7 Tips to Work Effectively With Remodelers Any comprehensive home makeover experience can sometimes feel challenging and even frustrating, especially for homeowners who are going through it for the very first time. To reduce stress and misunderstanding, it’s important that you choose a team that you feel a connection with and one that values open and direct communication from the beginning. As with so many things in life, communication is key to a successful result and the same goes for home remodeling. Inevitably, there will be unexpected challenges or delays when remodeling a home and having a team you can rely on and communicate effectively with will make all of the difference. Read on for some tips for how to keep the lines of communication open with your remodeling team throughout the lifecycle of your project. How to effectively communicate with your home remodelers? Feeling confident and comfortable when it comes to speaking with your contractor is crucial, but there are some things to keep in mind that will help set everyone up for success. Keep these 7 tips in mind to prevent unnecessary miscommunications: 1. Be on the same page Being on the same page from the beginning when it comes to the scope of your project is the single most important thing. Make sure there is a written plan in place that outlines, in great detail, each and every aspect of the project and what is and is not included. “Assuming” is a recipe for disaster when it comes to remodeling. Get it in writing, go over it line by line with your remodeling team, and make sure everyone is clear on the plan from Day 1. 2. Pick a preferred method of communication and stick to it What makes you feel most comfortable? Are you going to communicate with your team in person, over the phone, via email or text messages? Sometimes, having written correspondence can serve as a confirmation of the overall progress. Whatever suits your team best, keep in mind that you should always have clarity about the timeline, progress and expected results. 3. Bring photos, sketches, and clippings. In order to clearly communicate your vision and what you would like to achieve in your design, it’s best to make a collection of photos, sketches, news or internet articles. Make sure that you show this to the designer at the very beginning of your planning phase. You can even make a mood board to help illustrate the vision you are trying to achieve. This will aid you in clarifying your ideas with the contractor/designer and assure you that you’re both on the same page. 4. Keep detailed notes. After each meeting with the contractor, designer or construction crew, make sure to keep written notes. As mentioned above, you can ask your project manager to send you an email recapping each meeting or at the end of the week as a report on progress made. You should keep a designated notebook or take notes on your device, to help you keep a record of important points and keep you on schedule. 5. Arrange check-ins in regular intervals From the start of your project, convey your expectation to your team that you expect to receive an update on the progress of the project every day (or whatever timeframe makes you comfortable). Designate in-person meeting days and check-in times. By doing this, you’ll be able to consult with the team directly and be more involved in each stage of the process. A professional company shouldn’t have anything to hide from you. You can also invite other household members with you so that everyone feels more involved in the process. 6. Stay flexible and realistic. The Number One reason for project delays? Homeowner changes to materials or plans. If you’re naturally adventurous and creative, it’s It’s understandable to want to make small adjustments or changes here and there once you begin a project, however, understand that those changes have an impact and don’t come for free. Keep in mind that there are limits when it comes to time, materials, supplies, and your budget. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas, but give serious thought to any changes once the project is underway. What may seem like a small tweak in the plan to you can result in weeks or re-working a plan, wait times for ordering new materials, and significant budget overruns with change orders. 7. Don’t hesitate to ask additional questions! Always keep in mind that as the homeowner, you are always within your rights to ask questions or request clarification on elements of the project you may not understand. However, you must trust that the professional team you’ve hired is skilled and fully capable of executing the plan and making decisions based on their expertise. Be involved, but don’t be overbearing, and always insist on having a respectful dialogue with your team. It will lead to a much smoother relationship and a successful project overall. Where can I hire experienced home renovators in San Diego, CA? Experiencing a streamlined home makeover experience requires hiring a detail-oriented and flexible team of experts that are attentive to your needs and requirements. Serving residents of San Diego and neighboring communities for over 30 years, here at Lars Remodeling & Design we’re accustomed to a variety of requests, home improvement, and renovation projects. Now that you have a clear vision about the future look of your residence, our designers and construction team can materialize it. Don’t hesitate to call us today and get your long-expected project on the way!
