Homeowner’s often ask how they can participate in their remodeling project. There are lots of ways you can help, if you have the interest and time.
One thing that every homeowner must do is make a wide variety of selections to outfit the remodel with lights, tile, appliances, carpeting, cabinets and so on. This is a time consuming task but well worth the effort to ensure that you get everything you want. It’s important that selections be made in a timely manner so that your job stays on schedule and you don’t have to make last minute, rushed decisions.
If you have additional time you may consider taking on some of the remodeling work. In general, we recommend that homeowners help at either the beginning or end of the project. This minimizes conflicts with the contractor’s schedule and allows the homeowner to work at his or her own pace. Demolition, painting, trim work and floor coverings can all be done in this way. For the ambitious homeowner the contractor can build just a shell and you can take it from there.
When evaluating whether to work on your project yourself, be sure to put a price tag on your own time. How much work time will be missed or personal time given up? With your time factored in, it may actually be less expensive to have the contractor do it. Let your own interests and skills be your guide. If there’s an area of construction that you really enjoy, focus your talents and time there and go for it.