Plan Ahead for Home Renovation
Negotiating the planning/permitting process and actually
starting construction comfortably within the same building season is tough to
pull off. Homeowners being ill-prepared and unaware frequently leads to poor
timing that results in high costs in job quality, higher project costs and
mental health. The answer? Start now!
Home Renovation Plans
The bottom line is easy -- avoid the rush when you can. January
is the most popular time of the year for new projects, so everyone's time is at
a premium. What many consumers don't understand is the sheer multitude of
decisions required for just getting a project "permit-ready," much less the time
it takes for getting construction underway.
Developing a custom floor plan is just the start. Working with a professional
designer is usually a real eye-opener for most consumers, once the full variety
of decisions to make and all the options available become apparent. Choosing
architectural materials, specific appliances, electrical and plumbing fixtures,
cabinetry, fireplaces, windows and skylights, etc. is a time-consuming decision
and shopping process.
A huge advantage to planning ahead is that your research can
easily become part of your regular (or holiday) shopping routine, making dual
use of your time. You'll have time to weigh your choices, find great sales,
discuss your project with friends and relatives, call or actually visit the
names on that reference list furnished by your designer or contractor you're
considering using, all without the time push. You may as well enjoy the process
-- you'll be living with the results of your choices for many years.
Planning a Home Renovation Project
If the project bids have come in over your projected budget, a whole new series
of decisions begins. Do you cut back on the project, requiring new or re-drawn
plans? Can you bring the project into line with material changes? Can the
project be done in phases? Which contractor do you hire? Have you looked at his
work? Is he still using the same sub contractors? If not, is the quality of his
current subs satisfactory?
Even anticipating the normal three-to-six months (or more) does not always allow
for the unexpected. An accident or illness to any of the involved parties can
slow or stop the process temporarily. Allowing plenty of time for planning to
permitting can make the difference between a fun enjoyable project and a massive
headache.
Early planning allows for finding sales and bargains. Being ready at the
beginning of the building season takes best advantage of supply and demand, when
it comes to contractor selection and selective bidding.
After You Have Permits and Bids
So how are you paying for this? A loan? How long will the lender take to review
the plan and make a decision? Did you plan for the loan officer's two-week
vacation? Remember Murphy's Law! Oh, by the way, the contractor you really
wanted has accepted another job and cannot get to you for two months. Do you
have time to wait?
You get the picture. You should have contacted your designer last month. These
questions and many can arise before and during the renovation process. Do your
best to stay ahead of all things that surround a project before it ever begins.
If you are looking for a renovation contractor in Maryland, Virginia or the Washington, D.C. area, please call us today at 301-440-0086 or complete our online request form. |  | Our Services  Get some around the house tips from our monthly newsletter.
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