TOP 10 REMODELING QUESTIONS
How long will it take? Without knowing what is inside your walls, there is no way to know exactly how long a remodel will take. It depends on how extensive it will be. But average kitchen remodel with new cabinets will be 4- 6 weeks. That does not include interior design,architectural drawing, permits , ARC permission or ordering. A bathroom can take equally as long.
Things that can delay the remodel: Weather, custom-made items with long wait times, permits , non compliance with your homeowners association.
Do we have to move out? Again, it depends. It depends on how uncomfortable you are with being uncomfortable. I onced lived through a kitchen remodel that I have to wash my dishes in the basement laundry sink for 8 weeks and cooked every meal in the microwave. Obviously a hotel is an expensive option, but see below for other more practical options.
Ways around it: You can live in an RV/Travel trailer in your driveway. rent a home, live with the in-laws. If you choose the RV solution, make sure your HOA will allow this for more than 3 days.
8.Do I need to clean out my cabinets? Absolutely and in any room close by as well. There will be dust. Leaving the clean out for your contractor means s/he will charge you for their time.
If you have a closet also not a bad idea to clear the clothes out of that as well. This is an opportunity to get rid of things that are out of date.
Where will you stage materials? In your garage?On the side of your garage? In back of your house? All those are good options but should be run by your HOA and make sure they will not be tearing up your landscaping in the process.( unless you’re redoing your landscaping). It is important to be able to secure and store your materials in a dry spot where snow or rain won’t damage them.
Where will everyone go to the bathroom? To start it seems like it won’t bother you to have the multiple workers in and out of your bathroom. As the remodel progresses, it will bother you more and more. Construction workers aren’t known for their cleanliness.
Solution:
This is a situation that most people would prefer that the workers use a Porta-potty. Figure on $100- 150/month.
Your front yard and what to expect. There will be multiple trucks daily, possibly a dumpster for a period of time, pallets, materials, nails and trash. Your HOA may require to know where your staging area will be.
Solution: Make sure that your contractor will have the dumpster picked up regularly.
The noise… will it ever stop? Most likely you’ll have demolition involved and reconstruction.
Both of those cause noise, lots and lots of hammering, band saws, tile saws and that doesn’t even count the music the subcontractors will bring with them.
Solution: Make sure you have a refuge from the noise. It can be that travel trailer,or a library a coffee shop or a friend’s house, but make sure you have plans for quiet in your life during this stressful noisy time.
How do we communicate? Whether you are adding a room, or remodeling a kitchen, there will be many questions you’ll have and likewise the contractor/ designer will have many questions of you. How is the best way to get a hold of each other. You will need to make decisions along the process and you will need to communicate well to get those decisions to your contractor. The contractor/designer can not read your mind, but they will try to make sure you are happy.
Solution: Have specific check-in times a minimum of once a week to go over problems or progress.
What time do you start? If you are living in your home during the remodel, you can expect the subs to arrive between 7am and 8am. If you are a night owl and don’t get up before 10 am this is usually past when most contractors start their day..
Solution: See #9 Moving out is your best option for not dealing with early birds.
What about additional charges? Most contractors will do their best to stay within the estimate given. That said, it is hard to know what is going on behind those walls. If there were electrical issues that are unforeseen or you make changes along the way, those will be your responsibility. The contractor should give.you a change order to sign and agree to though.
Solution see #3.
Communicate with your contractor. Remember most contractors, designers, subcontractors are people pleasers, they want you to be happy.