30 Things To Discuss With Your Contractor Before Starting a Remodel
The most common issues during a remodel typically have to do with communication. Failing to discuss all of the important details of your project with your contractor is a recipe for disaster. Once you hire your contractor, but BEFORE you start your project, it is crucial to discuss all of the small details that lead to a successful, stress-free remodel.
After speaking with thousands of homeowners about the common pitfalls when it comes to remodeling, we’ve created a list of our top 30 things that you should discuss with your contractor. Download this guide, bring it with you to your pre-construction meeting with your contractor, and put everything in writing so there is never any confusion about your plan.
30 Things To Discuss With Your Contractor Before Starting a Remodel
- Are there periods where you or the contractor plan to be out of town or unavailable?
- Do you have kids or pets that the contractor needs to consider or plan for?
- Will the contractor be sealing off portions of the home to reduce dust & smells, etc?
- Who will be responsible for picking up materials, appliances, etc. from retail stores?
- Convey to your contractor your desired working days and hours.
- Make sure to get a few alternative contacts & phone numbers in case contractor is unreachable.
- Determine the best contact person for day-to-day interactions.
- Find out if there will be an onsite construction person that is authorized to communicate with you?
- Determine the contractor’s preferred method for you to communicate issues that arise (phone/text/email, etc).
- Schedule a specific day/time to walk the job with contractor on a weekly or biweekly basis.
- Determine which bathroom the work crew will be using; and whether a port-o-potty will be available onsite?
- Determine where the work crew will prepare and eat their lunch. Are they allowed to use the kitchen, etc?
- Ask the contractor to give you deadlines for choosing all the various materials, so you don’t cause project delays.
- Get copies of insurance certificates, ask to be added to policy as ‘additional insured’ and make sure policy doesn’t expire during your project.
- Determine and agree on how to deal with change orders and extra costs.
- Ask whether they use their own crew or subcontractors.
- Ask what potential issue they might foresee in this kind of project.
- Convey whether any areas in your home/property are off-limits to workers (& post a sign).
- Convey the places that workers should & shouldn’t park. (is driveway off limits?)
- Discuss specific plans to dispose of construction waste. (trash cans, dumpster, etc)
- Review the contractors written warranty and ask whether it covers installed materials you purchased.
- Ask for a rough schedule of progress, so you can tell if the project is falling behind.
- Agree on a payment schedule that aligns with certain progress milestones.
- Make a list of all finish materials and determine whether homeowner or contractor will be paying for each item.
- Agree in advance how clean you expect the work-site to look at the end of each day.
- Discuss acceptable worker behavior. Ex: where can workers take their breaks; are they allowed to play music; is smoking permitted, etc.
- Determine whether contractor expects disruptions to utilities – electricity, water, gas.
- Verbalize to your contractor any specific expectations you have of them and their crew with regard to communication, behavior, interaction, timing, etc.
- Convey to your contractor any information they should know about your preferences regarding the look of the finished product.
- Ask the contractor what you can do to help the project move along smoothly, on schedule and on budget.
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
