Heading off construction nightmares at the pass

How do you set yourself up to look back on a remodeling project without regrets? By taking common-sense precautions both ahead of the job as well as during its completion. The same can be true of everything from a kitchen remodel to an entire add-on structure being built from the ground up.

First, inspect what you expect. If you think you can save money without paying experts, think again. An experienced local contractor and a structural engineer will make a thorough inspection of the existing structure. Some of them even know the work of the original home builder and can anticipate possible challenges or expenses with the renovation. They’ll catch things like antiquated wiring, cut joists, asbestos insulation, water damage, or unstable foundations. Then they will advise you on setting a contingency budget to cover the “what ifs” of the impending job to be done. Better to have that money in place and then pop a bottle of bubbly if it’s not used than to discover “surprises” that may have you wanting to climb inside that bottle.

Look at the work the contractor has already completed. Don’t skip this step just because you like his sense of humor. If it’s a big project, this includes learning about past projects undertaken by the construction team. Find out if deadlines were met, budgets panned out as expected, the design was what was anticipated, and any regrets their past clients may have in using them. Don’t discount the idea that those clients may have been difficult to work with, making last minute changes. But do look at the overall satisfaction and the results with each scenario.

RealtyTimes’ PH wade covers a number of falsehoods when embarking on a construction project, a few of which we will cover here.

One of the biggest myths about doing a renovation is thinking that once you decide to go ahead with it, you can rest easy. While you may be no construction expert, asking questions is ALWAYS appropriate, especially when you are overwhelmed by the range and number of decisions involved. Aside from the biggies like foundation walls, window design, and type of heating/cooling system, there are a slew of small but significant decisions that go into finishing every square inch of the project. You need to be around to choose (as well as confirm once they’ve arrived) floor materials, fixtures, hardware, trim, and even paint colors. If these decisions are not made and then verified in advance or at least narrowed down, ordering and delivery dates may snarl up work schedules.

So you think an estimate is an estimate? It is to the extent that a realistic contingency budget can head off the unexpected need for additional financing. “Commitment to a realistic overall budget and solid project management means that if expenses arise, savings will be found elsewhere to keep the project on track financially,” says Wade. “Don’t underestimate the value of an excellent, experienced project manager.”

How about those changes? Oh sure. You can make them along the way. But know that your waffling on how you want something to look can mean undermining timelines and messing with budgets. It also sets up a less-than-pleasant relationship with a crew that thought everything was set. Hurry-up-and-wait scenarios are not fun for anyone. Wade suggests investing time in deciding, in advance, what will work while sourcing the best price. “Changing one thing often sets off a string of changes, so stick to these decisions and save money and headaches,” she says.

Don’t go on autopilot when it’s your money at stake. So you think you can trust your construction crew to do their jobs without your involvement just because they like you? Experts agree that there is a balance to be struck between interfering and being vigilant. “Miscommunication is as disruptive during a renovation or a new build as it is in any other setting. If you don’t keep an eye on what’s going on, walls can end up in the wrong place, wrongly ordered materials will be installed, finishing standards may be ignored, deadlines will be missed, and many other annoying and costly slips and errors may occur,” says Wade.

Source: Realtytimes, TBWS


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