What to Expect When You're Remodeling
A n Informative Guide for Homeowners
Introduction
Congratulations! You've decided to remodel your home. Whether it's a kitchen refresh, a bathroom overhaul, or a whole-house transformation, you're in for an exciting (and occasionally chaotic) journey. Remodeling is a significant investment, not just financially, but also in terms of time and energy. However, the rewards of creating a space that reflects your personal style and meets your needs can be immensely satisfying.
As you embark on this journey, it's essential to understand the process and what to expect at each stage. This guide aims to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate through your remodeling project smoothly. From initial planning to the final touches, we'll cover every aspect of the process, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident every step of the way.
At Center Island Contracting, we pride ourselves on our transparent and collaborative approach. Think of us as your renovation tour guides we'll make sure you're prepared for what’s coming next! Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to bring your vision to life, while also keeping the project on schedule and within budget.
In the following sections, we'll break down your project into six distinct phases: Site Work, Shell, Mechanicals, Close-in, Interior Finishes, and Punch List. Each phase has specific components that we will be focusing on, and we’ll keep you ahead of the curve by reminding you of decisions that need to be made in advance of each phase.
We know that remodeling can be overwhelming, but with proper planning and guidance, it can also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Let's dive in and start this exciting journey together!
BuilderTrend Client Portal
Center Island Contracting utilizes BuilderTrend, a client portal designed to keep you informed and connected throughout the project.
BuilderTrend allows you to:
• Communicate with our team directly.
• Access important project documents and selections.
• Submit change requests and track approvals.
• You should have received an email invitation to set up your BuilderTrend account. If you haven’t accepted it yet, please do so as soon as possible. If you need another invitation sent, just call our office, and we’ll resend it right away. This platform is the best way to stay up to date and ensure smooth communication throughout your project.
Project Phases & How We Keep You on Track
We’ve broken down your project into six phases: Site Work, Shell, Mechanicals, Close-in, Interior Finishes, and Punch List. Each phase has specific components that we will be focusing on, and we’ll keep you ahead of the curve by reminding you of decisions that need to be made in advance of each phase.
Think of us as your renovation tour guides we’ll make sure you’re prepared for what’s coming next! We’ll also remind you of any payments due as we enter each phase. Our office will send out electronic payment links when individual payments are due, according to the milestones set forth in your contract. No surprises—just gentle nudges to keep everything moving smoothly.
The payment emails are for your convenience, and to help you know what is up next. They aren’t collection notices, but they are due upon commencement of each milestone.
At Center Island Contracting, we follow a critical path project management style. This means we focus on completing enough of each task to ensure the next phase can begin without delay. Some tasks may not appear fully completed at first, but rest assured, we will circle back to address all details as the project progresses. This approach ensures efficiency and keeps your project on track for a timely completion.
Decision Fatigue is Real – Plan Ahead
From cabinet finishes to doorknobs, you’ll be making a lot of decisions. To keep things running smoothly, plan as much as possible before we swing the first hammer. Delays in choosing materials can lead to project slowdowns – and we want to keep you on track!
Understanding Lead Times & Supply Chain Delays
Some materials like custom cabinetry, specialty fixtures, and imported items can have extended lead times. To avoid delays, we encourage early selection of these items. While we do our best to plan accordingly, global supply chain issues can sometimes impact delivery schedules.
Clients need to select and order items like roofing, siding, windows, flooring, trim, doors, molding, and stair railings in advance. Some may be special orders. We can arrange showroom appointments if you want to see items in person.
Making timely decisions is crucial. You will receive reminders with sufficient time, but it is important to make those decisions promptly.
We will provide you with checklists throughout the process, indicating which items have been completed and which ones still require your input.
Homeowner Prep Before Construction Begins
A smooth renovation starts with preparation. Before construction begins, we recommend:
• Clearing Work Areas: Remove fragile items from walls and shelves near the work zones.
• Removing All Personal Belongings: All personal belongings must be removed from work areas, including the paths to and from those areas. This helps prevent damage and allows workers to move efficiently and safely.
• Marking Items for Salvage: If there are any items you wish to keep or relocate, mark them clearly. Using painter’s tape and a magic marker to label items as “Save” or “Put in Garage” is ideal for ensuring your preferences are followed.
• Making Temporary Arrangements: If your kitchen or bathroom will be out of commission, plan for an alternative setup.
• Preparing for Pets & Kids: Construction sites can be noisy and unsafe for pets and young children. Making arrangements for them will help minimize stress.
• Dumpster Placement & Site Impact: A container for construction debris will be placed in your driveway. This is for construction debris only not the neighbor’s old couch! Please ensure the dumpster remains accessible for removal and emptying throughout the project. Additionally, while Center Island Contracting takes care to protect your driveway and lawn, some minor damage from heavy equipment and foot traffic is possible. This is a normal part of construction, and while we will do our best to minimize any impact, some repairs may be necessary. Any significant damage caused by an avoidable error or mishap will, of course, be addressed by us.
• Providing Access to the Home: We will need access to your home throughout the construction process. Please provide a key in a lockbox on-site for safety reasons in case of emergency. The code for this lockbox should be set to 4707. If you have an electronic lock, please program a temporary code as 4707 for our team to use.
• Disabling Alarms: If you have an alarm system, we kindly ask that you disable it during the weekdays while construction is underway. This helps to prevent unnecessary disruptions and ensures that our team can work efficiently without triggering alarms.
• Keep an Eye on Pets and Kids – Construction zones can be dangerous. Make sure kids and pets stay clear of work areas for safety.
Reporting Concern
During the course of construction, if you have any concerns, please follow these steps:
1. Call the Office – Our team is available to address any questions or concerns you may have.
2. Upload a Picture or Video to BuilderTrend – If possible, document the issue with a photo or video and upload it to your BuilderTrend portal. This helps us assess the situation efficiently and determine the best course of action.
