Organization in a house torn apart is not an easy task – but it is a necessary one.
If you plan to remain in your home during a remodel, you’ll save on relocation costs but you’ll also have to put up with the noise, dust and constant interruptions. Should you decide to stay-in-place, here’s a tip from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) on how to keep the project organized and minimize the stress on you and your family.
Before you start, set aside one corner in a room unaffected by the turbulence of the remodeling process to store all of your files. While you have already created your Dream Book or Idea Book for design ideas, this is only one aspect of the project you need to keep organized. You will be receiving various documents and pieces of information during the project. Keep all these documents together in a project file.
Here are examples of items you will want to hold on to during your remodel:
- Construction specifications
- Your contract
- Construction schedule
- Pre-construction agreement
- Change orders
- Cost estimates
- Your budget
- Lien releases
- Construction documents, drawings and plans
- A reduced copy of your plans to take with you when shopping for materials, products or appliances
- Correspondence between you and your contractor
- Other correspondence or agreements with third party participants
- Construction journal – a log detailing how the project is progressing
- Your idea book
- Paint chips, manufacturer samples, etc.
- A list of questions to ask your contractor
- Notes and reminders to yourself
Whether you choose to remain in your home during a remodel or decide to temporarily relocate, advance planning, organization and budgeting are critical to the success of your project and will make it easier for you to cope during the remodel.
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