I know you are excited about the start of your upcoming project and so are we! Over the years, we have gathered the best practices to help make your renovation as simple as possible. We are always collecting feedback and asking how we can do it better. So feel free to share your thoughts! Clients are always asking what we can do to prepare for you guys so here they are:
Parking
It is best to decide before we come where you would like us to park. We will require a place to leave vehicles, trailers, or dumpsters for the duration of the job. It would be best to decide on what side of the driveway you would like us to put them for the duration of the project. During the day, we will have trades coming and going so they may need use of the driveway as well.
Staging area
This is a place to deliver all of the products and materials related to the job, typically an 8 x 10 space to work and store materials on site. For the duration of the job, we will keep materials and tools on site. Typically, the garage is a great space or some clients prefer to move out of their bedrooms or are happy with allowing us to use the hallway.
Keys/Access to job site
How will we be accessing the home? Will you be there everyday to let us in? Do you have a special code you will make for us while we are there? Will you leave a key with us while we are working there? Do we need a special buzzer code? Do we have to book the elevator in advance or is the superintendent easy going? These are all important things we need to think about and be prepared to do.
Pets
We love pets, respect them and will treat them as our own. How will we handle the pet situation at your home? Do you have a dog we need to worry about when we are bringing things in and out of the home? Or an indoor cat that may try to sneak out of the house? These are all things that are important to be prepared for when we will be at your home.
Prepare the home
How do you prepare the home for the renovation is a question we get asked all the time. Here are the best practices we recommend to be ready for our arrival. Remove any furniture or statues in the hallways leading to the bathroom, anything that can get in the way of removing construction debris or bringing in materials. Painting and pictures in hallways should be removed from the walls leading to the work area. Also, anything attached to the walls of the adjacent rooms where the work is being done should be removed, especially during demolition. We wouldn’t want to damage your favorite piece. In rare instances, we have had fixtures on the ceiling below break due to the work being done above. Seldom, but can happen.
Stairs
Hardwood stairs will be covered with whatever protection is safe for the installer. This can be ram boards or special drop sheets designed for hardwood. Caution, if the hardwood floors have a cheap varnish, it may be pulled off when removing the tape and leave a mark. We can’t be responsible for existing varnish or the removal from protecting the stairs.
Access to the attic
Typically, we will need to access your attic which may mean you will have to empty your closet; at least where the attic access hole is if we will be installing or updating pot lights or a ceiling fan. Also, if the work is being done in your master bathroom and you have valuable clothing, memorabilia, etc., it’s wise to remove it from the work area. During the course of the renovation, drywall dust can be found anywhere and everywhere.
Water shut off
We will need to access your water shutoff so it is important to locate it and make it accessible. I highly advise testing it as well before the renovation. Sometimes, it may not fully shutoff. If that is the case, tell us or call us right away so we can schedule to fix it before we get there so we don’t have any slowdowns during the renovation. This would be something that would be chargeable.
Electrical panel
Prepare to know where your electrical panel is located especially if we will be doing any electrical work or removing anything with existing electricity, such as a whirlpool or jacuzzi bathtub.
Keeping existing things
If you were hoping to keep existing fixtures or products, have them identified with a yellow post-it note and we will put it in a place where you would like us to. Or if you prefer, have them removed before we come. I have had customers want to bring things to their cottage, give it to Habitat for Humanity, or help out a neighbour on the street who has a similar home.
Demolition
We advise putting towels behind the doors to prevent any dust that may show up during the renovation. You may want to change your furnace filter after the demolition once the renovation is complete.
Cleaning
We will need a place to wash buckets, clean mixers, paddles, paint trays, paint brushes, etc.; a utility sink with water is a good place to do that. Typically, we will lay drop sheets from the door to the working bathroom. We vacuum and clean the site whenever necessary to keep a safe and clean home and working environment.
I hope you have found this helpful in help you prepare for your renovation. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to call. Also, we understand that not all circumstances are the same and we are flexible to suit almost everyone’s needs.
