Reality of a Remodeling Project: Questions you should ask

By Leslie S. King, CGR, President of Greymark Construction Company

A remodeling project will require your attention as well as your money.   Remodeling involves much planning.  Generally, the better informed you are, the smoother your project will flow. 

Your remodeling contractor should be prepared to coordinate all the details of your project.  Unforeseen problems may occur to cause cost overruns and time delays.  When looking for the right person to manage your project, ask your friends who have remodeled, how their contractor handled the details and the challenges which arose during the work.  Was the contractor attentive during all phases of the job?  Did she maintain good contact with the client and was she effective in the execution of quality work? When problems arose, did the contractor communicate with the client how she would resolve the problems which occurred?  Was the resolution timely?

Once you have selected your contractor, it is time to do some investigative work on the materials you are selecting for installation.

The homeowner should ask questions regarding many of the finish items such as plumbing fixtures, tile, paint, and countertops that are being considered for her project.  Consideration should be given to the durability of materials as well as the location of their proposed installation.  For example, marble is a difficult material to use in a kitchen since it tends to stain very easily.   Ask your contractor or the product sales rep how a product will hold up under continuous use.  Ask the expert if the product that is being considered can be used in your specific application.  Ask friends who have used specific materials being considered for your project if they have been satisfied with their selections and why.

Some materials are more difficult to manipulate.  It is impossible to install three-quarter inch glass mosaic tiles sheets so that every sheet lines up exactly.    The finish look is beautiful but the tile rows are not as straight as a row of 4” x 4” or larger tile. If you want an exact installation, then tiny mosaic tiles may not be the correct material for you to use.

The general contractor has a wealth of knowledge but good communication with the client makes the project go a lot smoother.  In remodeling, no two projects are the same and how the finishes hold up will change from project to project.  Even though your contractor has many years of experience new products are constantly coming on the market. Do not be afraid to ask too many questions.  Have regular meetings with your Contractor to discuss your progress, and to map out your change orders and the cost of the “work in progress” alterations.  Consider giving your contractor a list of questions in advance of your regular meeting. Armed with knowledge and given a good system of communication with a responsive and attentive contractor, your project should go more smoothly and quickly.  Time is money!