provides an Affidavit of Final Release once the project is complete and you have made the final payment and a final waiver of mechanic’s lien.

Stay Interested and Involved

Although the project is now in the hands of the contractor, it’s great to stay involved and up to date with what is happening with your project, and to always be available should any questions or queries arise for your contractor.

Keeping these tips in mind ensure that both you and your contractor enjoy a more efficient and agreeable remodeling process, producing an amazing result in your new home that you will appreciate for years to come.