Have you ever wondered how remodeling contractors keep their projects running smoothly and deliver a final design that meets expectations? The answer is relatively simple: they incorporate checks and balances along the way. This ensures you, as the client, and the remodeling contractor are on the same page and things are progressing as they should.
Learn more about the checks and balances of working with a remodeling contractor below.
Project Planning
Planning is essential to a well-executed remodeling project. A detailed project planning process offers plenty of checks and balances, keeping the project on point and guaranteeing a good outcome.
During the project planning stage, the remodeling contractor will:
- Help you identify your project goals, including your “needs and wants”
- Create a realistic budget for the remodel based on your unique goals
- Help you envision the final design with project renderings
- Provide a detailed design proposal outlining the project scope
- Recap contractor and homeowner responsibilities
- Discuss how we’ll communicate throughout the remodel
- Determine a remodeling timeline
Learn about Excel Builders’ process here.
Remodeling Permits
Your home remodeling project may require permits, depending on its scope. This is especially true in remodels with extensive structural changes and additions to the home. In most cases, the remodeling contractor handles all the permitting. They’ll typically add the cost to the remodeling contract and obtain the necessary permits themselves. If you’re not sure what’s needed, be sure to ask the contractor to explain what permits are required and who will obtain them.
While renovation permits can take time to acquire, the peace of mind and protection they offer are 100% worth it. They require the remodel to be inspected at various stages, confirming things are up to code and installed correctly. Remodeling with a permit also protects — and can even boost — your home value.
Selections
Choosing design elements such as flooring, countertops, and cabinetry is one of the most exciting parts of any remodeling project. That said, it can also be pretty overwhelming. Design-build companies like Excel Builders and some home remodeling contractors offer interior design services, which can make the process easier.
If design services are built into the contract, the remodeling contractor will include allowances in their design proposal. These allowances are estimated costs for various selections, giving you and the designer a baseline when choosing finishes.
As you begin the selections process, you can count on the interior designer to offer design guidance. They’ll also collaborate with the remodeling contractor to confirm measurements and how much material or product to order.
Completed Design
The final checks and balances start before the project is completed. As the remodeling contractor gets ready to finish the remodel, they’ll put together a “punch list.” This list includes details that need to be done so the remodel is completed on time and on budget, such as:
- Painting touch-ups on walls
- Confirming appliances and other items are installed correctly and working properly
- Scheduling final building inspections and obtaining certificates
- Disposing of trash and materials from the demo phase
- Dusting and cleaning the remodeled space
After the items on the punch list are knocked out, you’ll do a final walk-through with the contractor. This gives you a chance to ask questions or point out anything that was overlooked before signing off on the remodel.
What If Something Goes Wrong During the Remodel?
Sometimes delays and unexpected problems occur without warning — that’s just the nature of remodeling. Although a remodeling contractor can’t control every single aspect, they’ll do their best to address problems as quickly as possible.
At Excel Builders, our primary goal is for you to love your newly remodeled home. We believe good communication is essential to preventing and dealing with home remodeling mistakes. That’s why we strive to be as open and transparent as possible throughout the project.
You can count on our team to reach out as soon as we become aware of any problems, and we encourage our clients to do the same. Whether you want to change the design or are unhappy with our workmanship, we’ll do what it takes to resolve the problem quickly and efficiently.
Greater Chanhassen’s Leading Remodeling Contractor
Ready to start planning your remodel? Call the Excel Builders team at (612) 306-4064 or email trent@excelbuildersmn.com. We proudly serve Minnesota homeowners throughout Greater Chanhassen and the Twin Cities West Metro, including Minneapolis, Plymouth, Edina, Carver, Chaska, Excelsior, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Shorewood, and the surrounding area.