5 PREPARATIONS FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY

1. Plan for contractors to have entry to access your home.

When construction begins contractors will need access to your home to be able to come and go during the week between working hours. Let your contractors know how you wish to handle this; any keys, codes, etc. Then let all family members know.

2. Plan on what to do with your pets.

Please keep your pets somewhere safe during construction. The contractors may need to keep an external door open or have a mechanical device on that could be dangerous if a pet wanders near it; they will be focused on working and not able to keep track of loose pets. If there isn’t an area in your home to keep them safely away from construction, especially during certain phases – it may be a perfect time to treat your pet to a vacation at the kennel or a play date at a friend’s home.

3. Plan to eat out often if this is a kitchen remodel.

Make a list of all those restaurants you’ve been meaning to try. When the microwave gets old, your list will come in handy for a quick escape! During the remodeling, make it fun for kids by telling them you are picnicking. Use paper plates & napkins as well as disposable silverware.

4. For a bathroom remodel, pack as if you were going on a trip.

You will want to have access to your toiletries, curling iron and hair dryer. Set up your ‘temporary’ bathroom before construction begins and you will have everything you need each day!

5. For a kitchen remodel select your temporary kitchen area outside of the area where the remodeling is being done.

It’s great if you have space to temporarily move everything you need….except the kitchen sink! Be sure to consider where your “water source” will be in relation to your temporary kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to move to the temporary area:

  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Freezer – stocked with microwavable meals!
  • Coffee Maker -with filters and coffee close at hand!
  • Utility utensils: can, bottle, wine opener, sharp knives, and microwavables
  • Toaster
  • Basics like butter, salt & pepper, favorite spices
  • Dining area/table
  • Cleaning supplies and dishtowels
  • Disposable plates, cups, and silverware
*If you are changing out your appliances and want your current appliances to be placed in a specific area let your contractor know before construction begins.

5 PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR HOME

1. Remove furniture and personal items from the room(s) prior to construction.

If you are getting rid of furniture, make plans for the pieces to be picked up before construction begins. Take down wall décor, all tabletop and personal accent pieces. Your contractors are not responsible for personal belongings left in the rooms they are working in.

2. Pack up the kitchen, bath or master suite before the remodel.

Everything needs to be removed from cabinets. Try not to wait until the last minute. It’s a great time to “spring clean” your shelves. Label the storage boxes well to make unpacking easier. Items that are fragile should be marked accordingly and stored in an area away from the construction.

3. Remodeling is a dusty job.

Although contractors make every effort to control dust, there will be some dust in your home. Protect sensitive items from dust. If you have a fish tank or electrical equipment in close proximity to the work, remember to keep them well-covered! We suggest that you do a detailed clean thru including vents, immediately following the end of the project.

4. Examine adjoining rooms that have common wall areas and adjacent to the project area.

Vibrations can damage hanging pictures and other items. Remove any items that might be damaged and keep them out of the area until the job is completed. Remember that main hallways will be need to kept clear because contractors will need to pass through to get to the room(s) being remodeled. And they may need to carry heavy large items like cabinetry, counter tops, and making lots of demo trips.

5. Construction vehicles need access close to your home.

Allow the project workers to park as close as possible to the construction area. If you are concerned about access to your garage review it with the contractors.