3. For Emergencies, Call 911 – If there is a fire, gas leak, or any immediate safety issue, contact the police or fire department before reaching out to us.
Using Our Preferred Partners
Some of the materials and products needed to complete your project will be provided by third-party suppliers. While you are free to choose any vendor you’d like, we highly recommend using our preferred partners. These are companies we have longstanding relationships with, and we can vouch for their reliability and quality.
If you choose to work with a supplier that we do not have an existing relationship with, please handle all communication with them directly. This will ensure that any questions, scheduling issues, or potential delays are managed without disruption to the overall project timeline.
Third-Party Work Restrictions
No third parties are authorized to perform any of the work included in our contract. Additionally, during the course of construction, all third parties entering the worksite must have prior authorization from Center Island Contracting. This policy is in place due to insurance requirements and town permits that dictate who is working and under whose liability and worker’s compensation coverage. Unauthorized third parties on-site can create
legal and safety complications, so please ensure any outside vendors are approved in advance.
The Week-by-Week Plan – What to Expect
We operate on a week-by-week schedule, not a dayby- day plan. Some days, the house will be buzzing with activity; other days, no one may show up. Don’t panic this is normal! Instead of wondering why no one arrived that morning, rest assured that by the end of the week, the outlined work should be well underway, if not completed. The best approach? Be ready for workers each day. If no one arrives, that’s okay it’s all part of the process. It could mean that the trade partner got hung up, or maybe he can have more workers onsite the next day, and get things done even faster than planned.
To keep you informed, Center Island Contracting will provide weekly updates through our client portal, BuilderTrend. These updates will include:
• A recap of what was accomplished in the past week.
• A preview of what’s scheduled for the upcoming week.
• Any outstanding tasks or action items that may require your attention.
Additionally, the contract specifications outline the sequence in which work will take place. If you ever want to know what’s next, feel free to refer to your contract for a clear roadmap of the process.
Neighbor Courtesy & Community Awareness
Remodeling can sometimes affect your neighbors, especially if there’s exterior work. We recommend:
Security Considerations
• Giving them a heads-up about the project timeline.
• Letting them know that we follow local noise ordinances and respect property boundaries.
• Reassuring them that we will keep work areas tidy and disruption minimal.
With multiple workers coming in and out, we suggest taking a few precautions:
• Store valuables in a secure location during the project.
• If necessary, provide a temporary key or code for workers, and consider changing locks after the project is complete.
• Communicate any security concerns with us in advance so we can address them proactively.
Cleanup & Final Home Preparation
At the completion stage, we will leave the project in broom-swept condition. While we will ensure major debris is removed, please note that additional deep cleaning may be necessary. We suggest:
• Scheduling a professional cleaning service if needed.
• Changing air filters to remove any construction dust.
Communication & Interactions with Workers
All concerns about ongoing work should be directed to the office and/or management. All communications related to project decisions, scheduling, or changes should be directed through the appropriate channels and not directly with tradesmen or our crew members. While they may try to be polite and considerate by engaging in small talk, their role is to complete the assigned work, not to relay or make project decisions. Always follow what is communicated by Center Island Contracting's management.
Additionally, soliciting our subcontractors or employees for additional work outside of the contract is strictly prohibited and is a violation of our contract terms. If you need any additional work done, please discuss it with management so that it can be properly documented and scheduled.
Project Completion
Once the scope of work, as defined in the contract, is complete, the project is considered finished. A punch list walkthrough will be conducted to identify any final adjustments or fine details that need attention. Once this punch list has been fully addressed, we request that you remit your final payment.
If we were responsible for pulling permits, we will assist in all necessary inspections and submit them to the town. However, we are not responsible for obtaining a certificate of occupancy, as towns may hold back issuance for reasons unrelated to this project.
Helpful Hints
Setting Up a Temporary Kitchen
If your kitchen will be out of commission during the renovation, we recommend setting up a temporary kitchen in an area of your home that won’t be affected by construction. A small table with a microwave, coffee maker, and toaster oven can go a long way in keeping daily routines manageable. Consider using a utility sink, laundry room, or bathroom for basic washing needs, and stock up on disposable plates and utensils to minimize cleanup. Having a plan in place will make this transition much smoother.
Embrace the Dust – It’s Coming for You
No matter how many plastic sheets we put up, remodeling creates dust. It will find its way into places you didn’t know existed. Your best defense? Pack away valuables, cover furniture, and embrace a little extra cleaning. Trust us, it's worth it.
Wiping down surfaces and vacuuming frequently in the first few weeks post-renovation.
For Those Who Work from Home
If you work from home, please be aware that there may be days when essential utilities such as electricity, internet, phone service, heating, air conditioning, and/or water may be temporarily unavailable due to construction activities. We do our best to minimize disruptions, but certain phases of the project will require brief shutoffs or interruptions. If maintaining uninterrupted service is critical for your work, consider making alternative arrangements, such as working from another location on days when construction is taking place.
Plan for Noise and Disruptions – Power tools, hammering, and saws will be part of your daily soundtrack. Consider noise- canceling headphones if you work from home or schedule time away when loud work is scheduled.
Expect the Unexpected – Renovations sometimes reveal hidden issues, like outdated wiring or water damage. Be prepared for minor surprises and possible adjustments to the schedule or budget.
Have a Sense of Humor-Unexpected things happen in renovations. Keeping a positive attitude will help make the process smoother for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Remodeling is a journey – one that requires patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor. But at the end of it all, you’ll have a home that fits your needs and style better than ever before. Thanks for trusting Center Island Contracting – we can’t wait to bring your vision to life!
