Phase Two: The Plan
Congratulations, you’ve chosen a contractor. You’re probably ready for him or her to get started on your remodeling project yesterday. Not so fast. There is still a lot of work to be done before the first sledge hammer can go through your wall.
Any good remodeling result is the product of a strong, comprehensive plan (design and specifications). Your contractor has got to know what they are doing before they do it!
During the planning phase of a remodeling project you sit down with your contractor’s design team and tell him or her exactly what you want. It is your designer/contractor’s responsibility to guide you through this process and be upfront and honest about how each concept will affect the cost of the project and if there are additional considerations that may not be obvious to you.
Together, you and your contractor/designer will develop plans for the remodel. You’ll pick out color schemes, flooring, cabinetry, countertops and other necessary materials.
As with any important project, I urge you to take your time and make considered decisions. Your contractor is a great resource. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions or run different scenarios by him. Your designer/contractor wants to give you a great result and make you a happy customer, so it is in his best interest to answer all your questions and be a trusted guide throughout the planning phase.
Planning for a remodeling project can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It all depends on the size and scope of the project, the availability of yourself and the designer to meet and plan, and how quickly you can make decisions related to your project. Don’t rush this phase. You’ve been saving up a long for this remodeling project. Planning the right way will save you a lot of time, money, mistakes and frustration during the project and will help your contractor deliver the results you want.