We all dream of the perfect home renovation project-one where everything goes just the way we envisioned it! An excellent contractor is hired who is reliable, does quality work, cleans up on a daily basis, stays within or under budget, starts and finishes the project on schedule, and most importantly communicates with you-without you having to beg for answers. This CAN happen but in the real world of home renovations unexpected things are more common than we realize.
Researching and selecting the best possible contractor to do your project goes a long way toward avoiding problems that may develop during a renovation project. You may still find yourself dealing with issues that you could not have envisioned happening. If an issue does develop and you have a "gut" feeling that a disagreement with your contractor is forthcoming, start documenting everything on a timeline for future reference, if needed.
Here are some typical issues that may arise and what to do about them:
Issue: Your contractor starts late and/or leaves very early each day
What to do: It can be very frustrating when your home renovation drags on for no reason. If your contract specifies start and stop times point these out to the contractor. If there are no specific start and stop times noted in the contract or these times need to be adjusted, work out another schedule with the contractor in writing-you both need to sign off on this change.
Issue: Your contractor fails to clean the work area at the end of the day
What to do: If your home is left a mess at the end of each workday it is an accident waiting to happen. Often times this is something that the homeowner assumes will happen. If your contract doesn't include provisions for daily cleaning, discuss the issue with your contractor. Once again, get it in writing that this will get done.
Issue: Work crews are using and leaving your bathroom messy
What to do: Work crews need bathrooms. Talk to your contractor. Consider having a portable toilet installed outside on your property for the crew to use. This is another issue that can be addressed in the contract before the work starts.
Issue: Your project is costing more than you planned on and agreed to
What to do: Good contractors will see this problem developing and approach you. This issue can be avoided by scheduling a weekly meeting to discuss progress and other concerns. Any changes by either party need to be in writing and signed by both.
Issue: Your contractor starts charging you for changes that YOU have requested
What to do: This is only fair. Plan your project well to avoid expensive and time-consuming changes. This should be addressed with a change order form.
Issue: You start changing some of the materials that YOU originally asked for
What to do: Any change in materials constitutes a change order, which can dramatically increase the cost of your project and cause delays. Discuss your options with your contractor as soon as possible.
Issue: Your contractors' workmanship does not meet your standards
What to do: Discuss this problem immediately with your contractor. Point out visible problems and insist they be fixed BEFORE the project continues. If poor quality work continues you may have the right to withhold further payments or take even consider legal action. Is homeowner quality control noted in your contract?
Issue: Your contractor stops showing up to do your project
What to do: Immediately contact your contractor! ALWAYS get a contractor's home telephone, cell phone, and pager number BEFORE you sign a contract. If you have an email address send one to your contractor and make a hard copy also. You may have grounds to take legal action if the situation continues.
Issue: Your contractor threatens to place a lien on your property
What to do: Unresolved liens can cause problems for the homeowner. This situation normally begins if the contractor feels like he has been taken advantage of by the homeowner. Avoid this from happening by including a lien release in your contract, and communicate with your contractor on a daily basis.
Monitoring Your Home Project
Short and Sweet...do not ever feel that you are being a pest if something doesn't seem right to you. It's your home and YOU are the boss! Monitoring your project is all about communication and good contractors will listen. Be sure you express your concerns directly with the project manager or company owner...it is a waste of time to vent to the workers. If something doesn't seem right or makes you uncomfortable discuss the situation immediately with your contractor...there may be a reason for it!
Paul Lawrence has owned and operated Home Project Partners, a free Maine-44Cbased contractor referral service, since 2002. He helps bring homeowners together with reliable, quality-conscious, pre-screened home contractors skilled in numerous trades.
For more information contact Paul at info@HomeProjectPartners.com or visit online at http://www.HomeProjectPartners.com
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