Regardless of who is managing the project, it’s important that you do your part to help the job go smoothly This may include preparing your house for when the workers arrive, checking deliveries, getting permits and calling for inspections, staying in contact with contractors and keeping track of all the receipts and legal documents. Making payments is certainly among your responsibilities, although you’ll want to make sure everything is in order before pulling out your chequebook.
Project Management
If you’re managing the project yourself, subcontractors and labourers will expect you to act as your own general contractor. This typically means that you’ll need to be available, either in person or by phone, to answer questions and make decisions on the spot. You’ll also need to keep track of delivery dates for materials, make phone calls, run occasional errands and keep track of all the paperwork. You’ll also need to provide a way for workers to access
the house when you aren’t home. One solution is a lockbox – a security-coded box that contains a house key and can be hung on the doorknob. Remind your contractors to lock the house and return the key to the lockbox when they’re done. Many homeowners find it helpful to take time off from their jobs while a remodelling project is under way. Another option is to work an earlier or later shift so you can be home while the contractors are working.
Preparation
- As the starting day for your project draws near, make sure you’ve taken care of the following details:
- Check over all your contracts once more, and make sure they’ve all been signed.
- Call all your subcontractors to confirm their starting dates and make sure their insurance is up to date. While you’re on the phone, ask if there’s any preparation you can do to make sure their work goes smoothly
- Confirm that your homeowner’s insurance is up to date and that you’re covered for any loss due to fire or accidents while the work is underway
- Make sure your financing is in place and that the funds will be available when you need to pay your sub-contractors and suppliers.
- Make sure your alternate kitchen area is ready to use while the remodelling project is under way.
Have a Dust Plan
- A “dust plan” is a dust containment strategy that should be included in every contractor’s bid. A well-designed dust plan will tell you:
- What systems and barriers will be used, when they will be installed, and who is responsible for maintaining them.
- How the work will be handled to minimize dust. Look for phrases such as “all cutting with circular saws will take place outside whenever possible” and “dry- wall sanders will be hooked directly to vacuums.”
- Who is responsible for any damage caused by dust, like scratched floor finishes or soiled carpeting.
- What cleaning service will be used, how long they will work, what their fee will be and who will pay it.
