You’re ready to remodel your home, the budget is set, the design is perfect so it’s time to get started. This is the point where many people’s excitement turns to frustration because they don’t know how to successfully communicate with their builder. Poor communication can lead to delays, disappointment and unexpected expenses. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here’s how to successfully communicate with your home remodelling builder to make sure your renovation project is as stress-free as possible:
- Establish budget and costs up-front
First, you need to be clear about your budget so that your contractor knows exactly what you’ve got to spend, as this will dictate the choice of materials.
Ask about any hidden costs that may not have been disclosed(e.g.inspection fees, certification costs, etc).
- Make it legal
Ensure your renovations company puts your agreement into writing so that there is no confusion later. It needs to include:
– Your budgetary limits.
– The provision of all building, plumbing and electrical certificates.
– That no changes to the plans can be made without your approval.
– A timeline must be provided for each stage of the project.
– Your access to the site.
– Penalties for failure to complete the work on time.
A contract offers protection for both you and your contractor, and if there is an unwillingness to sign on their part, this is a red flag.
- Daily communication
If you’re on-site all day, every day, your contractor won’t be able to work effectively. Instead, visit after the team has left at the end of each day to examine the work. Make a note of any problems you see and suggestions you may have. It’s also essential for your contractor to be able to speak to you regularly to discuss important matters, so schedule regular times to chat that work for both of you.
If you have any questions for your contractor, it is best to contact them before work starts. If you need to visit the site to address a particular problem, try to do it earlier in the day. The relationship will quickly sour if you’re spending the whole day on site micro-managing. You’ve taken the time to find the best contractor, and it’s important to let them do their job.
- Handover
At last, the work has been completed. What was a dusty building site has been transformed into the extension you envisioned. Before your contractor heads off to the next job, be sure to have a proper handover. This is the time to point out anything that you’re not 100% happy with, because once your contractor’s gone, it may be hard to get them back to fix small issues. Again, a handover is for the protection of both parties, so don’t miss this critical step.
By the time your home re-modelling project is complete, you and your builder should be able to part on good terms. Open and transparent communication on all matters from the start will ensure a successful renovation, so it’s worth the consistent effort. Contact Duncan Thompson Extensions today to take the first step in building your dream home.
