Be prepared to spend up to 30 hours a week once construction begins managing your remodel.  Proper management is key.  Without it…you’re virtually guaranteed construction delays, cost overruns and sleepless nights.

Build Phase

After identifying 3 contractors that you would be interested in working with, request bids from each of them based on the same set of construction documents and confirm the build schedule for your remodel project.

Throughout construction maintain a punch list, a list of outstanding corrective work or work slated for completion after occupancy and give this list to the contractor for completion prior to final payment.

As you can see, there is more than meets the eye during the remodeling process.  Fortunately, there are construction managers available to help you successfully navigate the process.

Related posts:

1. Anatomy of a Remodel – Design Phase
2. Anatomy of a Remodel – Envision Phase
3. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 3

Design Phase

This phase consists of assembling a project team comprised of a designer and/or architect, contractor(s) as well as an engineer or other consultants.  Existing building conditions such as site and floor plans will be documented by your project architect/designer and will serve as the basis for further development of your proposed remodel concept. During this phase, the overall scheme of your project will be created based on your functional and aesthetic requirements, as well as your budget. Work closely with your project architect/designer to ensure the design aligns closely with your vision.

Once you have approved a rough plan, the design will be developed further under consideration of structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements with the goal of meeting applicable building codes and zoning laws. You will want to review images of your design in 3-D to help align visual expectations with your project’s completed appearance and also review these images with your project team to confirm alignment with your vision as well as the scope and budget of your remodel project.

Construction documents are ultimately produced for submittal to the governing city or county authority for approval. Once approved, these same documents will be used by the contractor to build your project. This is another opportunity for you to re-confirm the scope and budget of your remodel project based on the construction documents.

If you lose control during this phase, you’re virtually guaranteed budget busting surprises later during construction.

Related posts:

1. Anatomy of a Remodel – Build Phase
2. Anatomy of a Remodel – Envision Phase
3. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 1

Let’s dissect the four important phases of a remodeling project – Envision, Design, Build and Continuous Oversight/Management – to better understand how the remodeling process works.

Envision Phase

During this critical phase you set project goals and expectations that will establish a clear plan for your remodel vision. This plan will help you avoid making a HUGE mistake that costs homeowners BIG time…lack of proper pre-planning, which leads to construction delays and budget overruns that significantly increase remodeling costs.

Spend time during this phase to make sure you get ‘it’ right.  During this phase you will also want to formulate a realistic budget based on the scope of work desired.

Related posts:

1. Anatomy of a Remodel – Design Phase
2. Anatomy of a Remodel – Build Phase
3. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 2

7. READ YOUR CONTRACT THOROUGHLY

It should call for the work to be performed in accordance with all applicable building codes. It should also specify all materials to be used. For example, “Install trough sink, manufactured by Company ABC, model xyz, as per the plan.”, not just “Install bathroom sink, as discussed.”  Written change orders should reflect additional work not in the original scope of the project, substituted materials, etc.

8. STAGGER PAYMENTS

Pay for work as it is completed. Payments should not get ahead of the work. Keep a running list of open items that need to be addressed before making final payment.

9. START WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Enlisting the help of a certified construction manager from pre-design through completion helps ensure your remodeling project stays true to your vision and is completed on time and within budget. A construction manager is also a valuable resource when selecting design pros and general contractors.

10. ENJOY THE PROCESS

A remodeling project does not have to be unnecessarily stressful. Educating yourself about the process will enlighten you as to what to expect thereby reducing anxiety.

Related posts:

1. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 2
2. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 1
3. Anatomy of a Remodel – Design Phase

4. SPACE PLAN

Create a simple space plan early in the design process that can serve as the basis of your remodel project. Since placement of every element (i.e. lighting, outlets, furniture, plants, shelving, etc.) is important, continually update and reality check your plan before construction begins to avoid costly change orders.

5. TEST PAINT COLORS

Don’t just buy a gallon of paint and hope the color is right. Test several colors on an area of the room you’ll be painting and live with your choices for a few days before making the final decision. You no longer need to buy several quarts of paint to test paint colors since many paint companies offer sample-sizes.

6. INTERVIEW AT LEAST 3 CONTRACTORS

The obvious points to check are references, license(s) and insurance coverage. However, when checking references also ask behavioral questions about ease of communication, interaction with neighbors and clear lines of responsibility for every detail (i.e. who selects and/or purchases fixtures?).

I’ll share the remaining tips in my next post.

Related posts:

1. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 1
2. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 3

It’s because we hear about more remodeling HORROR stories than DELIGHT stories.

Let’s help lay the foundation for planning your project successfully by sharing three of the ten tips for a successful remodel.

1. ARTICULATE YOUR VISION

While the mental image of what you want may not be vivid, only you know what inspires you. Create a file of images from magazines or online photo galleries that inspire you.

2. VERIFY WHETHER PERMITS ARE REQUIRED

Moving forward with a remodel project without obtaining the necessary permits can result in being fined or forced to demo the work done. Check with your local building department regarding the scope of work for which permits are required and what the requirements, if any, are.

3. FORMULATE A REALISTIC BUDGET

Unless you’re living the ‘Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous’ AND have the deep pockets to match, you’ll need to distinguish between must-haves and nice-to-haves, then prioritize them. Your budget should factor in a few additional weeks and a 10 to 15 percent reserve for unforeseen issues that may arise such as an undetected water leak, mold, etc.

I’ll share more tips in my next post.

Related posts:

1. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 2
2. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 3
3. Anatomy of a Remodel – Design Phase

Generally speaking, there are two types of contractors…those that want to GET the job and those that want to DO the job.

Those that want to get the job often make unrealistically low bids, only to jack up the price later while construction is underway. They take you hostage, knowing that it can be prohibitively expensive for you to fire them and start anew.

Those that want to do the job make realistic estimates that don’t sacrifice quality or service OR leave something out just to beat another company’s price.

Remember, you get what you pay for.  Hiring the lowest bidder sets you up for cheap materials and shoddy workmanship, with you ultimately having to pay MORE to get quality materials and the work corrected.

Contractors that want to do the job are really not more expensive than contractors that want to get the job because they provide you with build quality and real value…a project done right, on time and on budget.

Related posts:

1. 10 Tips for a Successful Remodel – Part 3

In order to make the best decision, you need to compare the cost of purchasing a replacement home with the cost and value of remodeling. When considering your options, be sure to factor in the total cost of selling your current home.  These costs include real estate commissions, points and loan fees, escrow costs, moving costs, and some improvements at the new home just to make it livable.

Now, consider the hard and soft costs associated with remodeling.  Hard costs consist of the actual construction costs incurred while soft costs consist of all of the other non-physical expenses involved in the completion of the project which include but are not limited to professional fees such as architectural and engineering fees, permitting, etc.

You’ll also need to consider the costs associated with financing your remodel and perhaps the payback on your project if resale value is a major factor in your decision to remodel.

After comparing the cost of purchasing a replacement home with the cost and value of remodeling you may find that improving the aesthetics and livability of your current home may prove to be more valuable…and more convenient.

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