Here are some of the key lessons we learned during the renovation. This list
will probably grow over time as we learn more.
-
Do it Right
There's no excuse for doing it wrong just to save a little money. It will
bite you in the end. Eventually, when you try to sell or insure the place,
you'll be asked to show that the job was done to code, and probably prove it.
-
Know the Code
The building codes are complex. While it's your contractor's responsibility
to know the code, knowing the code yourself will keep the contractor honest,
and will help you pass inspections more easily. The code, by the way, is not
supposed to be The Pirate's Code.
-
Be there
Being around during the renovation will help motivate the contractor to
complete the work to the standards promised, like cleaning up at the end of
the day. There's little more frustrating than your contractor being a clutter
bug.
Don't Count on Repeat Behaviour
Just because a supplier got it right once, doesn't mean they're going to be
consistent. Keep on them and don't give them any room to slack off on quality.
They'll do it if you let them.
-
Leverage is Key
Make sure you have leverage over your suppliers. If you are using a
particular product vendor, build alliances with other people who use that
vendor, and keep in touch with them on how the project is going. If the vendor
doesn't deliver, make sure they understand that others are watching the
success of your project. In some circles, it's called a user group.
-
Know Where to Get Equipment
There will be times when a vendor may forget a tool or a part. Make sure
you know where to get anything needed, and be prepared to get it. Days can get
eaten out of your schedule waiting for people to go back to the shop for
forgotten items.
-
Pick How You Pay Carefully
There are two basic ways of paying for a kitchen: fixed-price; and time and
materials.
Both have advantages and disadvantages. Some contractors are
flexible in terms of mixing and matching tasks to payment arrangements. This
can work in your favour.
Fixed-Price
On a fixed-price deal, you know, up front, exactly what it's going to cost.
This is a really good thing, when the kitchen is complex and you're not
entirely sure how long it will take. Complex hardware and appliances can be
like that. Contractors usually build in a contingency for this.
Time and Materials
This type of deal is where you pay for the amount of time spent by the
contractors and any material costs. Assuming everything goes well, this can be
less than a fixed-price arrangement. However, things rarely go well.
-
Keep Your Materials
When disaster strikes, like a fridge flooding the floors, it's good to have
the original material used on floors. Don't throw out stuff just because the job
is done. You never know when incompetence or defective workmanship will cause
you to need to replace significant parts of the renovation.
-
Words Mean Nothing
No matter what you're told by anyone, get it in writing. Words are
completely without value in the world of renovation and retail appliances.
-
Know the Policies
Even when you get things in writing, it's important to ask the right
questions. Suppose, as in our case, the fridge was DOA. Would the retailer
replace it or just try to repair it until the warranty expired? It's important
to know their policy and choose your suppliers based on that.
