People are upgrading their homes as they spend more time there during the pandemic. However, it’s easy to let projects drag on much longer than they should, which adds stress and increases expenses. Here’s how homeowners can stick to renovation timelines and enjoy their new additions quicker.
Over the past few months, people have spent more time at home than ever before. COVID-19 has given people the chance to redesign their houses, which means renovations are on the uptick. However, the pandemic has also introduced some issues specific to the construction industry that require certain tricks to help clients stay on track.
1. Hire a Reputable Contractor
Many people have used quarantine as an opportunity to remodel their homes, so reputable, well-reviewed contractors are in high demand. It may be a while before homeowners can hire the contractor they want. However, they should consider that quality matters — and an effort to speed up the process will likely come back to bite them.
Because home renovations have been on the rise, fraudulent “professionals” are out in full force to capitalize on the market. This situation means people have to be careful when they choose a contractor for their project. All contenders for the job should have:
- Credentials
- Reviews
- Experience
- References
It’s much better to wait to hire a top-notch contractor. Otherwise, homeowners may experience problems that prolong the process. Try to be patient so the project takes the correct path from the start. There’s no need to rush, especially when substantial renovations are on the table.
2. Develop a Thought-Out Plan
Every home renovation should begin with a complete and comprehensive plan. This framework lets homeowners stay within their budgets, especially when they set aside an extra 10%-20% to account for surprise expenses. This part can take added time at the start — but preparation helps save energy and resources in the long run.
Alongside the project’s details, homeowners should work out a timeline. Keep in mind that schedules aren’t set in stone. Hurdles like weather conditions and material delays can surface at any point — but with an agenda, clients can keep most processes streamlined despite interruptions.
Additionally, homeowners and contractors should maintain transparency so the construction process happens as efficiently as possible. All potential obstacles should be on everyone’s radar. People can then work together to find the best solution.
3. Consider Alternative Materials
Due to COVID-19, shipments don’t always come on time. Homeowners must remember that possibility during remodels. When materials or equipment don’t arrive on time, contractors will likely have to pause the project until they show up.
That said, homeowners may want to consider alternatives that may be more readily available. For example, aluminum can be a cost-effective option over steel or another metal, while bamboo could be a better choice for flooring. Explore various materials to avoid potential delays in the project’s timeline.
4. Take Safety and Health Precautions
Remember that safety and health concerns may arise, especially when COVID-19 remains a threat. To keep contractors protected in the home renovation process, clients should take precautions to ensure the remodel happens smoothly. Here are a few steps to consider:
- Make sure workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Set up temporary plastic walls to keep other spaces clean.
- Open windows so air can move in and out.
- Offer hand-washing and sanitizing items to workers.
- Ask for negative COVID tests from contractors throughout the construction process.
- Have a plan in place should someone catch the virus.
Communication makes a difference. Be sure to talk about all expectations about COVID-19 with contractors so health-related concerns aren’t an issue. Further, standard construction safety measures should remain a priority. These discussions will ensure everyone’s well-being takes precedence from start to finish, even when sudden issues arise.
5. Be Ready to Compromise
Flexibility matters, too. It’s important to realize that homeowners’ expectations may not play out as they envisioned them originally. This point doesn’t mean they should lower their standards, but they need to be flexible. COVID-19 can throw curveballs into the mix.
Remember that emotional responses can lead to unfavorable situations. When homeowners let their feelings cloud their judgment, they make decisions that negatively affect the process. It opens the door for contractors to act in bad faith and take advantage of them, as well.
Instead, homeowners should put business first — and they must be flexible, too. COVID-19 can be a challenge to navigate, especially in the construction space, but people can achieve their home renovation goals when they approach the scenario accordingly. Let the process flow.
Consider These Points for a Timely Home Renovation
Anyone who wants to pursue a home renovation amid COVID-19 should think about the steps needed to keep the project on track. It’s already tough to navigate home remodels without a pandemic to disrupt the process. Therefore, homeowners need to take the correct actions before, during and after the remodel to ensure everything goes to plan.
– This is a guest post not written by the webistes’ owner