ConstructionDeal.com Update

Everyone gets excited when they know a remodeling company is coming over to renovate a kitchen, a bathroom, or a basement. They've talked with their contractor and all the materials have been picked out and are on the way. They know that it's only a matter of time before their new granite countertop or whirlpool bathtub is in place and ready for use.

The problem is – you've got wait for the whole "construction process" to be over. I wanted to give you a few tips to make sure that process goes as smoothly as possible. These are all the tiny details you've got to take care of before any remodeling workers arrive at your house. It's the stuff that most homeowners forget about, but it can make for a really smooth transition from unfinished basement to being a construction site. It might even save the remodeling company some time and you some money (in costly delays.)

Prepare Your Home

- Pack up all the nick-knacks, small items, tools, decorations, and books that can get in the way of home remodeling. And I don't mean the things in the room being worked on. The remodeling process can create a lot of dust that will spread throughout the house. If you store these items, they can remain dust free – which means less work for you.

- Along those lines, cover larger items like bookcases and furniture, with plastic or cloth sheets to protect from drywall or demolition dust. You'll want to spend time in your new kitchen not vacuuming the layers of dust embedded in your living room sofa.

- If it's a kitchen renovation, try to create another kitchen in a different room. Move your refrigerator to this room. Set up a work table and a space for your microwave. Your bathroom sink may have to double as a kitchen sink; make room for only the most necessary items. Clear dry goods out of your kitchen cabinets well in advance if those cabinets are to be removed.

- You could be without running water for a significant period of time. Or they may need to turn off the water supply at the worst possible time for you. Store up as much water as you have space for in the weeks before work will begin.

Prepare for the Construction Site

- Many companies and subcontractors will be trying to find your house for the first time. Make sure there is large, visible signage with your street name and number on it for all those deliveries.

- Some contractors do not arrange for portable toilets. If it's up to you, call in advance to make sure they will be delivered, on time, and call several days leading up to construction to ensure their prompt arrive (two days before work begins will give you the best cushion.) Talk with your contractor about this.

- Clearly mark spots around your house – with signs – where you won’t mind workers to travel and deliveries to be dropped off. Keep in mind that construction materials have become quite expensive and you want to make sure things are not stolen during the night.

- If you obtained your own permits, make sure they are handy or are even displayed on the wall in an area that is (and will be) accessible.

- If the contractor is not arranging this, make sure your construction dumpsters are there and ready to be filled during the demolition process (which is usually the first thing to happen on any remodeling job.) If they're not there, it can cause a delay or you'll have to pay workers to remove the debris to one spot and then to pick it up from that spot and put it in the dumpster when it arrives.

Talk with the contractor, in depth, before the project begins, so that you know what is expected of you (click here to find a local pro.) Once you're both on the same page, you can sit back and relax knowing that your new bathroom or kitchen is on its way!