With high-tech software, PDAs and communication devices on the market today, it is simple to stay on schedule during a remodeling project.
It takes a commitment, however, by the contractor and the homeowner to make that a reality. All the technology in the world will not complete the project unless the schedule is managed by both parties.
The schedule has to be put in the writing—keeping it in the remodeler’s head is not enough. Ask your contractor for a copy of the schedule before work begins and make sure you understand it.
Most professional remodelers will be glad to demonstrate their expertise and the thought they invest in the synchronized flow of work to finish your project. By looking at the overall schedule on a week-to-week basis (as opposed to a day-to-day basis) before work begins, one can trouble shoot bottlenecks and conflicts that may occur.
As the project progresses, the schedule should be reviewed and adjusted during the week. Again the goal is to accomplish certain tasks by the end of each week. Remember, not withstanding an error made in the original schedule, there are still many things the remodeler cannot control. The remodeler does this every day- you don’t. Raise your expectations and let your remodeler surprise you with a project schedule and completion date before work begins.
Michael Strong is vice president of Brothers Strong Inc. and the 2003 Remodeler of the Year. This article was provided by a member of Greater Houston Builder’s Association Remodelors Council. For more information, contact the greater Houston Builders Association, c/o Remodelors Council, 9511 W. Sam Houston Parkway N., Houston, TX 77064; www.ghba.org/remodelers.asp; or 281-970-8970. The GHBA Remodelors Council meets every second Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Hess Club.
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