Ten Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Building/Remodeling Project

Remodeling can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t

have to be that way.

In order to make the process go as smoothly as possible, I can suggest the following ten do’s and don’ts for

your next remodeling project:

1.      Don’t do a remodel in hopes of saving a rocky marriage.

2.      Do your homework. 

3.      Hire “experience”-- Do not let someone learn how to do something on your job.

4.      Know who will be working on your project.

Make sure you know who will be working with you, before the agreement is signed, to see if you like them, trust them, and will be able to work with them.    

5.      Create a project “team”.

Hire architects, designers and contractors who can work together, and ask them for their recommendations for the project team.    

6.      Make decisions in a timely manner. 

7.      Don’t keep your budget a secret.

8.      Require samples and mockups to avoid surprises.

9.      Start with a fixed construction cost or budget and make sure you know the approximate cost of any changes before they are constructed.

10.  Get lien releases to ensure everyone is paid.

The tips that I have given you are based on lessons learned during my 30 year residential practice.  I hope that your remodel will go smoothly as a result of my sharing my experience with you.  Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.