The Construction Process
When you decide to do work on your home, large or small, it can be exciting, fun and rewarding, but it can also be frustrating, stressful and difficult. Knowing the process and becoming familiar with expectations will turn any project into a good experience rather than one you would prefer were over.
The information here can be very useful in avoiding the issues that cause stress during a project, creating a harmonious work environment and overall positive experience. The contractor and home owner working together as a team will be to everyone’s benefit and ensure a quality and timely project.
1. The Contract
In my experience it is always best to write as much information into the contract as possible so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the details and
expectations for the project. Leaving things out that are verbally agreed upon can be troublesome. It is easy to forget or make assumptions after time passes and this can lead to disputes which could have easily been avoided.
It is important to read through a contract thoroughly so that everything is understood and all the details are as expected and discussed. If you have questions on anything or need clarification, it is best to do all that before signing the contract.
2. Communication
Communication is always important in any situation, but prompt replies between contractor and home owner as well as sharing concerns or asking questions for clarification are always encouraged in our company. We prefer you ask the question or voice your concern rather than let things linger. Any concern can be addressed much more easily and quickly if it is communicated when it arises. This also avoids assumptions and misunderstandings. Working as a team for the good of the project is a shared goal for both contractor and home owner.
3. Timing & Logistics
The time frame of a project is always high on the priority list for a home owner, as well as having access to your home and working in harmony with your home life.
Some key factors to a timely project are
- making timely choices for materials, textures and colors, etc.,
- minimizing changes or add-ons to the project,
- and allowing for easy and timely access to your home.
These reduce delays and interruptions to the schedule. A small delay in making a choice or a change can have a compound effect on the sub-contractor’s schedule, causing a delay of days, a week, or even longer. This is because the sub-contractor may start another project if he/she is unable to begin when we had scheduled them to.
Having easy access to your home makes it easier for workers to be flexible in their schedule in case they can get to things sooner or when it’s necessary. All of our workers and sub-contractors are trustworthy folks whom we have worked with on many projects.
NOTE: The one caveat to this is that an adult needs to be home if children are present in the home when workers are there, for safety reasons.
Your home life is important to you and so it is to us. We work hard to ensure we are the least disruptive to your home life as we can be. Working together, we can plan around your unique schedule and life as much as possible without interfering with the work and the progress of your project. It is inevitable, though, at times that work is loud, dusty and inconvenient.
Depending on the nature of your project there may be times when normal household conveniences are out of commission for a time, as would happen during a kitchen remodeling project when the appliances and sink are removed. Being prepared for such times makes things easier for you, your family and the contractor.
4. Schedule Sequence
Each project is unique based on the nature of the work, the size and scope as well as the area of your home being worked on. The following sequence of work will give you a general idea of the order in which things usually happen:
Building permit – Once the contract is signed, and assuming any plans for the project are already in place, the building permit is applied for at the local town building department. This process can take a few days or a month depending on the scope of the work and the town the project is in. Each town building department is unique in how they handle the permitting process.
Demolition work
Excavation – For additions needing foundations, the excavation work is done first and the ground where the foundation is to be poured needs to be inspected for compatibility and strength.
Foundation – The concrete foundation is installed per building codes for size and strength of material. The foundation is back-hauled with approved material.
New framing
Rough-ins – This is the installation of plumbing pipes, wiring, heating and air conditioning, etc., which will need to be in place before the board is installed on the walls and ceilings.
Inspections – Any wiring, plumbing or gas lines need to be inspected by the local town inspectors for each trade prior to being covered up. Inspectors have 36 hours to inspect a job after they are called to do the inspection.
Insulation – Insulation work is also inspected by the building inspector, as well as the frame work, prior to being covered.
Board/Plaster – Whether using blue board and plaster or drywall, this is when the walls and ceilings are covered.
Wood work/Cabinetry – After the plaster is dry (this sometimes takes a week) the wood trim is installed. There are times when the walls are primed and painted prior to installation of wood trim for expediency and efficiency. Finished cabinetry is also installed.
Painting/Staining
Flooring – Floor finishes such as carpet are just about always last on the project so that they don’t get damaged. Hardwood would be installed before cabinetry so that the floor is under any cabinetry. The final sanding and finish coats come later, however. Tile is installed in bathrooms and kitchens before any finish plumbing or electrical work.
Counters on kitchens and bathrooms are also installed before finish plumbing and electrical work.
Finish Utilities – The electrical finishes such as lighting and plug and switch covers go in after painting. The finish plumbing and air conditioning happens at this stage as well.
Floor finish – The carpet and last coats of hardwood are last on the list of major items.
Touch-up/Punch List – Any minor work remaining as well as touch-ups is accomplished at the end of the project.
NOTE: Additions to the exterior work such as roofing and siding, etc., is installed prior to any rough-in work. Decks are installed either before or after siding but also need building inspection. Concrete piers for decks must also be inspected by the building inspector.
These are general guidelines to give a sense of the sequence of work but are flexible depending on the specific project and scope of work. It is meant to give an overview of the process.
5. Expectations
It is normal to have expectations as to what you as the home owner are looking for from your contractor, and for what the contractor is looking for from the home owner.
Both need certain things to make the construction project go smoothly and in a timely and friendly manner. Sometimes expectations are met and other times they are not. The reason they are not met is because our expectations were not discussed before the project began.
We encourage our customers to talk about their expectations for their project beforehand, as well as during the project if something arises. As the contractor there are expectations I also have, so a discussion about expectations is very beneficial for creating a good and lasting relationship.
6. Insurance/Licenses
It is incumbent upon the contractor and sub-contractors to have proper insurancecoverage and licenses. Impressions Building is fully insured and licensed, and certificates and copies of these documents are available upon request.
7. Lasting Relationships
We pride ourselves on having repeat customers and past customers who recommend us to friends and family. We build lasting relationships with our customers, not only by providing great service, workmanship and expertise, but also by paying attention to the needs of our customers, respecting their home and family, and continuing to take care of any issues that may arise after the project is complete.