your home to essentially tear it apart and put it back
together again. In addition to checking your contrac-
tor’s references, licenses, and insurance information,
you want to ask about permits, inspections, how many
people to expect in your house, and how to get in touch
with him. See our list of key questions to ask a building
contractor .
HIRE SOMEONE
Once you’ve nailed down the design, have a complete
list of materials, and an estimate that works within your
budget, it’s time to make the hire. Double-check all the
details: timeline and details, payment plan, and what to
do if you have issues to resolve.
STEP 3: GET YOUR SPACE READY
Help your job get off to a good start by preparing the
space for your remodeling job. You don’t want workers
arriving bright and early Monday morning to fi nd the
kitchen cabinets they’re removing full of dishes. You
also don’t want your belongings damaged or covered
with dust and debris.
RENT A PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINER
At a time like this, all homeowners struggle to fi nd a
place to put all the stuff . If you need storage, consider
renting a portable container to protect your belongings
while keeping them close by. With the unit delivered
right to your driveway or yard, there’s no need to rent a
truck to haul everything across town. And, if you need
something mid-project, just go out to the container and
retrieve it any time you want.
MAKE LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
How will you live without your kitchen or bathroom?
Will you need to move out for a while? Is staying with
relatives a possibility? While your kitchen is torn apart,
you can make do with a microwave in the laundry room.
Th ere are ways to create a temporary living space within
your own home.
STEP 4: GET THE JOB DONE
You’ve hired your contractor and signed on the dotted
line. Now it’s time to begin the transformation from
old to new. When it comes to actually getting it done,
there are a few things that’ll help put wind in your sails.
BE AVAILABLE
Make sure your contractor and principal subs have your
contact information. Check the work regularly to halt
any mistakes or miscommunications before things get
too far.
BE PATIENT
Delays happen. It rains, for days on end. Trucks break
down, with your order inside. Employees get sick, even
those on your crew. When you expect delays to happen,
and have a good attitude when they do, it makes the job
more joyful for everyone.
MAKE A PUNCH LIST
When the job’s about done, if you see little things that
could be overlooked, make a list. Review the list with
your contractor to make sure they aren’t things he
thought you were going to handle. Th en, don’t make
that fi nal payment until everything is checked off .
CELEBRATE!
Once you move your belongings in from your portable
storage container, take photos of the job well done,
share them on social media, and post reviews for the
contractors. Invite a few friends over to celebrate. Relax
and enjoy!
Source: PODS.com
TAKE BEFORE PHOTOS
Major home remodels deserve documenting. Don’t
forget to take photos before you start the demolition
process.
Central Oregon Homes " PAGE 13
