Can your etiquette as a homeowner really impact your home remodeling project?
We’ve talked about the characteristics to look for when searching for and selecting the best general contractor in San Antonio for your next home renovation project in a previous article.
We’ve also written about some major red flags to watch out for when choosing a general contractor to help you avoid the headaches and pitfalls that could come with working with contractors that are incompetent or unprofessional.
The success of your project, a high-quality end result you love, and your comfort during the renovation process relies heavily on your relationship with the general contractor handling your project. We know that one part of such a relationship is the general contractor; now we’ll discuss the other—you, the client.
How can you, as the client, positively influence the project’s outcome and guarantee the end result you desire?
Renovations can be an exciting time for a homeowner as the idea of your dream home starts to become “real”. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of pieces coming together and your wishlist being checked off. It’s also even easier to get caught up in the stress of the renovation when maybe the result isn’t looking as clear, or the project isn’t moving as fast as you would like.
As we’ve already mentioned, a smooth renovation experience isn’t just the responsibility of the general contractor, but yours as well.
A smooth renovation experience will require clear communication, realistic expectations, trust, respect, and a good understanding of home renovation etiquette.
To create a positive, productive environment during a home renovation, homeowners should:
1. Set clear expectations about the home renovation project from the start
Aside from agreeing upon the details in the scope of work, which a knowledgeable and reputable general contractor will establish for you, as the homeowner, you want to ensure you set clear goals and timelines for the project. Be sure that these goals and expectations are discussed with the general contractor in detail and in advance.
Discuss deadlines, budget parameters, important milestones, and any additional expectations you may have. Be transparent and straightforward and remember that there’s no such thing as “too much” information. Most importantly, it’s crucial that you feel comfortable discussing any concerns or asking for clarification from your general contractor as transparent communication by both parties is critical in establishing a fruitful working relationship and, of course, to the success of your project.
On the flip side, ensure that you have a clear understanding of your general contractor’s expectations— What are their work hours? When and how will they access your home? How do they want you to share any concerns? How will you communicate changes to the project? What is their typical response time? What other important things do they need from you to keep the project moving forward?
Further, ensure your expectations for both the timeline and process for the renovation project are fair and realistic. Even the best and most professional general contractors will run into challenges during renovation projects; it’s their expertise and knowledge that will minimize the impact of these challenges. Trust in your general contractor!
2. Be patient and flexible
Home renovations, especially larger or more detailed projects like home additions or kitchen renovations, can sometimes take longer than originally anticipated due to unforeseen issues. Professional general contractors, like GTex, will factor the possibility of encountering such challenges when establishing a timeline, but can never predict what will actually happen. Not only is having realistic timeline expectations important as we just discussed, leaving time, budget, and bandwidth for tackling challenges during your renovation is just as important.
Don’t let minor issues like delays in materials, or even significant ones like the discovery of structural issues derail your project altogether or hurt your relationship with your general contractor. Maintaining open communication and grace towards your general contractor will help get you both through. (Don’t take it out on your GC— we have feelings too!)
3. Limit Interruptions
To help your general contractor stay focused on your project, ensuring the outcome you can be proud of, eliminate or reduce household distractions. This includes keeping your pets and family members away from work areas and keeping work zones clear, which can prevent safety hazards as well.
Questions are always welcome but ensure you and your general contractor have established and are respectful of one another’s boundaries. No matter how experienced a general contractor may be, interruptions can severely impact the project and potentially your relationship.
Instead, respect the contractor’s expertise (which is why you hired them in the first place) and trust that they’ll do good work. That doesn’t mean don’t speak up if you notice something that doesn’t align with your vision, but communicate feedback constructively, at the right time, and in a respectful way.
Conclusion
Home renovations are a partnership between a client and general contractor and can be a very rewarding experience when approached with the right mindset. Setting clear expectations from the start, being flexible and patient, maintaining open communication, providing constructive feedback, and limiting interruptions can ensure a great outcome for your home renovation and can be the start of a wonderful, long-lasting, and mutually beneficial relationship.
Ready to get started on your home renovation project with GTex General Contracting? We would love to work with you! Call us at (210) 902-1027 or complete the form below to schedule your free estimate today!
Serving San Antonio, TX, Schertz, TX and surrounding areas!
