LEAH SCHEPPERS.  OWNER + DESIGNER --------------------

Truthfully, as much as possible! Think of this project like a mini-move. It's a great time to go through your belongings and purge, storage, or rediscover items. The garage, basement storage, extra closets, a POD, or short term storage unit will keep items safe, accounted for, and out of the way so they don't slow down your project.

If you're project involves more than 50% of your home or is in the main traffic areas of your home, we recommend you re-home for the portion you and your contractor agree on. Giving your contractor and trades space to work is essential to staying on schedule and maintaining your sanity while your home is in disarray.

You'll receive an email from us that breaks down our PROJECT MANAGEMENT services and the typical role we play during this time. Not all projects may require your designer to PM but it certainly minimizes the role that you, the client, will need to play during the process.

Your general contractor is the quarterback during your remodel and will manage, coordinate, and rectify issues as the project progresses. Keep open lines of communication with your GC in the manner that they prefer (text thread, email, phone calls) so you can stay informed.

Making changes to the agreed and quoted plan are professionally called "Change Orders". Contractors handle these revisions or additions to your project scope in different ways to it is ESSENTIAL to discuss with your contractor prior to starting your project on how these will be implemented and invoiced. In a perfect scenario, you would request a change, your contractor would send a quote for that to happen, you will sign off and pay for it before it is executed. But, once a project is in motion, the time to accomplish these clerical tasks is reduced and that is absolutely NOT always the case. It may be time sensitive: "the electrician is already on site and we want to add more recessed lighting". It may be something they haven't done before and aren't sure how to bill for: "we want to change and frame for a recessed shower pan with no curb". It may be a damage issue: "a pipe burst in the basement and we had to call an emergency plumber" Make sure to discuss with your contractor prior to demo and ask questions when you're not sure if there is going to be an additional charge for something.

Your contractor will give you a project timeline at the onset of your project and they try their best to adhere to it so THEY can stay on schedule with their project load. However, we've found that to manage your expectations, you add 30% to the time estimate. It is also IMPERATIVE that you understand how the remodeling process works in a LINEAR fashion. This is to say that your GC will not be scheduling the NEXT trade to come in to work until the previous one has completed their scope. This ensures that each trade has room to work without distractions and impediments from other trades. It will feel like things are moving VERY fast at the beginning of your project. Demo, framing, and plumbing and electrical rough ins are the quickest portion of your project. Then drywall starts and cabinets go in and it feels like you may get done MONTHS earlier than planned. But, then it all comes to a screeching halt and the finish work begins to happen. Tile, flooring, carpentry and trim, and paint are skilled trades that have honed their craft over years. They are working at the pace they know is efficient but also limits errors. They can not, should not, and will not be rushed! The last 10% of your project is typically a PUNCH LIST or DEFICIENCY RESOLUTION time period that finishes up small details and fixes any areas that need addressed. This phase will absolutely take longer than you want it to. Weeks, sometimes months, while change order items finally arrive or damages are resolved with a supplier or manufacturer. Please do NOT panic and do NOT treat your contractor unkindly. They are doing their absolute best to wrap up your project as beautifully as possible. Trust that they want to be done too and let you have your home fully back!

SPEAK UP! Let your GC know! The earlier and more clearly you communicate something that you notice or doesn't appear to be the way it was planned, the quicker it will be resolved. Please always exercise kindness and curiosity over finger pointing and give the appropriate party time and space to rectify any deficiencies.

In reality, it is very unlikely that your GC is only working on your project. They are professionals and take on a workload that makes sense for their skillset. But, we've found there are a few tried and true ways you can show your appreciation and make them feel valued so they want to give their very very best to your end result: A cooler or refrigerator of cold bottled water on site Snacks or lunch on occasion Friendly, appreciative communication Handle issues with grace Yes, you are paying your GC. But, much like anyone you may manage in a professional role, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Treat the hardworking team that is renovating your space like humans and they will bend over backwards to make it special for you!