Managing the remodeling
of your house is not an easy task. To design, build
and manage a home renovation project one needs to be
well informed about all the steps involved in
renovation and one needs a great deal of patience.
Most often homeowners will give a contract the
responsibility of managing and overseeing a home
remodeling project. The contractor will have a builder
who will subcontract the construction work and the
supply of materials and labor to others. Most often
owners trust the builder's judgment in selecting
subcontractors and buying materials.
But as the owner you should approve of the subcontractors and
review construction periodically and ask for independent
inspection after each sub-contract work like framing, plumbing
etc. is completed. But you will manage all the finances. Do not
make any payments until you are completely satisfied with the
quality of work that has been done.
Many homeowners act as contractors and hire subcontractors, buy
materials and oversee the entire remodeling project from start
to finish. As a contractor you need to have good knowledge about
construction work so that the workers do not take advantage of
you. If you decide to act as the contractor here are a few tips
you can follow:
Be fair but tough. Have a back up plan if things do not
work. Ensure that quality work is being done.
Behave like a builder, talk like a builder, socialize with
your subcontractors but let them know who is the boss.
You must keep records meticulously of purchase orders,
invoices, paid receipts and checks, worker's compensation
records etc. All this information should be easily accessible
in case o it is required at short notice.
Insure workers and workers who will be on the
construction site. This is the best way to protect you against
any freak accident on the site.
Provide the workers a good environment to
work. Provide the workers with a bathroom; provide them with
refreshments a few times a day etc. This will motivate them to
work better and they will be thankful.
Prepare for delays due to bad weather,
material shortage, labor disputes etc. A good manager should
be able to manage change in plans. It is best to have an
alternative plan. If a supplier fails to deliver material on
time then find another supplier. Use money incentives for
prompt delivery to ensure that it is repeated.
Prioritize the work that has to be done.
While renovating, some things need to be done before other
things. Be present when important things are being done like
the foundation is being laid.
Keep to your schedule as far as possible.
Delays will increase the cost of construction.
Allow some time gap between the work
schedules of two subcontractors so that inspections can be
conducted and the changes if any can be made.
Control finances efficiently as lack of money
can delay the project.
To design, build and manage a home renovation
project is not an easy task. One has to know how to manage a
home remodeling project; otherwise the entire exercise may only
make the project more expensive. Understand the above tips and
then decide whether you want to take on the responsibility.
