When it comes to remodeling a home, first time remodelers are most concerned with how their new home is going to look, and believe this to be the most important aspect of planning for the remodel process. However, homeowners who have remodeled before have different priorities. Research conducted by MMR Research Associates has revealed that homeowners with remodeling experience are not the most concerned with planning their remodel or how it will look, but place a greater priority on how they are going to cope and get through the actual process of remodeling a home. Remodeling can be stressful, and requires a great deal of work and cooperation both from the homeowners and the remodel contractor. As a homeowner, being prepared for what is in store and choosing the right contractor can go a long way towards making your remodel experience smoother and more fruitful.
Here we look at 3 ways to help you be prepared for the ‘during’ of the remodel process, so you can better enjoy the planning of the ‘before’, and the enjoyment of the ‘after’.
Expectations Vs. Reality
Before your remodel starts, you may have a lot of ideas and expectations of what the remodel process will be like, or how your home will look at the end. First time remodelers may not realize that remodeling often needs to involve some flexibility, and that the actual process of remodeling can be stressful and uncertain. It’s important to find a design build contractor who can not only show you before and after pictures of their remodels and glowing testimonials, but who can also carefully explain what happens during the process of remodeling, including all the details such as the schedule and timeline, temporary living spaces, logistics, mess and clean up.
A contractor who brings these issues up with you is likely to be more open and honest about what to expect. It also helps if your contractor can provide the technology of 3D design for remodels in order to help you see what your future remodel will really look like.
Living In Your Remodel
If you want to live in your home during the remodeling process, there’s a number of points you need to discuss with your remodel contractor. Finding a way to plan and schedule your remodel appropriately so that you and your family can live in your home and the contractor can do their work successfully is essential. You will also have to consider whether you can deal with the disruptions, noise and dust that are a normal part of a remodel. Some remodelers offer dust control systems such as Build Clean that removes 90% of airborne dust during a remodel, and makes your remodel experience safer, healthier and more comfortable.
Open Communication
Being able to effectively communicate with your remodel contractor before, during and after a remodel is essential to ensuring your comfort and that you end up with the result you’re looking for. You should be able to openly communicate about plans, scheduling, changes and the timeline with your contractor. Some contractors even offer an online remodel portal that includes scheduling and contact information, so you can stay in touch with your contractor at any time and in any place.
Remodeling is not always easy, and it can be even tougher when you don’t know what to expect about the actual process of a remodel. With these 3 tips you can be better prepared for what will happen during your remodel, and think beyond simply the ‘before’ and ‘after’ of the process.
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