Linda Fortune Claudette Roby

• Come up with a design you love and that is within your budget.
• Decide whether to use an architect, a design builder, or other professional to translate your design.
• Select a contractor with whom you have a good rapport and trust.
• Finalize a budget and stick with it.

Implement

• Meet with your contractor to review the design and it can be done within your budget.
• Make a list of materials needed. Purchase starting materials. Depending on the length of the remodeling, you may want to go ahead and order materials that take several weeks to be delivered.
• Apply for building permits while your contractor draws up a detailed construction schedule and hires the construction crew.

Consult

• Arrange a preconstruction meeting at your home with your contractor,  job-site supervisor, architect/designer, and anyone else who will be working on your project.
• Give them a tour of your home and go over exactly what needs to be done.  Take notes and send memos if anything changes from the original plans.
• Set the ground rules between you, the contractor and the job-site supervisor.
• Create a communications plan:
  - Decide who will be your primary contact person.
  - Keep a notebook in a location where it's easy for the crew and yourself to write comments and questions.  Review the comments/questions each day.
  - Schedule weekly contact between you, the contractor and job-site supervisor.

Set-up

• Move all personal belongings out of the work area.
• You may want to set up a mini kitchen in another part of the house.
• Place a trash bin, and if needed, a portable toilet and construction fencing in or near the area.
• Make room for large materials such as rafters and drywall.

Demolish

• Use plastic sheeting to seal the remodeling area from the rest of the house.
• The wrecking crew will demolish the area.
• Check the plastic sheeting frequently to be sure it is airtight so dust and debri doesn't escape.

Rebuild

• The crew prepares the foundation; frames the walls, floors, and roof; and installs the windows.
• The plumbing is roughed in; electric, phone, and cable lines are run; and conduits for HVAC systems are installed.
• Insulation is applied between studs and rafters; drywall is installed and taped on walls and ceiling, then mudded, sanded, and primed; and underlayment on floors is installed.
• The house is roofed and sided
• The crew finishes wall and ceiling surfaces; installs cabinets, counters and window trim; and they hook up appliances and light fixtures.
• Top layer of flooring is installed; and plumbing and electrical systems are finalized.

Follow Through

• Tour the remodeled area with your contractor, making a list of any details that need to be finished and any mistakes that need to be corrected.
• Complete a final inspection with your contractor - check off the items from your preliminary walk-through list.
• Go over instructions for the equiment/appliances and discuss warranties.
• After a few months, make sure all systems work properly, watch for drywall cracks or nail pops. Call your contractor for any follow-up repairs. Good contractors will check back periodically to make sure everything is right.