The Homeowner’s Handbook to Managing Renovations

Maintain safety by keeping pets and children away from work areas. If plastic coverings and floor protection are in place, leave them intact. These protections are crucial for the project's progress and your safety. Curiosity can lead to delays if these barriers are disturbed.

You'll see the tradespeople in your home more frequently than the general contractor. Tradespeople might not have all the answers or the complete project overview. For accurate and thorough information, direct your questions to the general contractor to avoid miscommunication.

Coordinate specific times to discuss concerns with your designer or contractor. Casual drop-ins or trying to address multiple issues when they are on-site for other tasks can be inefficient and distract from the matters at hand. Scheduled meetings allow for focused discussions, ensuring that your contractor or designer is prepared to address your questions efficiently.

Use phone calls or emails for significant discussions about the project’s schedule or budget. Text messages are suitable for quick, straightforward communications but inadequate for detailed conversations about project timelines or finances. Scheduling a dedicated meeting allows the contractor to provide accurate and well-prepared responses.

Clear communication with your contractor and tradespeople about parking and jobsite etiquette is essential. Ensure that your parking arrangements don't block access for work trucks. Establish guidelines regarding etiquette on the premises and clearly communicate which bathroom facilities contractors can use, or arrange for portable restrooms if preferred.

Arrange for a neighbor to collect your mail and packages during the renovation. This ensures that these items are safe and keeps the responsibility off of the contractor to manage your deliveries.

Trust the process. Avoid micromanaging your contractor and making premature judgments about incomplete work. Picking apart a project before it’s ready for review can cause unnecessary stress and confusion. Wait until the contractor indicates it's time for a formal review, often referred to as the "blue tape" stage, where you can point out concerns or areas needing adjustment. This ensures that your feedback is timely and productive.

Rushing the renovation to meet arbitrary deadlines creates an unpleasant working environment and doesn’t necessarily accelerate completion. Contractors do their best to meet quoted timelines while maintaining quality. Hiring a designer with a solid understanding of construction can help mediate these expectations and maintain project flow.

Allow up to 30 days after the renovation for the completion of the punch list. This period is crucial for tradespeople to address final touches and corrections, ensuring that your home meets the expected quality and finish before you move back in.

Renovations can disrupt your daily routine, especially if you're working from home. Expect utilities like water and electricity to be intermittently shut off. You'll need to keep floors clear for workers and brace yourself for loud and persistent noise. These factors can make staying in your home challenging. Consider making alternative arrangements for working or staying elsewhere during critical phases of the project.

Consult your Homeowners Association (HOA) early on to understand regulations about dumpster placement, work truck parking, and any external changes you plan to make to your home. Ensure you have the necessary approvals to avoid delays and conflicts. 

Decide the full scope of your renovation early on. Consider exploring all possible aspects and future needs to avoid delays and increased costs from adding new tasks mid-project. Adding to the project later often requires additional materials, different trades, and can disrupt the existing schedule, leading to higher costs and extended timelines.

Remove all personal items from the areas being worked on. Arrange for movers to place your belongings in a storage unit or POD. Consider hiring professional organizers to assist with efficiently moving items back in once the renovation is complete.

Renovations are messy. They just are. Dust and debris are inevitable from demolition to drywall and flooring installations. Accept that your home will be in a state of disarray throughout the renovation. While the house will undergo multiple deep cleans before completion, living there during the process can be uncomfortable. It's best to embrace the mess as part of the journey to your newly renovated space.

Expect your home to function as a jobsite from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. Subcontractors often arrive early and may stay late to meet deadlines. This means someone may be on-site every day, and the schedule can be fluid. Be prepared for unexpected changes and constant activity in your home.

Be prepared to pivot. Renovation projects can reveal unforeseen challenges, such as discovering structural issues during demolition. These discoveries may prevent you from using your first-choice materials or designs, necessitating quick and flexible decision-making.

If you stay in your home during the renovation, set up a temporary kitchen with current appliances. A relocated fridge and microwave can reduce the inconvenience of not having a fully operational kitchen and help cut down on dining out costs.

Avoid comparing your renovation to others. Every project has its own pace and challenges. Understand that each renovation is unique, and timelines vary significantly based on the contractor's methodology and the project's specifics.

When embarking on a renovation it's natural to be eager for its completion. However, try to relax into the process and appreciate the transformation. Embrace the changes rather than focusing on the finish line. Many clients find that they miss the excitement once their project is completed.