Whether you are building a new home, or remodeling your existing home, it is undoubtedly one of the most stressful projects you can ever undertake. Some people do it once and vow ‘never again'. Other people seem perfectly happy to renovate house after house. So, what do they know about the process that you don't?
- For a start, they know what they are in for. They have a realistic idea of what is possible and what is not. And they know what can feasibly be lived through – and when it is time to move out.
- They know that building or renovating is a ‘process'. The more planning up-front the better, but there will always be changes and decisions to be made along the way.
- They know how important it is to be absolutely clear about timelines and establishing who does what, when.
- They know how important it is to keep neighbours on-side and informed.
- They establish ‘ground rules' for builders and tradespeople coming into their home to work.
For example...
- What are the work hours? Make it clear unless you want plumbers arriving at 7am when you're in the shower.
- What are the rules around smoking and loud music playing?
- How do you expect the site to be left each day? Who is responsible for cleaning up?
- Who is responsible for security? If exterior walls are being demolished, how will the house be kept secure and weather-tight?
Is the driveway to be kept clear?
- Where will rubbish be stacked? How will it be disposed of?
- When will power and water be off? When will kitchen appliances be removed? When is the hot water cylinder being ripped out?
It's not much fun arriving home at night to find that the house has suddenly become uninhabitable. Better to plan ahead to be away for the night, or a few nights when the worst is underway.
Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one there are some considerations that will make a big difference to how you feel about the process, before, during and afterwards.
Be budget-conscious, but don't be cheap.
Don't ever choose a builder purely on price. Do your homework. Check out their work. Talk to their previous clients. Talk to them about how they will approach the job. When you are happy that you have three different building companies that you could happily work with, only then should you get them to quote. Then you know that you are comparing apples with apples, and not apples with worms! Check out tips for: 'Selecting a builder or contractor'.
Inform yourself:
- Do you know how to read a blueprint? If not, find out. Don't ever sign off plans that you haven't fully understood.
- Ask dumb questions. Never pretend that you know more than you actually do. There are many building terms you will never have heard of. If your builder uses a term you don't understand, ask him to explain it in plain English.
- Most importantly, understand every aspect of the building contract. Remember that the building contract is written in favour of the building company, so have your solicitor check it over and suggest any changes. Think carefully about penalty clauses in residential contracts. If they are too hefty, you might inadvertently be encouraging your builder to cut corners.
- Consider a contract clause that facilitates independent arbitration should a dispute arise.
Staying Safe:
If you are living through a renovation, or simply going onto a building site to inspect work done, play it safe.
- Take care up ladders and on roofs. Don't go on to wet roofs. Don't over-stretch, it is always safer to move the ladder.
- Take extreme care with children on site - don't let kids play or wander about on building sites – especially where there are deep excavations or drops from heights. Think very carefully before even considering living through a renovation with a toddler!
- Don't take on any jobs yourself using power tools unless you are absolutely confident that you know what you are doing. Always use the correct safety gear – eye protection, ear muffs, and face masks.
Staying Sane:
- Decide up-front how much you want to be involved. What decisions do you want to make? What level of detail do you want to be informed of. Make sure your builder is aware of that.
- Think twice (or three times) about any work which you are undertaking yourself. Only undertake it if you a; have the skills, b; have the time c; are going to enjoy doing it and d; it is going to be cost effective.
- Be more organised than you have ever been in your life. Have a good filing system. Keep every document, quote, invoice or communication in an appropriate file.
- Log phone calls and take notes at meetings with your architect, builder and sub-contractors. Keep emails.
- Take photos of the work as it progresses. It is a particularly good idea to photograph plumbing and drainage before the walls or floors go in just in case of problems later.
- Deal with small problems or concerns before they get out of control. Keep the communication lines open at all times. If your builder or sub-contractors are not keeping you appropriately informed, let them know exactly what you expect. Set regular daily work in progress meetings. Ask the questions and make sure you get the answers you want. Be nosy!
More articles...
