15 Oct How to Work with a Contractor for a Successful Home Remodel
If you’re committed to starting and growing a home-based business, you need to make key changes to your home to accommodate it. Whether you need a dedicated workspace to focus on your work or storage space for inventory (or both), you might have a home remodeling project in your hands. Working with a professional contractor can be wise so you get the full benefit of skillful craftsmanship. As experts in residential and commercial remodeling, CMW General Contractors like to share some tips on how you can make this project a success.
Choose your contractor carefully.
Your choice of contractor really does matter for ease in your home remodeling project. It’s a must, therefore, to shop around. Start by getting recommendations from friends and loved ones. You can then compare portfolios from different contractors in your area. You’ll want to see available certifications and licenses, as well as check references. And while project price is a huge consideration, know that going for the lowest price doesn’t always mean a good deal.
Manage your expectations.
When you hire a contractor to remodel your home, know that you will be essentially relinquishing control of the project. There are actually some things that most contractors would like you to know but may not be able to tell you straight out. For instance, they will prefer to work with their own people. They may also prefer that you’re out of the house for safety reasons.
However, when you work from home, you may not be able to completely leave them to their own devices. It’s only wise, therefore, to observe some sort of etiquette. This means letting them do their work without being underfoot, while also checking in with them periodically and showing your appreciation. Keeping the lines of communication is important, too. In this regard, it may even be an upside that you’re working on the premises as you can easily and quickly make important decisions when needed.
Be prepared to make temporary arrangements.
If you have kids or pets at home, you may also need to make certain plans to ensure that your contractors are able to work unimpeded, as well as guarantee your family’s safety. If space permits, keep a room or area kid- and/or pet-friendly. Stock it up with toys and anything else to keep them safe and comfortable to shield them from all the activity.
Alternatively, you can also consider boarding your pets or temporarily letting the kids stay with grandma. This is especially important if your home remodeling project is a big one. Yes, remodeling with kids will be challenging, but it’s nothing that being flexible won’t fix.
In that same vein, you may also find that reno work will interrupt your own work. For this reason, you may want to consider other arrangements. Perhaps you can pack up your laptop and work in the library, a coffee shop, or a co-working space for a few days. Or, if it’s manageable, you can simply put on a pair of headphones and crank up your music to eliminate background noise.
Don’t neglect your business’ needs.
With a remodeling project in full swing, you may find yourself tempted to focus on the project. Doing so may distract you from running your business, so you need to keep your priorities in check. After all, you don’t want to end up neglecting your LLC paperwork or bookkeeping (for example). In short, trust that your contractors will do the job and do it well, so you can focus on the work that truly matters to you.
Ultimately, the success of your home remodeling project depends on your choice of contractor, as well as your flexibility and trust. And if you need help with your home and office construction in the Hill Country area, give CMW General Contractors a call today at 210-394-7792!