Whether you’re building a home addition or renovating the inside, home improvements can be a stressful and difficult time. And when you’re finally past the point of a kitchen estimate, you’ve learned the average cost of a bathroom remodel, you’re done trying to budget remodeling and you’re ready for the dirty work, there are definitely a few do’s and don’ts that can help the whole process go a lot smoother. So, being the general contracting connoisseurs we are, we here at Mihalko’s General Contracting have created a shot lists of do’s and don’ts for when you’re finally ready to get to work!
The Do’s and Don’ts of Smooth Contracting
1. Make Up Your Mind. It’s a good idea to decide exactly what you want and how you want it before starting construction. Often times the longest delays are due to people not being sure what kind of faucet they’d like, what color to paint their walls or where their cabinetry should hang. Making decisions like these before construction will assure that the construction itself runs smoothly.
2. Materials. Many people choose to buy their own materials out of fear that their contractor will charge them more than what the materials actually cost. While you sure can buy your own materials, the truth is that most contractors have their own material dealers that give them already discounted prices. Most of the time, going with the contractors prices could end up saving you money on quality materials.
3. Contingency Fund. Often when trying to budget remodeling homeowners don’t take into account that this budget is more of an estimate than an exact number. Most home improvements will end up having a few more expenses than originally planned for, and having a contingency fund will make sure that you don’t get stuck with a half constructed home!
4. Children and Pets. As much as you love your children and pets, a child in a construction site is a contractors worst nightmare! While most contractors will find ways to work around your children and pets, don’t leave it up to your contractors to have to do that. Keeping your children and pets out of the construction area will assure that they’re safe and your contractor won’t have to stop working in an effort to avoid unwanted accidents.
5. Chit Chat. Talking about your home is great, but once all is set and ready to go, keep the chit chat to a minimum. If it has to do with the job being done on your house, fine. But when the talking turns into topics of family vacation and other life matters, that’s less time the contractor is spending working on your house and that’s more time the contractor will take to finish the renovation.
6. Rent A Room. Renting a room and living somewhere else during construction is a great way to stay out of your contractors way and make sure the job is done quickly and efficiently. While this may mean spending a little extra money for a month, it can also mean having a place to relax and have your down time in.
7. Design. Some projects need different types of designers and having the right one will help you figure out exactly what you want and what you love. Figuring out what you want while you’re working on the site is not a great idea. This can lead to months of unfinished work, or even worse, finished work that you absolutely hate!
When you’re ready for a home renovation, call a contractor you can trust. Call a contractor that’s been serving the Johnstown PA, Latrobe PA and Altoona PA area for over 34 years. Call Mihalko’s General Contracting when you want your home improvements do be done right!
