03/28/2025
7 Easy Tips to Make Your Project Go Smoothly
1. Get Organized
• Start a dedicated project folder to keep all documents, memos, contracts/agreements, warranties, and guarantees.
• Maintain a ledger of costs, additions, substitutions, and all payments (check, cash, etc.).
• If paying in cash, always get a signed receipt from a responsible person in the company.
2. Do Your Homework
• Research materials and understand the basic process of the work being done.
• Visit manufacturer websites to understand what you’re getting.
• Ask about material warranties and get copies for your records.
3. Verify Credentials
• Word of mouth is great, but verify any referrals. They might just be helping a friend or relative.
• Request to see past projects and ask if you can speak with the homeowners.
• Ask for proof of license and insurance — make sure they’re current (check the dates), and if unsure, call the insurance company.
4. Have a Clear Agreement
• Always include a start date in your contract.
• Discuss estimated project length, and if possible, include it in writing (some delays are unavoidable — like weather or material shortages).
• Confirm working hours and what days they’ll be on site — make sure it complies with your local ordinances (some towns restrict weekend work).
5. Site Logistics
• Find out if they are supplying a dumpster or portable bathroom, and where these will be placed.
• Check with your town if placement in the street is allowed.
• Confirm removal timeline after project completion — you don’t want a porta-potty sitting for weeks.
6. Communication is Key
• Let neighbors know in advance if the project may be noisy or messy.
• Ask the contractor to clean up daily, especially if debris ends up on a neighbor’s property.
• Be clear on material types — e.g., “house wrap” could mean high-quality wrap or just builder’s paper. Ask for specifics!
7. Protect Your Home & Family
• Remove wall hangings, shelves, and fragile decor — vibrations can cause them to fall.
• Watch children and pets around the work area.
• Be flexible but also assertive — make sure you’re getting what you paid for.
