How To Overcome Common Renovation Delays With The Best Residential Contractor
Hiring the best residential and getting your project on course could be an overwhelming and perhaps a daunting task. Even after settling on a reasonable budget, getting the funding, and perhaps procuring the materials, your project could still take longer than you expected.
In a nutshell, if you have the money needed to fund the project and hire a contractor, you might feel like the challenge is gone. But, this kind of thought could mislead you into serious remodeling inconveniences and costly processes.
When planning, think about the delays that would come due to building approval, discoveries and alterations during the project, and much more. So, do you need not plan appropriately since you’ll still likely end up in delays? Probably, not!
Smart planning and preparations, plus realistic expectations, go a long way in ensuring your project runs as expected with little or no delays.
Below are some of the typical renovation delays and how to go about them:
- Building requirements & approval
All apartment owners must seek approval for their home renovation before starting the project. Therefore, this could mean that your timeline will be out of control for weeks. Besides that, the authorities may also require that you assemble all the materials you’ll be using on your project and the qualifications and certifications that show their competence.
All these processes are time-consuming and could consume some days to complete. Additionally, the approval staff may also take a couple of days to review the tour project. If the approvals are dependent on monthly reviews, then you could wait a little bit longer.
Your local construction code may also apply depending on the state you live in. For instance, every state agency has different building and construction codes that your renovation team should follow to ensure safety.
Pro-tip takeaway: Plan your project and seek renovation approval before you can schedule your renovation.
- Lead times & dependacies
Picking your materials is motivating, especially if you had unique materials custom designed only for your home. If you had your materials shipped from overseas countries, fabrication and shipping could take a significant lead time. Therefore, it won’t be a surprise to wait for about 12 to 15 weeks before your materials are available for pickup.
Even with smart planning, you’ll want the materials installed before you can finish the project. For instance, let’s take kitchen countertops as an example. Although the templating countertop is always made without room for error, you can not set up the cabinet bases until the piece arrives.
Therefore, your renovation can get off the expected time as you wait for the manufacturer to measure the slab and send you the details before fabricating it to your unique designs. While the wait could be worth it, it’s maddening to see your project stick at the final stages with nothing going on as you wait for an item.
Pro-tip takeaway: If you’re using materials shipped from abroad, track lead times, and prepare a backup if something goes wrong, you can find a way out to get your project done.
- Discoveries in the course of renovation
Typically, a contractor should carry out a probe before beginning the actual renovation exercise. While probing could sound fantastic, it can be another door open for extra renovation costs. For instance, a renovation contractor may accept to launch a probe into your structure even before formally having a signed contract.
But guess what? The contractor won’t patch up the open spots for free—you have to pay for the patching up. With that in mind, your renovation cost could quickly go out of your budget estimates. Ideally, that could be the main reason behind many homeowners rejecting the pre-contract probe.
Before allowing your residential contractor to look for possible structural, plumbing, or electrical problems, ask them about the worst-case scenario, considering the building’s history and age. Also, ask the contractor the implication of the possible issues to your house. Doing so can help you avoid some unnecessary costs.
Pro-tip takeaway: Discuss all the possible costs with your residential contractor and have all the needed funds before kick-off to enjoy peace of mind during the project. This ensures that nothing gets you by surprise.
- Permits and inspections
It’s no secret that permits can affect project progress. Even though the delay may not be apparent, an aspect of inspection could be perplexing. When you’re scheduling a renovation project, it’s imperative to find out and understand all the requirements needed to get a permit for your project. Also, find out what’s needed for a first-time home renovation.
In most cases, there’s always an ongoing inspection at certain stages of your renovation project. For instance, a renovation project that moves plumbing lines may need inspection before the pipes are covered up.
Pro-tip takeaway: Talk to your contractor about inspections and permits to prepare for things that may look like a surprise delay. This will help you develop realistic expectations.
- Site Downtime
Site downtime may not sound like a delay on your project. But having to go without a bathroom or a kitchen for the time there’s no activity going on your site could feel like torture. While site downtime could be normal and more apparent, your contractor should develop a schedule that maximizes your project’s progress.
Most common causes of site downtime include building rules, availability of materials, logistical work sequencing, health issues on an individual crew, and natural pauses to give the materials time to cure.
Pro-tip takeaway: Well-established residential contractors can manage downtimes effectively, while a small team will have to get a bit creative to manage site downtimes.
Read Also: What Permits Can A General Contractor Pull?
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At Smart Remodeling LLC, we have all that it takes to offer you secure and seamless services within the agreed time and cost. Our experts are well-versed with industry trends, procedures, and legal requirements to provide you with the quickest home remodeling services.
Contact us today for excellent renovation service.