When it comes to home improvement, it’s (unfortunately) not unusual for projects to be completed way past the expected deadline. Despite everyone’s best efforts to stick to the schedule, some things just cannot be predicted or controlled. So for a bathroom remodel to be successful, it’s important to take full advantage of the things you can.
If you don’t want your bathroom remodel to drag on any longer than necessary, there are measures you can take to ensure absolute adherence to the timeline. We’ve listed several here.
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I. Never Request a Change Order
Change orders are the number one reason home improvement projects get bogged down. Whether it’s a bathroom remodel or a whole home renovation, a change order can drastically extend the development timeline.
For instance, wanting different tiles from the ones already ordered or having another light panel installed can have a domino effect on the entire schedule. Before you know it, a three-day delay for one area can drag the whole project on for three months.
This is why a lot of professionals urge homeowners to triple-check plans, diagrams, sketches, and color swatches before giving the green light. Altering the design late in the game won’t only slow everyone down, but it’ll be more costly, too.
Unfortunately, change order requests are commonplace. It’s not unusual for a homeowner to see the room coming together in the middle of the construction and realize their bathroom remodeling ideas aren’t lining up with the on-going product. To avoid this, we urge you to work closely with both your designer and general contractor. Getting the opinion of two professionals representing the two biggest stages of a bathroom remodel can help you make better decisions.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Reputable designers and builders will explain everything related to your bathroom remodel in a clear, concise, and straightforward way.
Are You Considering A Bathroom Remodel? Get our Design Guide Here!
II. Leave Bathroom Remodel Prep Work to the Professionals
Some homeowners like to take the do-it-yourself route as much as possible, believing it’ll save them a decent amount of money and teach them a valuable life skill.
We applaud the effort, but they’re usually wrong on both accounts. Unless you want to learn how to prep a bathroom for a remodel—and all the technical construction work that entails—you should leave all pre- and post-remodel processes to trained professionals.
Things like installing cement boards, filling cracks, removing existing tiles or panels, and uninstalling minor fixtures, are not procedures that you should take lightly. In fact, they can significantly affect the end result of any bathroom remodel if not done correctly.
Without proper training and experience, you risk compromising the entire project.
III. Secure Paperwork and Permits Months in Advance
Different states have different permit laws, requirements, and processes for home improvement projects. What you’ll need to secure and how you’ll need to secure it for your bathroom remodel will depend on the city or county you live in.
However, regardless of how quick or complicated the procedure is, be sure you secure everything you need at least a month before remodeling. Zoning laws and waiver requests/approvals can take weeks to sort out, and that’s without all the potential red tape you’ll be facing.
If you rush to gather everything last minute, you might end up in either two scenarios. The thing is, delaying the remodel indefinitely (until papers arrive), or starting on your bathroom remodel without all the legal permits are both unacceptable.
Related Content: Home Renovation Series: Bathroom Renovations Made Easy
All in all, preparation is key. It may be highly optimistic to believe that your bathroom remodel will go off without a hitch, but there’s no harm in hoping for the best. As long as you know what you want, defined what you need, and prepared all necessary contingencies, you’ve done everything you can. Remember; “measure twice, cut once.”
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