Are you struggling with over-budget , delays, miscommunication, quality concerns, and stress while planning your renovation? Here are easy tips to help prevent that from happening.
It’s so exciting to come to a point when you’re able to put your ideas and plans in place and finally renovate your home, but there can be problems too – it can be stressful. One of the best ways to reduce your stress is to hire contractors to do some or all of the work for you, but even then, things can get difficult unless you’re on hand to help – I don’t mean you literally have to do the work if you don’t want to or can’t, but I do mean you need to help your contractors in other ways to ensure you have a smooth renovation that sticks to your budget and timeframe.
The Plan
With that in mind, here are some of the things you can do to ensure that happens – as far as possible, at least – and to help your contractors do their job well. Read on to find out more.
Clear Communication And Expectations
Perhaps the most important thing a homeowner can do when it comes to helping their contractors get the job done in the right way is to communicate well and have clear expectations in place for what the job needs to look like when it’s done. If this doesn’t happen, the contractor is going to have to make guesses or use their own judgment, and the end result might not be what you wanted – but how will they know that if you don’t explain things in detail from the start?
It’s good to begin by setting clear goals with your contractors, so take the time to sit down with them before work starts and go through everything that’s needed. You can talk about the scope of the project, timelines, budget, and any specific requirements you might have, so they know precisely what should or shouldn’t be done. The clearer the communication is from the start, the better the results will be, and the faster the work will be completed – plus, there won’t be any need for anything to be redone.
By the same token, you’ll need to conduct regular check-ins with your contractors to review how things are going, address any issues, and make adjustments if that’s necessary. You might just want to leave them to it, but these quick check-ins can save a lot of bother later on, and help your contractors know they’re doing the right thing.
Ensure Easy Access
The last thing you or your contractors are going to want is delays in getting started or issues once the job begins, come to that, which is why it’s important to put everything in place right at the start, and ensure everyone is happy with the way things are going to work.
One thing you’ll need to think about at this early stage is access to the space you want the contractor to work on. After all, if they can’t get in or can’t get their equipment to the area they have to work on, how are they going to do what’s needed and complete the job? The simplest thing to do is to give your contractors a set of keys to your property and access codes if needed because they’ll be able to come and go as they need to, even if you’re not there (ideal if you’re out at work or running errands or you don’t actually live in the property because you’ve bought it to flip and sell, for example).
Other things that will help your contractors when it comes to access is clearing the path of any obstacles – pack away your possessions and perhaps store them away from the home, and not only will they not be in the way, but you can be sure they’ll stay safe and protected throughout the renovation. Don’t forget parking either; do you need to arrange permits? Do you need to save a parking spot in advance so there’s definitely somewhere for the contractors to park their vehicle (or vehicles), including any weather-resistant containers if any have been hired to keep equipment in? Do you need to move your own car off the driveway to provide space? Getting this organized in advance means less stress and no wasted time, so it’s definitely worthwhile.
Create a Safe Work Environment
It’s not technically your job to make the work environment one hundred percent safe – your contractor should have their own rules about safe working, PPE, and so on – but doing what you can is always a good thing, and it can give you peace of mind and assure your contractors that you’re doing all you can to get the project completed.
A few things you can do to help make things safer include clearing the work area before they arrive – move furniture, decorations, and personal items out of the way because not only does that speed up the process, but it also means there’s less risk of damage to your items. Plus, if you need better lighting, why not change the bulbs to ensure they’re as bright as possible? True, you don’t technically have to do that, but why not do it anyway? It’s a kind measure that could help a lot, and it will certainly be appreciated – you never know what that act of kindness might mean (your contractor might go above and beyond for someone who thinks about how to help them even in smaller ways, for example). If there’s anything else you can do along the same lines, it’s a good idea to do it; better safe than sorry, after all.
Make Them Feel Comfortable
Finally, even if you can’t do anything else on this list, you can certainly help to make your contractors comfortable while they’re carrying out work for you. Stock up on drinks and snacks and make sure they know they can help themselves – bottles of water, coffee-making facilities, and fresh fruit, chips, or anything else you think they might like will always go down well. Remember, working on renovation is a physical job, and by giving them these useful things, it shows you’re appreciative of what they’re doing, and it helps to keep everyone energized, so it’s a win-win.
And of course, you’ll need to make sure they can get to a bathroom. It might be that your home’s bathroom isn’t available, but don’t worry – you can hire a portable toilet for the contractors to use, and that’s definitely going to be something they’ll be pleased about.
On A Personal Note (from my Past Experiences)
Renovations can sometimes feel disruptive, turning your usual routine upside down. There may be dust, noise, and temporary changes to your living space. It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed during this time.
I know after several renovations and disasters in previous homes how daunting this endeavor is. I am a left brain thinker. Of all of those traits,, my biggest hurdle is orderliness! So if you are left brain thinker, buckle up. Sometimes the ride is bumpy. But don’t let that discourage you because the end results outweigh the hurdles.
Chaos to Orderly
However, there are several ways to make the process smoother for both you and your contractor:
Set Up A Designated Work Area
Creating a designated work area and providing easy access can help the contractors work efficiently without constantly disturbing your daily life. Packing away and labeling your belongings can prevent damage and make it easier to find things when needed. Showing appreciation through small gestures, like offering refreshments, can boost morale and foster a positive atmosphere.
Remember, a little patience and understanding can go a long way in making your renovation experience as seamless as possible.
Setting Up A Kitchen and Living Space
Setting up a temporary kitchen or living space can help you maintain some normalcy. Try to keep some of your daily routines intact, like having your morning coffee in a quiet corner or continuing your evening family time.
Protecting and Packing Your Belongings
Packing away and labeling your belongings can prevent damage and make it easier to find things when needed. Showing appreciation through small gestures, like offering refreshments, can boost morale and foster a positive atmosphere.
Remember, a little patience and understanding can go a long way in making your renovation experience as seamless as possible.
Conclusion
Renovations can be a daunting task, but by addressing common challenges like budget overruns, delays, miscommunication, quality concerns, and stress, you can create a smoother experience for everyone involved. Remember, clear communication and mutual respect go a long way in building a positive relationship with your contractors. By making timely decisions and providing a comfortable work environment, you’ll help ensure the project stays on track. Trusting your contractors’ expertise and expressing appreciation for their hard work can make all the difference. A little effort on your part can lead to a successful and stress-free renovation. Let the Renovation begin….
I want to take this moment to say how much I appreciate your ongoing support and readership – you’re not just a reader, but a valued friend on my blogging journey! Your input means the world to me, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below the post.
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