6 Home Remodeling ‘Precautions’ You Should Actually Avoid (and How a Design Build Firm can Help!)

 
 

6 Home Remodeling ‘Precautions’ You Should Actually Avoid (and How a Design-Build Firm can Help!)
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A lot is involved when it comes to remodeling your home, especially if you want a finished renovation that is quality and to code. It’s important to do your research and fully prepare before jumping in! Unfortunately, there is a lot of false information out there about what you should do prior to your remodel. Here are 6 home remodeling ‘precautions’ you may be intending for good that could actually cause big problems throughout your project:
 
 

6 Home Remodeling ‘Precautions’ You Should Actually Avoid (and How a Design-Build Firm can Help!)
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1. Not planning out the entire project from the beginning. Planning your project is a huge factor as to whether or not it will be smooth and successful. You might feel like you’re getting ahead of yourself by making all of your decisions upfront, but doing so prevents issues and delays throughout production. The sooner decisions are made, the sooner materials can be ordered and schedules can be created. There are a lot of parts and pieces involved, and things like backordered products or unavailable professionals can cause a lot of stress and wasted time – all of which can be avoided if proper planning takes place.
 
 
How a design build firm can help: The benefit of working with a design build firm instead of just a general contractor is that all of the planning is done for you, at the beginning of the project. At Medford Remodeling, we start planning from the initial consultation, and ensure that the client is aware and involved in every step of the process.
 
 

6 Home Remodeling ‘Precautions’ You Should Actually Avoid (and How a Design-Build Firm can Help!)
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2. Buying the materials yourself. We have had clients in the past that chose to purchase their own products and materials for their remodel. This might sound like a good idea; you might think you are saving money by digging up the best deals. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Items ordered from discounted websites tend to show up damaged, of poor quality, or in low supply. This can cause big problems if the items have to be sent back or exchanged, which can lead to delays and added expense.
 
 
How a design build firm can help: A professional design build firm will place orders, manage shipping and delivery, and ensure the materials arrive at the jobsite safely. Our team at Medford Remodeling not only includes an experienced interior designer that will help you select the right materials, but we also have a trusted group of vendors and suppliers that we work with on a regular basis. You can be sure the products and materials you choose will be of great quality and handled with care from the time they are ordered through installation.
 
 

6 Home Remodeling ‘Precautions’ You Should Actually Avoid (and How a Design-Build Firm can Help!)
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3. First focusing on the contractor instead of the project. Without a doubt, choosing a great contractor is the most important decision you will make regarding your remodel. However, it’s a mistake to focus all of your attention on choosing a contractor before you have a clear idea of what you want in your renovation. You need to specify exactly what you want and then look for the contractor who best understands your project. Taking this step first will make for an easier process and the best outcome.
 
 
How a design build firm can help: A primary goal of a design build firm is to simplify the project and streamline the process before construction starts. If you know what you want, we can help solidify all of the details by creating a thorough scope of work document. This document breaks down every piece of the project – from electrical, to plumbing, to carpentry – and also specifies what is not included, so none of the details are overlooked.
 
 

6 Home Remodeling ‘Precautions’ You Should Actually Avoid (and How a Design-Build Firm can Help!)
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4. Choosing the contractor with the cheapest estimate. A low estimate for a big renovation may seem like a great way to free up some money to utilize elsewhere, but keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! It’s never a good idea to hire a contractor just because they offer an affordable price. Remodeling is expensive and if you get an estimate that is significantly lower than the industry standard, odds are, they will run out of money half way through the project and leave you with an incomplete renovation. Hiring someone else to come in and complete what was started usually results in additional work and fees (not to mention the headaches and wasted time that come along with it!) It’s far worth the extra money to get your project done right the first time.
 
 
How a design build firm can help: Although a design build firm might be more expensive than subbing out the project and managing it yourself, a professional company can guarantee a great, quality outcome that you will be proud of.
 
 


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5. Micro-managing your project to make sure things are done “correctly.” Many homeowners take great pride in their home, especially if they have lived there for several years. Sometimes, it is hard to let others take control of something that you feel personally connected to. When it comes to remodeling, however, it’s best to let the pros do their jobs. Like any trade, construction expertise is acquired over time, with many years of experience and onsite training. If you’re constantly questioning your contractor and looking for things done incorrectly, you’re only going to get in the way of production.
 
 
How a design build firm can help: Design build firms usually have project managers in place to make sure every aspect of your project is done correctly and to code. Medford Remodeling has an experienced project manager at the jobsite each day. Part of their responsibility is to follow-up with the homeowner via email every evening – letting them know what was completed that day, if they are on schedule, and if any issues arose. The consistent contact keeps everyone in the loop and involved.
 
 

6 Home Remodeling ‘Precautions’ You Should Actually Avoid (and How a Design-Build Firm can Help!)
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6. Expecting your renovation to be just like your neighbor’s renovation. If you have a neighbor or friend that had the same type of remodeling project done on their home, it’s easy to create false expectations for your own remodel. Every home is different. Even homes with the same floor plans might have different underlying issues that require attention. As such, every remodeling project is unique. So don’t expect your home remodel, no matter how similar, to be the same cost, process, or timeline as your neighbor’s.
 
 
How a design build firm can help: At Medford Remodeling, we understand that each client and each project is different. If you want your project to be just like your friend’s or neighbor’s, we will do our best to create a similar design while incorporating custom features to make your project uniquely your own. In creating the custom design, we provide clear communication, visual renderings, and a detailed scope of work document, leaving no room for confusion.
 
 

6 Home Remodeling ‘Precautions’ You Should Actually Avoid (and How a Design-Build Firm can Help!)

 
 
If you’re planning on completing a home remodel, we hope you’ll do yourself a favor and avoid these 6 ‘precautions’ that could actually cause big problems throughout your project. The best way to prevent a remodeling mishap is to work with a qualified design-build firm that can guide you through the whole process, from start to finish. If you’d like more information about the process, or are interested in getting started with your home renovation, contact Medford Remodeling today!

 

 

Warm Regards,
 
The Medford Remodeling Team
 
 

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