Managing a remodeling project has the potential to be more stressful than the planning stage. It is during this phase that you learn diplomacy, tact, and patience. Your sanity is usually stretched to its limit and you almost always ask, "Why did I get myself into this?" Let me not scare you but share some tips on managing your project and stretching your remodeling dollar.Working With An Architect
* Managing a remodeling project has the potential to be more stressful than the planning stage. Your sanity is usually stretched to its limit and you almost always ask, Why did I get myself into this?Make every effort to convey your needs and vision for your home in as much detail as possible. This of course does not negate the responsibility to listen and appreciate his or her ideas.
* Discuss fees candidly and remember that an architect is a trained professional who is offering his time and expertise, and therefore should be compensated fairly and most of all promptly. Whatever time frame is given for the completion of your project, be realistic and budget extra time for situations, which always crop up.
* An architect will always prepare a rough draft, which you should review with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that the space, layout and traffic pattern allows you and your family to live your peculiar lifestyle. Do not be afraid to discuss and request the changes that will enhance the livability of your home.
* It is extremely important that you and your architect agree on a construction budget. If the question of "cutting back" comes up, consider this option seriously because the changes may jeopardize the integrity of the home’s design.
* Go through your architect when making changes during the construction process. Consulting with your architect first could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars in the long run.
* Because of the stressful nature of building and remodeling, it is important to keep the lines of communication open to avoid any misunderstanding, not to mention cost overruns.
Working With A Contractor
* Your project will run smoothly if you prepare a contract and review it with your contractor. Everyone should agree on the work that has to be done and the time frame within which it should be completed. Expect delays for any number of reasons, some of which may be quite valid.
* To avoid confusion, select one other person in your family to act as your spokes-person in your absence and pass that information on to your construction team.
* An essential consideration is letting workers know whether or not they can use your telephone and your bathroom.
* If you want to remain on good terms with your neighbors, advise workers to maintain as low a noise level as possible and instruct them where to park their vehicles.
* If your project is extensive, be adamant about creating and maintaining a work-free zone so that you can shut out the mess and madness and live relatively comfortably.
* Insist that workers put away tools and materials in the designated area. They should be responsible for cleaning up the site every evening before they leave. Assign a special area for accumulating debris, which should then be carted away at regular intervals so that your yard does not begin to resemble a dump.
Financing Your Project
Financing your remodeling project is one of the more critical issues you will face. If you can pay for your project from your savings, you will avoid finance charges. However, a substantial renovation project usually requires that the homeowner borrow money from a lending institution.
* Credit cards or other credit terms. Work charged to your card or paid to an installation company in monthly payments stretches out the cost. But watch out for high interest, which can build a big price into a small addition.
* Personal loans. If a small project can be undertaken for a relatively small sum, you may get a reasonably low-interest loan through a credit union or other small lending agency.
* Insurance loans. Some insurance policies allow you to take out loans against the policy’s paid- up value.
Another strategy is to start stockpiling material months or years before work begins. You may not be able to afford a whole bath-full of fixtures today, but just a tub and the vanity next month. You will have time to search out shops, and factory closeout sales. This will spread out investment and allow you to track down the best deal on each item you buy.
If you follow these guidelines you can expect to manage and complete your remodeling project with your sanity intact. read too [selecting a interior designer]