1. Checking the subcontractors work while they are still onsite - I got a little laxi-dazy the last few weeks and assumed that if I gave the subcontractor the list of "ToDos" and actually walked him through each line item, he would get the list done - WRONG. It is something you will have to realize - most subs are not looking at this like their own home. They want to get in and out and dont have much attention to detail. I have decided to have teh sub call me when they are finishing up so I can come out and look at the list and what they have done. This may seem like overkill, but in the end it saves you and the sub a lot of frustration and time because what got missed can get fixed before they pull off NOT requiring another trip back for them. You desire a certain product and will have to step up to ensure you get it - no matter how "over the top" the sub thinks you are being!
2. Keep up with the dirt, dust and grime - Make each subcontractor clean up after himself. Require it at the first meet and greet, establish your expectations and stick to them. I lay out a broom and shop vac in eye sight as a reminder to them to use it when they are done and it works! If you do not keep up with site cleanliness, it will overtake you and then at the end, when you are ready to move in, you will have to hire a FULL cleaning crew to clean up everything. Very important is you have the subs vacuum the ceiling/floor joists out before putting subflooring and sheet rock up. This cuts down on residual dust in your home after it "settles".
3. Exterior Decisions - make sure you work through these before completing your foundation work. Do not assume that the material you need and/or want is readily available. Do your research the minute you break ground, working together with your mason to secure the materials. Knowing what you are suing is key to the framer who has to frame to the thickness of brick, stone, or other veneer. If you change it up like I did late in the game, additional costs will apply since the framer has to "reframe" the overhangs, soffits, etc. Remember 90% of all change orders are typically generated by client actions, not by a shady contractor trying to take advantage of you.
4. If you are living in the house during construction here are some "extra" pointers:
- Plan out the entire process - from where things are stored to where things will be moved around around to accommodate the process so you have access to things/spaces when needed.
- Have a back up storage plan - I already researched the mini pods in case we need to have one dropped in the driveway mid stream. We may do it when we transition back up stairs and have the downstairs to do. Having already gotten the pricing, contact, etc. it will be a simple phone call and I will have a pod within 48 hours.
- Have a back up overnight plan in case there is work going on that requires you to be out of the house. - hardwood floor sealing, sheet rock sanding.
- Stock up on plastic drop clothes, rosin paper and blue tape to cover your things during construction. We have a daily routine of covering everything in the plastic and laying a paper pathway for the subs to use when coming into our living space.
- Go easy on your self and the cleanliness of the house. it will be chaos but realize it will be over in 3-6 short months. Everything will go back to normal quick enough. We actually enjoy the close quarters!
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