PREPARING FOR CONSTRUCTION
The transition from design to construction is an exciting time, but there are many things to keep in mind to ensure that it goes smoothly.
SIGN THE CONTRACT: Make sure that you and your contractor are in accordance regarding contract requirements, including: payments, deposits, holdbacks, insurance, and timeline.
BUDGETING: Track all project costs in advance, including contractor payments, contingency, owner-supplied items, professional services, and any remaining regulatory fees. Also, consider indirect expenses, like construction insurance, temporary accommodations, moving, storage, landscaping, window treatments, furniture, security and audio/visual systems. As the project progresses, remember to account for the 10% holdback due to the contractor at the end of the project or agreed-upon phase.
HOME INSURANCE: Your contractor’s insurance should cover their liability, but it won’t protect against other damages. Since most standard home insurance policies are void during renovations, make sure to get temporary coverage that will cover the house during construction.
TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATIONS: It’s generally best not to live in a home during renovations, and in many cases, it may not even be feasible. Since construction timelines can be unpredictable, it’s a good idea to arrange for flexible temporary accommodations if possible. Additionally, plan for the project to take at least one month longer than the contractor's estimate.
PACKING-UP: For major renovations, it's best to remove everything from the house. Storing items on-site is risky, even in areas without work. If you want to salvage specific fixtures or elements for reinstallation, clearly mark them and inform the contractor. Otherwise, anything left on site or not specifically noted on the construction documents is likely to be discarded.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES INSPECTION: Before demolition, and possibly while you're still living in the home, your contractor should arrange a hazardous substances inspection. This will identify materials like asbestos or lead paint that require special removal protocols. These inspections are conducted safely and with minimal impact to your home.
KICK-OFF MEETING: After you have moved out and before demolition begins, we will schedule a meeting with you and the contractor to review a few key items, including: the physical limits of construction activity on site, plants to be moved or protected, and finishes and fixtures that should be salvaged or protected.
REGULAR MEETING TIME: At the kick-off meeting, we will also establish a regular meeting time going forward. For couples, at least one person should plan to be present at these meetings. Typically, they will be bi-weekly, though they may be skipped or held weekly if needed. Since tradespeople often attend, meetings should take place during standard construction hours (9 AM – 4:30 PM), and they usually last 1 to 2 hours, depending on the agenda.
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH-RUNNING PROJECT: Read all correspondence, including field reports (meeting minutes). Respond as promptly as possible to emails and phone calls. Be nimble. Be decisive.
