The home is the gathering place for family and friends – especially during the holiday season. In this economy, more people are choosing to stay in their home and seek out ways to improve upon what they have. Here are five steps that every homeowner should consider before they choose a building professional to begin their home renovations.
1. Research your project. Thorough research will help you to discover a realistic sense of what is involved, such as price, scope of work, return on investment, and new product/material options.
2. Set your budget. Deciding on a realistic budget and arranging your finances to support the project is essential. Don’t be afraid to share this with your builder; professionals are respectful of a client’s budget and will create a plan around it, not over it.
3. Ask questions. Time and cost are important, but getting the right information requires the right questions. Ask your builder about their educational background, training, certifications, and check out their references. Discuss the remodeling process and ask for a defined time line.
4. Keep design in mind. Your design guides the entire project. Think about what lifestyle challenges are created with your current space and consider the solutions offered with the design of the new space. Communicate clearly and in detail why you chose the design when talking to your builder/designer.
5. Create a communication plan. Your builder should lay out a communication plan at the beginning of the project. If not, ask them to do so. This plan should clarify roles and expectations of all parties involved. It should include a point of contact, the best method of communication and expected frequency of communication with the point person and others involved.
If you are a home building professional, be sure to share these valuable tips with your team and customers. This knowledge will better serve the building industry, the homeowner and highlight the reputable building professional from the pack.
