Remodeling your home is a big undertaking, in every sense. It’s exciting and rewarding, but also expensive, time consuming, involves a lot of decisions, and can be cause a lot of stress for everyone involved. Working with a knowledgeable and experienced contractor will help minimize the tough stuff, but doing your research and being aware of the common obstacles will help you get through the project as smoothly as possible.
Here are the top 6 obstacles homeowners face when remodeling:
1. Not fully understanding the process
Different contractors have different processes and practices. It’s important that they take the time to explain these to you – from start to finish—so you know what to expect and are comfortable with how your project will progress. Having a clear understanding of the project from the beginning will prevent (most) unwanted surprises along the way.
2. The project cost is underestimated
Many homeowners tend to go with the contractor that gives them the cheapest estimate. Unfortunately, this usually leads to contractors being unable to finish the job because they do not have the funds required to do so. The homeowners are then left with a half completed remodel and end up spending even more to have the project finished by a different contractor, which sometimes requires starting over from scratch. A good contractor will provide you realistic cost allowances and a detailed budget worksheet to prevent the total cost from getting out of control.
Another contributor to projects ending up over budget is the inclusion of add-ons. Add-ons are parts of a job that were not in the initial Scope of Work or proposal – such as deciding you want to get new flooring or paint the entire room in addition to the work that was already being done. Add-ons do not have to be an issue, but you should keep in mind that they will influence the final cost and often the timeline of the project.
3. Procrastination by either party
As mentioned, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made during a home remodel – both by the contractor and by the homeowner. There are products and materials that need to be selected and ordered, subcontractors that need to be scheduled, and deadlines that need to be set. This emphasizes the need to have a clear understanding of the project schedule and the importance of discussing lead time for ordered items.
4. Project is delayed by backordered items or material
Speaking of lead time, the homeowner should be aware of the varying delivery time for different items and materials. High-end or specialty items, or even a very popular item, can sometimes take months to be delivered. This can play a big part in completing your remodel in the projected timeframe. Your contractor should be able to check those lead times upon discussing your selection, and either adjust the schedule accordingly or provide you with an alternate option.
5. The subcontractor didn’t show up
At Medford Remodeling, we have a select group of vendors and professionals we work closely with – many of them for several years. A contractor that has a good relationship with their subcontractors and is invested in their client’s project will usually prevent issues or miscommunications. Still, it’s probably a good idea to discuss ‘Plan B’ options for subcontractors should any problems arise.
6. Not Communicating
Most of the time, a lack of communication with your contractor is the root of cause of problems during a home remodel. If you have questions, ask. If you need confirmation or clarification, ask again. Odds are, if you thoroughly discuss the project and continue to communicate through completion, you will have a smoother experience all together.
While these are not the only problems homeowners face during a remodel, they are the most common mishaps that can be easily avoided! If you have any additional questions or would like more information about the home remodeling process, please contact us today!
Warm Regards,
The Medford Remodeling Team
