Renovations are fun ONLY after the project has been completed and all the bills paid for.  Unfortunately, many homeowners have found this to be true.  In fact, many speak of the relief they experience after holding their breaths (hoping that there will be no more surprises) for months.  We know the feeling and can certainly empathize with you.  As professional renovators, we too have found that even with the most thorough planning, surprises will present themselves.  However, it doesn’t mean that planning doesn’t work.  Planning will help you to avoid 99% of the problems and for the last one percent, it will leave you with something to address anything that does come up.  So where should we start our planning?

1. Discuss, in detail, your scope of work with your contractor.  There is no need to belabour the topic but do if it will make you more comfortable (and knowledgeable) about what your project entails.
2. Verify that all applicable permits have been obtained and clarify if you or your contractor will be responsible for permitting.
3. Discuss your budget in detail.  If anything is not included, your contractor should clearly communicate this and determine the next course of action for any items that have been left out.  Consider including a contingency in your budget for those unforeseen problems we all love.
4. Discuss your schedule with your contractor.  They are responsible for meeting deadlines and should there be delays, expect them to provide adequate explanations for the delay. Ensure you have a contact person (a project manager or site supervisor) to keep you updated on all changes.
5. Determine the rules of the house for the work crew.  This is your home and also a temporary construction site so there should be compromises on both ends.  For example, if you have multiple bathrooms, specify which bathrooms the crew may use, etc.  Specify areas that are off limits. Establish your smoking policy and any other behavioural expectations.  Be firm and clear to avoid miscommunication.
6. Clear work areas of any personal/fragile/valuable items to avoid damage.  Your contractor may include this in your budget if you wish to have them do it but we highly recommend that you take on this responsibility so you may have the comfort of knowing you stored everything away safely.
7. Expect your contractor to clean up the work area (and any affected areas) at the end of the work day. Ensure that a cleaning allowance is in your budget.  No one wants to come home to a renovation mess.
8. If you are expected to make product selection (eg. tiles, paint finish, millwork finish) do so as soon as possible, and prior to when the product is needed on the job.  Allow time for delivery as well.  If you don’t finalize your decision on time, you could cause budget increase & delay to schedule.
9. Refrain from making too many changes (this is why planning is so important).  Your contractor can certainly accommodate changes, but it can be costly to your budget & schedule.
10. Be available to your contractor.  Sometimes your approval is needed ASAP or you could see further delays.
11. Discuss any concerns as they arise so your contractor can address them immediately.  The “right moment” is NOW not later.
12. Provide payment as agreed upon in the payment schedule set up in your contract.  You may hold back as required but be sure to inform your contractor.  For more on hold backs, please click here.
13. Accept the unpredictable.  Your contractor cannot control the weather, product availability, unforeseen complications or illnesses.  They will address any problems that come up in a professional manner but if your renovation requires sunny days and it is pouring rain, there is nothing to do but wait.

Tags: budget, construction, General Contractor, hold back, renovation stress