Homeowners will have questions, concerns, and requests during every remodeling project. To avoid project surprises, it's always best to ... Ask The Project Manager.
There are numerous things homeowners may do to maintain the seamless operation of a home renovation. Making timely product selections is the first step. Still, it's also essential to address any concerns or change requests, no matter how modest, to the remodeler or the remodeler's representative (often the lead carpenter or project manager).
Although requesting minor adjustments from employees may be alluring, doing so may lead to tension and miscommunication. For example, a homeowner might ask an electrician to shift a wall sconce's junction box a few inches to one side. Easy enough, huh? Perhaps the carpenter might need to ask the electrician to move a wall stud in the way or put a blocking at the new place.
The fact that the carpenter must charge the remodeler for the extra labor and materials is the issue, not the alteration per se. The homeowners can view this as an additional expense they weren't made aware of if the remodeler passes it forward to them.
Another example would be a homeowner who requests a change in the specifications for the kitchen tiling from the kitchen designer rather than the remodeler. The incorrect tile may arrive or arrive late and cause a delay if the remodeler doesn't typically order this item and the change isn't received in time.
Requesting changes in person with the remodeler guarantees that the homeowners are informed of the cost in advance, allowing them to assess the cost-benefit ratio. Saying "yes" will help them feel better about the final bill and prevent surprises.
It's obvious why modification orders should come from the top, but why can't the homeowner get information from the tradespeople? The reason for this is that these subcontractors may not be fully informed. Let's say the homeowner desires a different kind of showerhead but inquires amiably about the typical cost of that model from the plumber before contacting the remodeler. The plumber can provide a rough estimate without knowing all the other details, setting the homeowner up for disappointment. It is advisable to go through the remodeler, who will apply all markups and reductions after contacting the supplier or sending the homeowner to the plumbing showroom.
The idea is that laborers and subcontractors take their cues from the remodeler on well-managed projects. They want to be kind to the homeowners and give good service, but they also work for the remodeler and are obligated to abide by the remodeler's policies—most tradespeople prefer not to be asked many questions.
There are many moving pieces in a home remodeling project, and having one person in charge makes it easier to keep them all moving in the same direction. Utilizing your Project Manager as the principal contact is essential for this reason. Everyone will have a better experience if this is done.
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