GetSmart.com Offers Help to Get Through a Home Renovation

RISMEDIA, June 4, 2007-While many people prefer to go the “do it yourself” route, when it comes to home improvement, some jobs are simply too big for individuals to take on. That’s when it’s time to call in a contractor. And, for some, that’s when the home renovation headaches begin.

GetSmart.com provides the following tips to help you, your home, and your family survive a home renovation include:

Develop a plan

When undergoing a home renovation, start by developing a realistic plan including a thorough timeline. Your plan shouldn’t just include what work is being done and when, it should also include accommodations you and your family will need to make while the work is underway. For example, if you’re having a kitchen remodeled, how much access will you have to your old kitchen? For many of us, it’s unrealistic to be completely away from the home while it’s being renovated, so be sure you and your contractor decide how you’ll work around each other during construction.

Make choices before any work begins

Choose everything before the work starts, from sinks to cabinet styles to colors. This will let the contractor know what materials to order, and be sure the job isn’t held up if something isn’t in stock or is backordered.

Once you have plans you like, try not to make major changes during the building process. Small alterations are expected, but major changes to the agreed upon plan can not only extend the project’s timeline, but its budget as well.

Ask questions

Sure, the contractor is the expert and doesn’t want you second-guessing their every move. But if you don’t understand what they are doing and why, be sure to ask. Renovations that are done incorrectly – or not to the homeowner’s liking – can be costly to undo. Check in with the construction site supervisor daily to review tasks and be sure they’re done appropriately.

Let the neighbors know

Talk to your neighbors well in advance if you are planning a major renovation. They’ll appreciate knowing about potential construction noise and will likely be more cooperative if they’ve been included in the plans.

Timing is key

Try not to make any major life changes, such as starting a new job or having a baby, during a major renovation. If a big change does occur just before a planned project begins, consider postponing the work.

Limit the disruption

While it sounds impossible to limit the inconvenience a renovation will encounter, with advance planning you can decrease the possible pain points a bit. Moving out during construction (or staying with family or taking a vacation) is ideal, but for many that’s simply not an option. So if you must stay, be sure to set up a temporary kitchen near a water source with at least a hot plate, microwave and small refrigerator. Most contractors will put up plastic to limit the amount of dust caused by the work, but be sure to pack away anything that you wouldn’t want to get dirty such as drapes, family heirlooms, scrapbooks, and the like.

For more information, visit www.getsmart.com.

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