In a home renovation, the contractor is like the lead actor in a play. Your contractor is Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Your contractor is Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. They’re the star power. The one you are oh-so-careful to choose. But just as in a classic musical, a home renovation requires some great supporting cast members. A dazzling general contractor will make everyone they bring on stage look good.
Insurance Agent
A surprising cast member is your insurance agent! It’s important to talk to your agent when starting a home renovation, because your insurance policy is current for the state of your home when you enacted the policy. Once you begin changing the house, you run the risk of gaps in policy coverage. Another thing to talk with your agent about while you’re on the phone is any policy requirements during the remodel, such as hiring licensed tradesmen or having an agent inspect the home. Staying in conversation with your insurance agent ensures there are no surprises, from start to finish.
Tradesmen
Tradesmen include jobs such as plumbers, electricians, or plaster specialists. Even if your renovation doesn’t include huge electrical revamps or plumbing lines, it’s important to check in with these professionals to avoid major pitfalls. Your contractor likely has relationships with these sub-contractors, but it’s important to check-in in such critical areas of your home.
Interior Designer
In a home renovation with a limited budget, it might be easy to eliminate an interior designer, but consulting with one, even on a limited basis, will go a long way toward making sure the changes you are making really, truly work—both for the space and your life. There are many affordable options for interior designers, so don’t automatically rule it out of your budget.
Architect/Structural Engineer
An open floor plan is a great idea, until someone rips down the load bearing wall and you hear your ceiling creaking. Even your contractor doesn’t always know what’s inside the walls. It’s important, when making major changes, to consult with a structural engineer. This will prevent any costly, unnecessary repairs.
Insulation Professional
Not something you might think about, but anytime you open walls or move things around is a great time to reassess your insulation needs. Just a few extra dollars of insulation while the walls are open go a long way toward your overall energy savings. Consulting with a professional before you begin the project can make it part of your plan and part of your budget.
Home Inspector
If you only think of a home inspector when buying or selling a home, you’re missing out on an important function. Having a home inspector come in before the project is finished makes sure that everything has been done correctly, the permits were pulled in order, and there are no issues your contractor has missed. A home inspector has your back.
If you’re looking at this list and feeling overwhelmed, don’t. Making sure your project goes smoothly is just a few extra phone calls or conversations with your general contractor. It’s your show and you have your star, just don’t forget about all the parts that make up the rest of the experience.
