15 Crucial Remodeling Facts You Should Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know before starting a remodel?
Expect the project to cost more and take longer than planned, so budget a 10 to 20 percent contingency and a schedule buffer. Hire licensed, insured, well-reviewed contractors, get everything in writing, pull the required permits, and prepare for dust and disruption. Clear communication prevents most problems.
How much extra should I budget for a remodel?
Set aside a contingency of about 10 to 20 percent of your budget for surprises, which are common once walls open up, especially in older homes. Unexpected issues like outdated wiring, plumbing, or structural problems can add cost, so a buffer keeps the project from stalling.
Do most remodels go over budget or schedule?
Very often, yes. Hidden conditions, change orders, and material delays push many projects past their original budget and timeline. Building in a contingency, finalizing selections early, and keeping the scope clear from the start are the best ways to limit overruns.
The most important remodeling facts to know: nearly every project costs more and takes longer than expected, so budget a 10 to 20 percent contingency; hire licensed, insured, well-reviewed contractors; get everything in writing; pull permits; and expect some dust, disruption, and imperfection. Here are 15 important facts every homeowner should know before remodeling.
If anyone has ever told you that remodeling is easy, they are either extremely lucky or lying through their teeth! One of the most difficult aspects of a remodel is what we call the ‘homeowner-contractor imbalance’. Contractors do projects like yours day-in and day-out, so they know what to expect during the job. Some contractors may not be ideal communicators and might not do the best job at keeping you informed leading up to and during your project.
We started GreatBuildz to help ‘level’ this imbalance, so we’ve compiled 15 of the most important things you should know about working with contractors during a remodeling project. Get informed on the items below, check out our recommended blogs at the bottom, and give us a call if you have any questions or when you’re ready to get started.
15 Important Facts About Remodeling and
Working With Contractors
- Contractors may not always be helpful in selecting your finish materials. If you need help and guidance, consider hiring a designer to take charge of assisting with selecting and ordering the right materials that fit the look and feel you’re going for. .
- Contractors can’t always answer your call or respond right away. Be realistic in your expectations of their responsiveness and understand that many good contractors take an active role in their projects – that means they might be on a ladder, meeting with inspectors for other clients, or otherwise hard at work helping other clients. Make sure you discuss expectations surrounding communication to ensure there aren’t any surprises down the road.
- Expect that your contractor will miss some workdays, due to a variety of possible issues.
- Be aware that construction happens in a certain order. If one tradesperson or material is delayed, the whole job gets set back.
- If the job gets put on hold temporarily while waiting for materials to arrive, you can’t always expect the contractor to jump-start immediately when they arrive. They have other jobs to work around.
- Both you and your contractor are at the mercy of city inspectors. There is no way to control their schedule. If they are backlogged, it will cause delays.
- Be aware that you (or someone you’ve put in charge) must actively oversee the project, so issues don’t compound. While part of the reason for hiring a general contractor, in theory, is for their ability to manage the project… the best path to success is when all parties take an active role in the project. Plus, your contractor can’t read your mind – so overseeing your project regularly will ensure that everything is completed exactly to your expectations.
- If you change your mind about materials or other elements of your remodel during the project, it will cause delays and extra costs. If you have thoughts about making any changes, tell your contractor ASAP so they can discuss your options and plan accordingly.
- Expect that poor weather and city inspections can sometimes cause delays.
- Contractors work on multiple projects concurrently, and uncontrollable issues with other projects sometimes lead to delays in your remodel. Try to be patient and understanding, and when appropriate, you can be the ‘squeaky wheel’ to have your job prioritized.
- Ordering materials that aren’t in-stock can lead to delays.
- You should expect good quality, but not perfection in the final product. Especially when working on a project within an existing space (kitchen, bathroom, etc.), it’s important to understand that the starting space likely isn’t perfectly square, flush, or smooth. Almost anything is possible for the right price, but we recommend prioritizing what matters most and only pushing for the most important elements for you.
- Expect to have cost overruns for potential issues that arise; budget for a 10-20% project contingency.
- Most contractors prioritize speedy progress as much as you do, but projects often encounter unpredictable delays. Expect to have delays and anticipate a 20-25% longer construction period than planned.
- Be aware that the company owner or salesperson will not be the one doing the daily work at your home, so you should only expect to see them sporadically.
Interested in more tips on planning a successful remodel? Below are a few more articles on the topic:
10 Common Home Remodeling Surprises, and how to avoid them!
How To Set Realistic Expectations For Your Renovation Project
5 Tip For Living at Home While Renovating