Home Remodeling: How to Prepare for Your Project With Waterstone Construction

Wahoo! It’s time to prepare for your home remodeling project!

Getting your home ready for a remodeling project, whether sprucing up your kitchen or building an addition, can be exciting and overwhelming. Here at Waterstone Construction, we have over 30 years of experience in exterior and interior remodels in the Twin Cities, so we have the process down to a science.

Before we roll up our sleeves and get started on your remodel, there are several tasks to get out of the way – both on our end and for you to prepare your home.

Let's break down the experience into manageable steps.

Define the Scope of Your Project

First things first: We need to get on the same page to clearly define what you want to accomplish. Are you looking at just kitchen remodeling, or do you need a whole-home renovation?

Together, we’ll set a clear budget, ensure everyone understands the timeline, and decide which areas will be remodeled. This will help you avoid unexpected costs later on.

Obtain Necessary Permits

Depending on the scope of your project, we might need permits from your local government. This is especially true for larger projects like finishing a basement or adding a room.

Waterstone Construction will guide you through this process to avoid any legal headaches!

Clear Out the Workspace

A cluttered workspace will make it difficult for us to complete the job. Before we arrive for work, please remove all furniture and personal items from the areas being remodeled.

Creating a clean, safe space for our contractors speeds up the process and minimizes the risk of damage to your belongings.

Create a Temporary Living Space

If your remodeling project affects essential areas like the kitchen or bathroom, consider setting up temporary spaces for cooking, bathing, and living. This will help reduce disruptions and maintain some semblance of normalcy during construction.

Communicate With Neighbors

Nobody likes surprises, especially noisy ones. To maintain good relationships and possibly avoid complaints, inform your neighbors about your remodeling plans beforehand. Discuss potential concerns and be considerate of their needs.

Of course, you can count on us to be on our best behavior and politely interact with your neighbors at all times!

Set Up a Renovation Budget

Our experts can work with your budget. During the planning stage, we’ll outline a detailed budget that includes all expected costs and a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.

Note: It's always better to overestimate your budget than to be caught off guard by unforeseen costs.

Consider Your Family's Needs

Think about how the renovation will affect everyone in the household, including children and pets. Make the necessary arrangements to ensure their safety and comfort. This might mean setting up barriers or arranging for temporary accommodations.

Protect Your Belongings

While we make sure to leave your home better than we found it, dust and debris can spread throughout your house during a remodel. To protect items in the rest of the house, cover and seal them off.

Plastic sheeting, painter's tape, and moving blankets can be your best friends in this scenario.

What Are Common Challenges During a Remodeling Project?

Even in the best scenario, issues can pop up during a remodel. Waterstone Construction does everything possible to minimize the disruptions to your life, and it’s helpful for you to grasp the common challenges associated with our work.

Some things to consider are:

Unexpected Issues: Hidden problems like mold or outdated wiring can cause delays and additional costs.
Budget Overruns: Even with careful planning, costs can exceed the budget if you make changes or an unexpected issue arises.
Communication Breakdowns: Misunderstandings happen. Speak up – we’ll always rectify any results you’re not satisfied with.
Project Delays: Weather conditions, supply chain issues, or unforeseen structural problems can delay your project. To stay updated, let’s maintain open communication!
Living Amid Construction: The noise, dust, and disruption can be challenging, even though we keep things super clean. Set clear expectations about work hours and project timelines with us!

How to Communicate Effectively With Our Remodeling Team

Transforming spaces takes more than blueprints and tools – clear communication is the real foundation!

Here’s how Waterstone Construction keeps our team and your vision on the same page.

Everything’s in Writing

Even with a reputable contractor, a qualified homeowner, and a tried-and-true process, we’re smart enough to know the value of a written contract.

Our contract will outline the following to set your project standards:

Your budget
Expected timeline
Payment schedule
Insurance details

If there are any extra components or details, we’ll include those as well to ensure everything is clear and there are no surprises.

Regular Check-Ins

Staying in contact throughout your project is important to avoid delays. We’ll schedule regular check-ins with you to discuss progress, address concerns, and make decisions.

Clear & Direct Communication

Sometimes, things can get lost in translation when Minnesotans try too hard to be polite. That’s why Dave and Ryan practice kind, clear, and direct communication. We encourage you to do the same!

Clearly convey your vision, preferences, and any changes you want to be made. We can handle – and greatly desire – your feedback!

Whole House Remodeling From Experts in the Industry

Preparing for an interior or exterior remodeling project doesn't have to be daunting, especially when you partner with our local experts!

Working with trusted professionals like Waterstone Construction can ensure a smooth and successful renovation. With over 30 years of experience, owners Dave and Ryan are here to make your remodeling dreams a reality.

Ready to transform your space? Contact Waterstone Construction today! Reach out at 612-251-3975 or through our online form to start your free estimate.