When tackling a home renovation project, there are a number of things that can push you over budget, past schedule and potentially not have the project you first desired.

To minimize the chances of a project getting derailed, issues of communication, people, materials, budgets and timelines have to be addressed up front.

“Constant communication between all the parties involved may prevent things from going awry, best funneled through one person who will make sure everyone is on the same page,” Sharon McCormick, of Sharon McCormick Design, said.

The first step is proper planning.

“Proper planning includes thinking through every step that needs to be performed to ensure the project will be built to specifications,” she said. “The design should be thoroughly detailed in order to obtain a complete and thorough estimate from your contractor. A contract that has allowances for products is not advisable, because most homeowners are not able to determine if an allowance is adequate. Costs can get out of control and the homeowner backed into a corner. Planning will head off scope creep and expensive change orders.”

The next step is to ensure your project complies with zoning laws and building codes. Go to your town hall and get advice from the zoning department or building inspector. If your project fails inspection, it could mean costly reworks or project pauses.

“Become familiar with your town’s permitting process and typical timeline. Be aware that permits may be delayed due to a backlog or because of missing information. Apply for a permit so the inspector can ensure that the work performed is up to par. Don’t skip this step or you may need to apply for a retroactive permit before selling your house and there’s no guarantee you will be able to receive one,” McCormick said.

After you have decided on the scope of your project, get a few contractor quotes and ask for references.

“Ask about how smoothly the project went, about any delays and why,” she said. “Ask if you can visit a recent job to see if the work is up to your standards. People have different tolerances, so what they think is acceptable may not apply to you. Skill mismatches lead to substandard work and costly corrections. Some contractors get a reputation for being unreliable, failing to show up at the appointed time, moving workers from one job to another leaving your work site unstaffed. Also ask about the availability of their subs, such as electricians and masons as delays can be expensive and stressful.”

As far as sticking to your budget, make sure to pad in a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses. McCormick suggests 10-20%.

“Lead paint, mold, or asbestos will need to be remediated,” she said. “Structural issues may be lying under your floors or in your walls and will need to be resolved before the work can begin. Make sure to have your funds available to pay the contractor and suppliers.”

The other thing is to be informed about the availability and backlog for the products you need. Work may be paused onsite if materials aren’t there.

“Delays can occur due to tariffs, price volatility, and shipping routes. You may need to reselect materials if you need to complete the project on a certain timeline,” McCormick said.
Another potential delay, especially going into winter, is weather delays. Allow for flexibility in the timeline.

“Ask for an affirmation of the timeline from your contractor. Unfortunately, even a carefully orchestrated schedule can’t prevent such delays. Workers may need to move to a different jobs. Tradespeople may not be able to immediately get back to your project because they’re booked on another project,” she said.

As a homeowner, be sure to respond in a timely manner to requests and make prompt decisions.

“Homeowners can cause delays and cost overruns by slow decision-making or frequent, expensive changes to work that was already completed. Allowing the contractor to take shortcuts in order to keep to the schedule may result in failed inspections and rework. I cannot overemphasize that planning the project in minute detail up front is the most effective way to contain costs. My goal on every job is to avoid change orders,” McCormick said.

The biggest issue with most projects? Issues in communication.

“Communication breakdowns often occur between the homeowner, the designer, the builder, and subcontractors. Immediately confirm any changes or decisions in writing through an email sent to all the parties,” McCormick said.

“There is no excuse for a contractor failing to keep a client updated as it leads to frustration and mistrust. Sequencing the work properly keeps the project moving. Again, assign a point person for all communications so the left hand knows what the right hand is doing. Lapses in communication may result in having to rip out something that was done, further delaying the project.”

Tribune News Service