6 PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE PRIOR TO A HOME RENOVATION
PROTECT YOURSELF
General contractor questions and your own preparation will save money and prevent future headaches.
1 / TAKE PHOTOS BEFORE IT’S COVERED UP
Take photos of trenches while they are open for sprinkler pipes, electricity, open walls, before drywall or dirt covers them up. It will save you time searching in the future.
2 / GET THE PROJECT SCOPE IN WRITING
Contractors will supply a contract. If you don't hire a professional, print the photo renderings and have them sign it that everything in the image is included or create your own contract.
3 / KEEP TRACK OF THE BALANCE
Keep track of every check written (duplicate checks come in handy). Have an excel sheet with the total amount due and do not pay the final balance until the job is 100% complete.
4 / ASK IF THERE’S A WARRANTY
Find out if there’s a warranty on your project. This will be important when things go wrong in the future and you should know who to call for the repair.
5 / VISIT THE PROJECT EVERY DAY
If you can visit the project every day, at the end of the day, do it. It is easier to catch a mistake and repair it early before they move onto the next step.
6 / NOTIFY PROBLEMS IMMEDIATELY
Though you may be fatigued toward the end of the project, voice problems even if small. Speaking up before the project is wrapped gives a better chance of it being repaired and you'll be happy in the end.
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