Preparing for a home remodel is an important first step towards a smooth and successful renovation project.
Being prepared for anything is a crucial first step. A baseball player steps “into the box” to take a few practice swings before heading to the plate. A store manager gets in early, turns on the lights and ready’s themselves for a day of sales. A doomsday prepper stores canned food and ammo in a bunker. So why shouldn’t a home remodel be in need of some preparation as well?
Depending on when you find yourself reading this, you may need advice on what part to prepare for. Don’t worry, I’ll be covering everything you need from your first meeting to the final handshake.
Prepare For A Meeting…
Here at G2, our first “meeting” is done over the phone. In this initial phone call we discuss your vision, your goals with your home remodel, and your budget. This information will help us get not only your vision but the “why” of your project. Next we give you an estimate for your project in a Good, Better, Best, Format. Allowing for a very clear understanding of the what project could cost and entail. See more about the G2 Fit meeting and process on our WHAT TO EXPECT page. No preparation needed for this besides the idea you have in mind for your home.
The initial fit meeting allows homeowners to discuss their vision, goals, and budget with the our team, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This meeting also gives homeowners an opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and get a better understanding of the process involved in their home renovation journey.
Ask Questions
After our initial phone meeting we will come out, take measurements, and discuss in further detail the scope of your project. This is your time to go in depth with your designer to ask questions and really lay out your vision in the physical space. Some questions to keep in mind are ideas like:
- What is your experience with projects similar to mine?
- How do you handle project timelines and deadlines?
- What permits and approvals will be needed?
- How frequently do you have meetings with clients to discuss the progress of the project?
- How do you handle changes or unexpected issues during the project?
Remember To Communicate
The most important part of any home renovation project is communication. Home remodeling is a stressful thing to endure as a homeowner. Most contractors will tell you that the key to a successful remodel where all parties leave happy is good communication between the clients and the remodelers. If you have any questions, ask! Don’t be shy or hesitant. The more at ease you feel with the process, the more you’ll be able to trust your contractor, minimizing tension and stress.
Here at G2 we use a CRM software called BuilderTrend. BuilderTrend is your one stop for everything that occurs in your project. From selections, plans & blueprints, billing and daily updates; BuilderTrend make it easy for Homeowners to stay up to date on everything their project has happening/upcoming.
Expect To Make Tough Decisions
Problems will undoubtedly arise when walls come down and you are able to see something you couldn’t see before. This could mean changes in the design as a result of unexpected circumstances, such as electrical or plumbing issues. While good planning will help keep these problems to a minimum, it’s still likely that some unplanned problems will occur. Knowing exactly what you want before the project begins helps these decisions happen faster and prevents delays on your end, helping to keep costs down and the schedule on track.
In Conclusion
Although home remodeling is timely and a somewhat inconvenient process, a positive approach and a little preparation can make it much easier to endure.