Home Improvement projects look fun and easy on television and in magazines. Video segments show empty homes with smiling clean contractors and elated homeowners. Magazines show before-and-after pictures that don’t tell the whole story. Your new kitchen will be a before, in between, and after project. We’d like you to be aware of the process in between so you can prepare yourself for the experience of beautifying your home.

 

During the project, your home is a construction zone.  Here are some tips that should help.

• Safety is job #1. Plan to keep children and pets away from the work zone. During a remodeling project, this means keeping them away from the construction area during the day. Be aware that your contractor will do the best job possible to clean up every day, but you should exercise caution. Safety is the job #1 for a quality contractor; it should be for you and your family too.

 

• Construction is a dirty, noisy business. Dirt from roof removal and installation will produce dust particles in and around your home. Prepare your home by protecting belongings that might be in the way of activity during demolition and construction. Consider removing valuable paintings and pictures from your walls so that jostling doesn’t destroy a valuable asset. Be proactive with your neighbors to keep the peace and enlist them as your eyes and ears during construction. We recommend introducing your contractor to neighbors who might be affected during the process.

 

• You are part of the scheduling process. Figure the actual time for installation and add the time it takes to get materials. Some products are in stock and readily available while others take a few weeks for production. Communicate your expectations clearly so your contractor will be able to complete your project on time. If a construction permit is require, define who obtains it. If you want your project done as quickly as possible, you must make as many decisions about product selections, colors, and finishes up front.

 

• Plan for a shift in activities. You will need to create a plan for eating and periodic interruptions of water flow. Discuss the construction flow with your contractor and know that you will need to adapt at some points during the in between. Plan accordingly.

 

• Don’t sweat the small stuff; discuss the big stuff up front. Expect the unexpected. A dumpster will be required for disposal of materials. Hidden conditions from aging and damage might create a few extra charges. Your lawn may get trampled. If you’re worried about your landscaping, the condition of your older home, or other issues that might create surprises later, ask your contractor for an expert opinion.

 

Prepare as much as you can up front and then learn to go with the flow. The struggle in between the start and finish will be worth it. Keep your focus on the dream kitchen you’ll own while accepting that. You may not be prepared for the seeming chaos typical of most construction projects, but you will be thrilled with the end result of a roof from COMPANY NAME.