Part V - Surviving your remodel project

You have probably heard all the horror stories about remodeling, and now that you have decided to go forward with your project, here are some tips to help you be prepared.

1. It's always going to take longer than you thought. Do not schedule to host a wedding at your home a week after the project completion date. It's not going to happen.

2. The project will probably cost more than you thought. Things change and so do our ideas as the project is progressing. Give yourself a 10% slush just for incidentals.

3. Make sure the project area is sealed off so the dirt and noises are isolated from the rest of the house. Remember that dust has a way of finding every corner of your house.

4. Establish time frames for the workers to arrive and leave your home. Be reasonable. If the baby sleeps between 10 am and noon, you might want to change the nap schedule or your project won't get finished.

5. Set up a temporary kitchen in the bathroom, laundry room or even patio, if weather permits. Now is not the time to cook gourmet. A refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker and sink are all that you will need. You will appreciate the finished project even more.

6. If your contractor tells you that a firm decision or an actual item is needed by a certain time, give it to him. This is one of the main causes for time and cost overruns.

7. Be nice to everyone working at your home. Treat them hospitably...their work will reflect how they were treated.

8. Communication is very important so if there are 2 homeowners, only 1 should be designated as the primary contact with the builder. Conflicting decisions can slow down the project.

9. If you have scheduled a vacation or called out of town, make yourself available to the contractor via phone or email. Things will come up and decisions must be made.

10. Insist that the jobsite be swept every day, inside and out, and trash hauled away regularly.

11. Now is not the time to learn how to be a contractor, you will just be in the way. Stay out of the job site area during the work hours.

12. Praise is a great tool; everyone likes to hear that appreciation for their efforts.

13. Remember, there is light at the end of the tunnel, be patient and take pictures.

14. You will be enjoying your new space before you know it.