It’s not every year that we do a home remodel, so it’s completely understandable if you’re a little clueless going into one. After all, it’s what the experts at Center Island Contracting are here for! As a design-build firm, we’re here to become your point of contact for all phases of the project; from design to obtaining permits and variances, and ultimately construction. Home remodels can be time consuming and expensive – overall a large investment in more ways than one.
To help better prepare you for the process of a Long Island remodel, below is a guide to ask your contractor before the remodel begins. Knowing what you’re getting into will help ease the stress and reassure you that you made the right decision going with Center Island Contracting.
Who will be on the jobsite each day?
Besides knowing who your point of contact is before starting the project, it’s also important to know who is expected to be at the house each day, whether your family has moved out for renovations or not. Who’s responsible for locking up, daily work on the job and who is supervising the work are all pertinent questions.
What’s the best way to communicate?
Establish this before you start your home remodel. Does your point of contact prefer phone calls, email, text messages, etc. for questions or check-ins about the project? In addition, will your general contractor be sending daily emails, or weekly recaps, etc.? Before starting, it’s best to get a good grasp on communication practices so no one is left in the dark.
What safety precautions are being taken?
It can make anyone feel uneasy to move out of their home and hand the keys over to a team of contractors. Before the remodel starts, discuss what safety precautions are being made in the event of a break-in or any similar situation. Job sites tend to be more vulnerable targets.
What’s the work schedule?
Depending on the timeline and scope of your remodel, the work schedule will be unique to your project. The work schedule might be daily, or a few days a week. Discuss this with your construction management team ahead of time.
How often can I check on the remodel progress?
Each homeowner is different, with different needs and expectations. If you’re someone who wants to visit the work site as much as possible, discuss a plan with your general contractor and create expectations on how often you can check in.
How will you separate the remodel work from the rest of the home to protect it?
When only one portion of the home is being remodeled, the other parts are left exposed to dust, debris, and other potentially damaging elements. Ask your contractor how your home is going to be protected.
What happens if there’s a change order?
When there’s a change order, your remodel project will inevitably be extended. Your contractor can explain how this will impact the timeline of your reconstruction project. Change orders can easily be accommodated and happen often in the remodeling process.
What is the project deadline?
This is likely one of the most important questions you will have for your contractor! Discussing the project deadline keeps everyone accountable and on the same page. When hiring Center Island Contracting, you can trust that your project will be finished to your specifications, on time and within budget.
From inception to design, construction management and final walk through, our design-build team at Center Island Contracting will give you the quality service that you can depend on. We take pride in the ability to treat every new home building or remodeling job as if the home belongs to a member of the team. For the very best service from qualified, reliable and experienced professionals for all your home building and construction management needs on the north shore of Long Island, you can trust Center Island Contracting. For more information about our home remodeling projects here on Long Island, in towns like Oyster Bay, Manhasset, Plainview, Jericho, etc., contact us!
