Important rules before you break ground.
Finding the right contractor and having a good experience when it comes to home renovations go hand in hand. We have some tips that might just make this exciting adventure a bit less of a roller coaster and more of a Caribbean cruise.
Word of mouth matters
The first thing to do is to get the right contractor. As impressive as a fancy website with beautiful (staged) project pictures might be, it’s better to hear form people you trust what the specific work ethic, hang-ups and final product of a specific contractor is like. Remember – just like Instagram isn’t the same as the real word (Those models use filters, those moms aren’t as put-together and that sourdough loaf might be burnt on the bottom), social media pages showing successful projects shouldn’t be taken on face value.
Its best to find a satisfied (or not) previous client to give your real word feedback.
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
Likely, you are not a construction and renovation specialist. And that’s ok. So why hold yourself to the impossible standards of understanding the whole industry, jargon, and all!?
If you are discussing your project and the contractors says or suggest material, techniques or processes you don’t fully understand, be confident enough to speak up and ask the important questions. If you are with the right contractors, they wont mind explaining or demonstrating and if they do seem to mind, maybe rethink your choice.
Put it in writing.
Once you have had the initial discussion about the scope of the project, its best to confirm this in writing. Now it doesn’t have to be a formal ink and paper contract for a simple reno-project, (although it’s never a bad idea), but at least confirming what was agreed to in a WhatsApp or email will help with any possible missed expectations or disagreements in future. This can even help you yourself keep track of what you initially wanted to do.
Just because it’s in writing, doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Renovations can be dynamic, and you should feel free to reevaluate and discuss any changes that might be necessary. Just remember to record them as well.
Take up your space and speak up.
Once you have the written down plan of action, don’t be afraid to call out any discrepancies you see. Specifically with the choice of materials, don’t just accept undiscussed changes. Yes, the contractor might be the professional, but in the end you are the paying client and only you can ensure that you will be happy with the final product. It’s best to do daily progress and craftmanship inspections and immediately make it known when you are unhappy. Don’t allow work to continue if you are not satisfied. It won’t magically fix itself and you’ll waste time and materials if you only ask for it to be fixed after the job has been completed.
If you don’t feel up to this, ask your partner or consider involving a project manager.
Prepare for budget creep.
Its common knowledge that budgets and time frames tend to creep over the line when it comes to construction. Its best that you keep this in mind no matter how adamant your contractor might be that it won’t happen. If you have a big event coming up that you’ll be hosting from home, it’s best to allow for a couple of days or even weeks extra to ensure that what needs to be done, gets done. The same goes for budget planning. If you have R10 000 for the project, either only use about 70% of it, or be ready to pay an additional 30% or more.
Hopefully your project will be on time and in budget, but its better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.
Enjoy the process.
Undertaking home renovations, no matter how big or small, is an exciting privilege.
Yes, it might be dusty, noisy, and disruptive but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t undertake to enjoy the process.
Laugh through the inevitable mishaps, revel in the excuse to eat takeaways because the kitchen has been stripped. Go to a laundromat instead of struggling with washing. Find peace in nature when the tile chipping becomes deafening and spoil yourself to a temporary coffeeshop-office if you used to work from home.
Remember, it won’t last forever (even if it feels like it).
Fin trusted and vetted contractors right here on HOMEMAKERSonline.
