Successful Remodeling Projects

Design Details         “Successful Renovating Projects”                  Nancy Barsotti, FASID

At the recent remodeling show, I spoke on the topic of how to ensure that a home renovation project would go smoothly.  Projects of any size can be overwhelming and it’s never too early to do lots of planning and talking with the experts.  As spring approaches, you might be thinking of projects in your home.  Perhaps these tips might help to answer a question I am often asked, “Where do I start?”

It is a wise investment to ask the professionals – interior designers, architects, landscape architects and lighting designers – to help you navigate the plethora of options and products.  Usually a very small fee to a professional will give you the answer to that question and prevent something I often sadly hear from potential clients “I wish I had known to get your advice before I did this project.”  Remember, the professionals are on “your team” and want you to be happy with the end result.

The key to any successful design project is communication.  I cannot emphasize that enough.  Before you talk with a professional, I advise assembling a notebook of the things you like – or even don’t like.  It really helps them to see your existing home and to get a sense of your style and preferences.  Think about your lifestyle, how you are going to use the room and your budget.  Having a realistic budget is critical to the project.

Many times homeowners decide to call a contractor to look at the job before they have thought out the project or even really discussed it very much with each other.  That is usually a big waste of everyone’s time. The contractor is going to say, “What do you want me to do?”  And the homeowner replies “Well we have some ideas but don’t know for sure.  What would you do?”   At which point a good contractor is going to say “Call me when you have some definite plans.”

That is why hiring a professional to help you visualize what you want, prepare some drawings and narrow down your choices to a realistic plan for your style and budget is so important. They can assist you with setting your priorities, making your budget go as far as possible and bring you resources and creative ideas that you are most likely not aware exist.  I love it when I hear “Wow! I never would have thought of that.”

This is also the time to do as much homework – looking, shopping and discussing with one another and with the professionals – everything that you can think of – every option, every cost and every concern. You should take as much time as you need to feel comfortable with your decisions.  Do not be in a hurry.  Why?  Because once the project starts, and hammer and nails are flying, and contractors are working, it is not the time to second-guess your decisions.  It will drive you crazy, it will drive the contractors even crazier and it will cost you lots of extra money.

Indecision + Cost overruns = Worst renovations with unhappy clients.

Once you have the design concept and plans, a professional will prepare a detailed specification for the project.  I cannot overstate the need for detail - the more the better.  Now is the time to call a contractor and present him with the design and plans that he can work from to prepare a bid for you.

It is also a good idea for the professionals to be at that meeting.  That way questions can be answered and ideas explained – again communication!  A good contractor is going to ask a lot of questions right from the beginning and wants to get well acquainted with you, your project and your expectations. They may offer some ideas as well.  But beware of them trying to talk you out of what you want simply because “I’ve never done it that way before.”  Or, “You won’t like that.”  Remember this is your home, and your style NOT theirs.  The professionals can help to buffer those situations.

If you feel appropriate you should get more than one estimate.  Beware though of estimates that vary widely in price.  It could mean that someone is missing something.  Or they may think they can add to the price later in change orders.  Ask for references and check them out.  Ask, “Would you hire this contractor again?”

Be honest with the contractor – make sure you communicate your expectations to them on deadlines, hours of work at your home, what parts of your home they can have access to, etc.  Know what your community allows as far as dumpsters, street access, your own driveway parking and bathroom availability.  These projects take time and hassles like these can be avoided by good communication upfront. 

This is also the time to decide who is purchasing what and when.  You may think you will save a few dollars by doing your own purchasing – and you may.  But keep in mind then that you are responsible for making sure the products are at the job site, in good and workable condition, when needed.  If they aren’t there, or something is broken and has to be reordered, it causes a delay in the project.

Once you get the bids, look them over carefully and ask your professional team member to look over them as well. We have years of experience in knowing what to look for.

The bid should be as detailed as possible.  Beware of lump sum figures such as “Plumbing - $10,000” without details of the fixtures, quantity, make, etc.

Now, if you have been realistic about your budget and honest with your contractor, the bid is more than likely to be close to what you thought.  But it’s also possible it’s going to be more.  If you need to make changes be fair to all – don’t haggle and try to try to get a $50,000 bid down to $40,000 without changing the scope of the project.  No good contractor is going to lower his profit margin without your project suffering somewhere along the way.  Also, don’t expect them to try to get the project done in an unrealistic time frame.  The quality of your project will suffer.  Speed does not usually equal good workmanship.  I believe strongly in buying the best you can possibly afford – even if it means doing projects more slowly.  My mantra has always been “Do it right, do it once and never have to do it again.”

Also make sure the contract spells out terms of payment.

The other important thing for you to consider is who is going to be responsible for managing the project once it begins.  If both of you work and/or don’t have the time to oversee what is being done, spend a little extra on hiring one of your team to be the Project Manager.  You can agree on how much time this will take and therefore cost.  But if possible, once a day or a couple times a week at least at certain stages of the project this will really pay off in the end.

For instance, once the framing is done, check the dimensions.  Then check the locations of the electrical work and plumbing rough-ins.  It is much easier to add an outlet, change the location of a switch plate, move the thermostat, etc. before the sheetrock is done.

Remember three key items to ensure a successful renovation project – good plans, good communication and a realistic budget.  Professionals can help you set all of these in motion to make sure you will have a project that you are happy with and proud of for a long time.