There are ways of reducing the stress that can come from opening your house to a series of workers. Remodeling should be done so it feels like a comfortable occupation during the day, rather than an invasion!
The character and behavior of each of the tradesmen working in your home, the relationship the general contractor has with them, and the way they are supervised, can be leveraged to leave you fairly comfortable. Strangers will be entering and spending time in your home, and there may be long periods where the tradespeople will be alone inside. Make sure the contractor knows the subcontractors well, and provides good supervision. Don't take for granted that your contractor will do so; discuss things in advance! I suggest you set the following set of rules with your Contractor, crew, and all subcontractors:
Care of Your Home and Courtesy
The work areas should be cleaned up each day, and living areas affected by the work cleaned daily, to a level that you and your contractor discuss in advance.
All workers will:
* Take measures to control the spread of dust inside the house caused by their work.
* Be respectful of all the home's occupants.
* Not use your possessions, including television, stereo, computer, and phones without your specific permission.
* Close outside doors behind themselves, and wipe their feet carefully or remove their shoes when entering.
* Never smoke inside the house (or yard unless you specifically allow it).
* Never drink alcohol or use illegal substances on your property.
* Work safely, and not engage in horseplay.
* Not use your home telephones unless you give specific permission to do so.
* Not blast music inside or outside.
* Not bring anyone into your house who is not an inspector, or delivery or tradesperson authorized to be there.
* Use only the bathroom which has been designated for their use at a pre-construction meeting.
* Never urinate outside on your property, or neighbors'.
* Conduct their work during the times of day arranged by you and your contractor prior to construction.
* Call in advance if they are gong to be (say) 10 minutes or more late for any meeting with you.
* If desired: always wear shirts and shoes while working at your house.
Communication
There can be difficulties having non-English speaking workers if you can't communicate readily and directly with them. I’ve met very hard working individuals over the years, but feel that the need for ready communication is central to the work going well, perhaps even more than skills in isolation, and potentially brings too many problems to take risks with. Even with fluent English speakers, if you feel that you cannot communicate reasonably with someone, they are not going to be a good choice to have working in or on your house. It is challenging but critical to keep communication open and flowing.
The character and behavior of each of the tradesmen working in your home, the relationship the general contractor has with them, and the way they are supervised, can be leveraged to leave you fairly comfortable. Strangers will be entering and spending time in your home, and there may be long periods where the tradespeople will be alone inside. Make sure the contractor knows the subcontractors well, and provides good supervision. Don't take for granted that your contractor will do so; discuss things in advance! I suggest you set the following set of rules with your Contractor, crew, and all subcontractors:
Care of Your Home and Courtesy
The work areas should be cleaned up each day, and living areas affected by the work cleaned daily, to a level that you and your contractor discuss in advance.
All workers will:
* Take measures to control the spread of dust inside the house caused by their work.
* Be respectful of all the home's occupants.
* Not use your possessions, including television, stereo, computer, and phones without your specific permission.
* Close outside doors behind themselves, and wipe their feet carefully or remove their shoes when entering.
* Never smoke inside the house (or yard unless you specifically allow it).
* Never drink alcohol or use illegal substances on your property.
* Work safely, and not engage in horseplay.
* Not use your home telephones unless you give specific permission to do so.
* Not blast music inside or outside.
* Not bring anyone into your house who is not an inspector, or delivery or tradesperson authorized to be there.
* Use only the bathroom which has been designated for their use at a pre-construction meeting.
* Never urinate outside on your property, or neighbors'.
* Conduct their work during the times of day arranged by you and your contractor prior to construction.
* Call in advance if they are gong to be (say) 10 minutes or more late for any meeting with you.
* If desired: always wear shirts and shoes while working at your house.
Communication
There can be difficulties having non-English speaking workers if you can't communicate readily and directly with them. I’ve met very hard working individuals over the years, but feel that the need for ready communication is central to the work going well, perhaps even more than skills in isolation, and potentially brings too many problems to take risks with. Even with fluent English speakers, if you feel that you cannot communicate reasonably with someone, they are not going to be a good choice to have working in or on your house. It is challenging but critical to keep communication open and flowing.
THE REMODELING PROCESS
QUALITY GUIDELINES
FOR VALUE WITHOUT CUTTING CORNERS
