Don't Become an "If Only"

You can usually tell that a home remodeling project - especially a larger one - went well if the homeowner does not include an "if only" in their conversations about the end result. Unfortunately, too many homeowners do end up uttering those words. It's not that anything went really wrong with their project, it just didn't turn out quite as they envisaged.

A lot of the time in this situation the problem was not with the work that was done but what the homeowner failed to speak up about. Here are a few examples that you should keep in mind as you plan your home remodeling project and maybe learn from the mistakes of those that have gone before you.

If Only I Had Asked For More Outlets

This seems like a rather insignificant detail at first - which is probably why so many homeowners forget all about it - but having the right number of electrical outlets in the right places can make a huge difference to the function of any space.

For example, the homeowner steps into their beautifully remodeled kitchen only to realize that they can't put their appliances where they wanted to because the outlets are too far away. Or they cannot use their hairdryer in front of that great new mirror because they forgot to ask the electrician to add a socket there. Your contractors are not mind readers and will only do the work you ask them too. Make sure that you discuss even the smallest of details - like an extra outlet - with your contractors before the work begins.

If Only I Had Been More Specific

The clearer you can be with your contractors during a remodel the better. He knows that you want tiling done in the bathroom, but what about the color of the grout? Do you want the handles and drawer pulls that come standard with your kitchen cabinets or do you want to pick out something different? Again, think about these little details before the project begins to avoid disappointment and/or additional expense.

If Only I'd Been Around More

Work may suffer if the "boss" is not around and without good, ongoing communication between contractor and client little problems that could have been solved with one phone call can snowball into serious issues. It should not have to be your contractor's responsibly to try to catch up with you for two days to answer a simple question that is holding up the whole project. Make a habit of checking in with your remodeling construction crew at least once a day, just to make sure that everyone is still on the same page.