Home Renovation Advice: Organize and Supervise

Poorly planned home renovations can be stressful and lead to emotions running high. Do your homework, prep the house, and properly supervise the crews. If you can’t be around for much of the work, consider hiring a personal assistant to handle overseeing the entire renovation, or any part of the process.  If you’re in the middle of a nightmare renovation, call us today and we’ll come to the rescue! Here are some useful tips if you choose to DIY or hire help:

SELECT THE RIGHT VENDORS: Hiring the right professionals is key. Think architect, electrician, plumber, carpenter, roofer, designer, landscaper, etc. Ask around for a reputable general contractor or coordinate the different crews yourself.  After more than a decade in business, Potomac Concierge relies on certain trusted vendors, who are pre-screened for great work and fair prices.

DO YOUR RESEARCH:  Read up on your options, then ask the right questions of your general contractor, or other vendors, and ensure you’re getting the best price. If you’re changing the roof, know the pros and cons of asphalt shingles versus slate.  Kitchen floor styles are ever changing. Scan customer reviews and research expert opinions online.

PACK UP:  Box items in affected areas, set up a temporary kitchen, and find storage space—offsite or somewhere in your home. If you’re staying put, it’s a good idea to create a sealed-off construction-free zone so you have a place to escape the dust and chaos.  You may also want to pack up clothing and bedding outside of the remodel area to keep them clean and dust-free.

MINIMIZE DIRT: Cover ducts with plastic. If possible, turn off the AC and heating systems during the day to keep dust and fumes from circulating through the house.  Insist the crew conduct daily cleanups.

PROTECT HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: Safeguard your furniture, breakables, treasures against damage or dust. Pack up /cover up.

SHOP AHEAD OF TIME: The list can be long.  Anticipate what your crews will need each day so you don’t cause delays.  Have you picked up the fabric swatches yet for the decorator?  Will the bathroom faucets you ordered online arrive on time?

OVERSEE WORK:  Be on call to wrestle with any unforeseen problems.  Homeowners get into trouble when they can’t physically be there.  If something doesn’t look right, address the problem as soon as possible. The further along in the process it is, the more expensive it will be to make adjustments or come up with new solutions.

TAKE A VACATION:  At a minimum, timing a vacation to coincide with demolition is something to consider.  Potomac Concierge can do the supervising, and you avoid the inconvenience of construction noise, dust, and chaos.

GET POST-RENO HELP: By the time construction is over, you just want your life back. If you’re short on time, Potomac Concierge will unpack everything, organize your new space, and arrange for cleaners or any other post-renovation assistance you need.

There’s no need to procrastinate any more on that much-needed home renovation. Call Potomac Concierge and we will guide you through the process and help ensure your new space is perfect.