Start with the problem, not the product
Most remodels start with a picture. The projects that go smoothly start with a sentence: what is wrong with the room today. Write that down first, because it is the thing your contractor is actually solving.
If two people live in the house, do this separately and compare. Disagreements found on paper are free. Disagreements found mid-demolition are not.
Sort your list into three buckets
Scope creep is rarely one big decision — it is twenty small ones. Sorting the list up front keeps the conversation honest when choices have to be made.
- Must have — the project is not worth doing without it
- Would like — worth doing if the plan allows
- Someday — deliberately out of scope for this project
Decide the decisions
Selections hold up more projects than labor does. Before work starts, know who is choosing finishes, who has final say, and how quickly you can answer a question from the field.
- Finishes and fixtures — chosen, or a deadline to choose
- Who approves changes, and how you want to be asked
- How you prefer to be contacted during the workday
- Which rooms must stay usable while work happens
Get the site ready
A clear work area protects your belongings and keeps the crew moving. Pack and move what matters to you rather than leaving it to be worked around.
- Clear the work area and adjacent walkways
- Move valuables, art and anything fragile out of the zone
- Plan for pets and parking on work days
- Flag anything you don't want touched, in writing
Questions to ask before you commit
Ask these of anyone you consider, including us. Specific answers are a good sign; vague answers tell you something too.
- What exactly is included in the written estimate, and what is not?
- How are changes handled once work is underway?
- Who is on site day to day, and who do I call with a question?
- How is the site protected and cleaned each day?
- What is expected of me before work starts?