Remodeling Services, Products & Stores

Typical Remodeling Steps

A whole-house remodeling is a big project, and most require similar steps. Read the following to see what you should expect.

Step 1: Design
- Decide if you are using an architect, a designer-builder, or other professional to translate your remodeling vision.
- Come up with a design that you love and that is within your budget.
- If you designed the space yourself, select a contractor with whom you have a solid working rapport. Finalize a budget and stick with it.

Step 2: Implement
- Meet with your contractor to review the design plan for feasibility and/or suggestions that may improve flow or conserve costs.
- Select materials and products for the project, especially those that are needed right away and those that require several weeks' lead time (such as cabinets).
- The contractor draws up a detailed construction schedule, applies for building permits, and rounds up construction crews.
- Meet your contractor's job-site supervisor or production manager and develop good communication. This person will be your key contact throughout the project.

Step 3: Confer
- Arrange a preconstruction conference at your house for you, the contractor and his or her job-site supervisor, the architect or designer, and any key subcontractors who will be working on your project -- in short, anyone who needs to be in the loop.
- Tour your house with the key players and go over exactly what needs to be done. Take notes and send follow-up memos if anything changes from the plans.
- Set the ground rules for your project between you, the contractor, and the job-site supervisor.
- Figure out a communications plan:
1) Decide who your primary contact person is (usually the job-site supervisor).
2) Place a contact notebook in a prominent location; review it each day for comments from the crew, and include your comments and questions as well.
3) Set up a weekly contact schedule between you, the contractor, and the job-site supervisor.

Better Homes and Gardens

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