Common Cents Remodeling - The Who, What, When, Where and Why of Remodeling

In the last blog series of “Common Cents Remodeling” I covered what to look for in a remodeling professional. You, the customer are the requester of the proposed project. A successful project requires that you have a clear understanding of the project scope, project delivery schedule, and estimated total cost of the project. For many years to follow you will be enjoying the remodeling project, it is of the upmost importance you are involved in the decision making process. The key to identifying your role is clear communication. You as the primary stakeholder should be encouraged to communicate as needed following a defined process defined ahead of time.

As a quick overview, the contractor is the designated point of contact for remodeling issues that have an impact on the activities and schedules of the project. The general responsibilities of a Frederick, Maryland remodeling contractor entail the individual planning and carrying through any and all pertinent activities relating to the construction of a predetermined project scope. Wow…. Now that’s a mouthful. In addition, the contractor carries out his/her duties by supervising employees, planning how the project scope will be carried out and completing the project in a manner which coincides with all laws, rules and regulations which may be in existence and correlate with your expectations. After you have carefully considered your project needs and identified the suitable contractor, you should be asking yourself, where does that leave me? What is my role to help bring your project to a successful conclusion? Weaver’s remodeling quick tips: Who, What, When, Where and Why serves to help answer these questions!

 Weaver’s Remodeling Quick tips:

 Note: If you are already overwhelmed you might want to scroll down to the Key Tip and call me for a one on one review.

“Who” You the consumer, are the most important component to a successful remodeling project. Long after the project is complete you will have to enjoy the space. Properly communicating your needs is a must. Talk to your contractor and understand the communication process. You should set up a day at least once a week to address concerns and upcoming events.

”What” You should be involved in any decision you feel is important. Most of the decisions will be guided from the plans and scope of work. Keep in mind, due to your thorough search for the suitable contractor, they should have you and your project in mind. Try to trust his/her judgment as a good steward to your project. You should ask to set up benchmarks for progress and selections. Try to make all selections before project starts.

“When” You should know as the project contributor your voice echoes loudly. Your contractor as a professional wants to complete your project on time with the best results possible. Understanding the workflow is important, you should have an understanding of the process to communicate accurately. If your contractor writes your meeting notes on the back of his hand or twice used napkin, you might want to consider the accuracy of information being exchanged. Set up a proper time to communicate needs.

Example”, it is not always wise to stop progress due to these feeling. Stopping progress can hinder the construction process potentially extending the completion time and adding to the bottom line of the budget. Again, address the process for communication and benchmarks to discuss change and consideration. Let your contractor do his Job. Just pull up a chair with your favorite cold beverage and enjoy seeing your project come to life.

“Where” You should know the process of communication for changes or stoppage. The best times to cover these items are at the contract table. Ask your contractor to explain his/her process of addressing changes and stoppages. When a change is required during construction, make sure you ask your contractor to explain the changes and options to consider as soon as possible. Try to make a decision soon as possible, put it in writing as a change order and discuss how many days should be effected to completion. Your role as the primary stockholder is to set up the time and place that works for shared communication.

 “Why” You, as the most important component to a remodel project, share in the responsibility for its outcome. Honoring the set process, design, predetermined scope of work and communication will give you a stable platform to engage in any conversation needed to complete your remodel project.

Key Tip: Working on the communication process will help to identify the decisions that need attention and give you a role to play with your projects vision coming to life.

Jim W.

(240) 315.5785

 Serving Your Remodeling Needs In: Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Washington County, Howard County, Ann Arundel County, Carroll County, Baltimore County.