Coping with a remodeling project

A few tips to help you cope with the natural disruption of your home:

Prepare for inconvenience. If your kitchen area is involved in the project, we will help you prepare a temporary food preparation area by moving your refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven to another room. Arrange a clean-up station in the laundry or spare bathroom. An outdoor grill, even in winter months, is a lifesaver, as is the trusty crock pot.

Designate a safe haven. Set aside a room in your home where you can escape from the commotion.

Guard against dust. Lakewood Companies will reduce the impact of dust and dirt by sealing off doorways and stairs; use floor protections; create temporary walls with sheet plastic with zippered doors. By removing as many valuables as possible, the risk of damage from dust is reduced.

Maintain a sense of humor. As with all things, this too shall pass. Try to focus on what your new home will be like when the project is complete.

Consider a vacation. This would be a good time to schedule a get-a-way.

Enjoy the adventure. Tell your children you are "camping in." Celebrate completion phases with photos, creating an album of each step of the process.

What to expect during your remodeling project

 A successful remodeling project depends on mutual trust and respect. You need to count on our technical expertise and ability to complete the job as promised. We, in turn, count on you to carefully prepare for and understand the remodeling process.

Having your home remodeled is uniquely different from having a new home constructed. Both have their challenges, but with a remodel, you are living in a worksite. You will need to adjust your daily routines to make way for the construction that will transform your home into what you've always wanted it to be.

Communication

Consistent and open communication is critical to a positive experience. You will be introduced to your Lead Carpenter (project manager) who is responsible for daily decisions, safety and any after-hours emergencies.

A communication board will be established in your home to be used by you and your Lead Carpenter for messages.

Speak up! If you are uncertain about any aspect, bring it to your Lead Carpenter's attention.

Timing

The time necessary to complete a project is dependent on the scope of the work and uncontrollable factors such as weather. To help keep your project on schedule, keep these points in mind:

• Permits are time consuming, so remember to build the permit process into your expectations. The permit gives Lakewood Companies legal permission to proceed.

• We will give you start and completion dates for each phase of your project.

• Many products you select can take weeks to deliver. To avoid construction delays, a selection sheet with deadlines is prepared for you. Selections must be made for each deadline.

• Any changes you make after the construction phase begins will result in changes in the schedule and the budget. Change orders will include prices, full descriptions and authorization in writing before work begins.

Site Preparation

In our pre-construction meeting we discuss the following details:

• Jobsite signage. Our company sign on your property helps subcontractors and suppliers locate your home.

• Jobsite access. Determine and agree upon a pathway for workers, construction equipment and vehicles to use in order to avoid damaging landscape or structures.

• Work and storage areas. Your privacy is important to us. Determine which areas are off-limits. Remember we may need access to electrical panels, water shut-off valves, and other areas not being remodeled.

• Personal belongings, furniture. Who will responsible for removing your belongings and returning them to the newly remodeled space?

• Security. Will someone always be home to answer door, or shall your Lead Carpenter be given a key? Is there an alarm system?

• Safety. Children and pets must be prevented from entering the work area. Some phases of your project may also require you to avoid the work area. While we will do everything possible to maintain a safe worksite, the nature of remodeling lends itself to hazardous conditions.

• Pets. Doors opening and closing presents the problem of pets escaping into traffic. During the work day, secure your pets in a safe area; workers can not be responsible for watching pets.

• Salvaging materials. Are there any special items, such as lighting fixtures or cabinets, that you would like to save? If so, designate where you'd like them stored. Unless otherwise designated in the contract, we will dispose of all demolition materials.

• Debris. Designate where the dumpster is to be placed on your property. Note that only construction materials can be placed in the dumpster, not household garbage.

• Utilities. At certain phases of your project you may be without water, a flushable toilet and/or electricity. The timing of these outages will be noted in your schedule, and if of any length of time, you may need to vacate the house.

• Clean up. Each day the work area will be thoroughly swept and picked up. If that is not sufficient for using the space, arrangements will be made. If at any time, the clean-up isn't to your satisfaction, bring it to the attention of your Lead Carpenter.