● Start by educating yourself on what you like and dislike so you have an idea of what you want before you start the project.
● Interview several potential contractors and choose someone you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to be in your home for a few months.
● Consider hiring a design-build company that will work within your budget and explain what it will cost if you want to increase the scope of your project.
● Ask for references about their experience, especially with keeping a consistent schedule.
● Ask how much of the work will be done in-house and how much will be done by subcontractors. The more subcontractors you have, the higher the likelihood of schedule disruptions.
● Expect the unexpected. Once you open up your house, you’ll often find additional problems to address.
● Be ready to make a lot of decisions — both minor and major.
● You may be able to benefit from economies of scale if you opt to do several projects at once, and you’ll definitely avoid the hassle of multiple separate renovation projects.
● Keep your neighbors informed about what’s happening at your house.
● Plan ahead, communicate effectively, get excited.
