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What to Expect During Renovation

You have hired a great contractor and you are gearing up for the project to begin. But do you really know what to expect? There are a few things you can do to make the process go as smoothly as possible, and a couple of things to be aware of.

The best way to ensure your project will go well is to already know what you want (see Planning Your Renovation). If you have researched the look your are going for, made a floor plan, and selected materials, then the contractors can go right ahead and put it all in place for you.
Also, whatever prep you can do ahead of time will also help. Of course it makes sense to clear the area being remodeled, but recognize the possible need for additional space for setting up tools as well. If you need help with this, do not be afraid to ask.

You also want to protect your breakables, so we suggest you move them to a different area or pack them up for safekeeping. The more you have done upfront, the less likelihood of headaches, interruptions, and delays...and a much better chance of your project staying on schedule and on budget.

Even with the best preparation, however, there is always the possibility of a delay. Delays occur due to many things, like waiting for backordered materials to ship. If you are aware and prepared for this possibility, you can take it in stride.

However, it is important to know what constitutes a reasonable delay. With the help of your contractor, be sure to create a timeline for your renovation that is broken into stages. This will help you know at a glance how things are going and what to expect.

It's also crucial to have a good relationship with your contractor. Communicate clearly, and check in with them often so that they can apprise you of their needs. Choose a place in your home where notes, invoices, and other documents can be left and exchanged between you. Ensure the project manager has your contact numbers and an email address, and leave a list of this information in that chosen spot.

If you are staying in the house during the renovation, be prepared for dust, noise, traffic, and limits on where you can carry out your daily activities. By staying clear of the work area, you help keep everyone safe and allow the contractors to stay focused on the job. If the project involves a bathroom or kitchen, you need to plan carefully and expect expenses such as eating out.

When all the work is done and the contractors have packed up their tools, plan on a little time to put your house back together and move furniture into the space. Some projects are messier than others (demolition, plastering, floor sanding), and as much as the contractor will hang barriers and have a cleaning crew come in after the work is done, things will still get dusty. You may wish to budget for extras like furnace cleaning.

Being aware of what to expect during the process can often make it easier to accept while it's happening. Do everything you can to help your contractor, keep your sense of humour, and know that in the end you will have the reward of a beautiful new space.

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