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Before the start date
Finish your decisions early. Settle the layout, then order fixtures, cabinets, flooring and other selections with enough lead time that the crew is not waiting on a delivery. Ask your contractor for a list of what needs to be on site and when. Permits are often handled by the contractor, but who applies depends on the project and the agreement, so ask who will take care of it and who will schedule inspections. For the details, see What permits do you need for a remodel in Rochester?
Clearing and protecting rooms
Empty the work room as far as you can, and take down art, curtains and anything fragile. Move furniture from nearby rooms away from the work path, and cover what has to stay. Ask your contractor how floors, stairs and doorways along the route will be protected, and where tools and materials will be stored. Think about where the crew will park and which door they will use, and clear that path too.
Dust and air
Remodeling makes dust, and it travels. Ask how the work area will be sealed off from the rest of the house, for example with plastic sheeting and closed doors. Cover or close the vents in the work area so dust stays out of the ductwork, and ask whether the furnace filter should be changed more often while work is underway. When the project is done, some homeowners have the ducts cleaned too; MedCity Duct Cleaning is one option if you want that.
Temporary kitchen or bathroom setups
If your kitchen is being remodeled, set up a small spot elsewhere with a microwave, a kettle or coffee maker, a few dishes and a cooler or small fridge. Plan simple meals and a place to wash up. If a bathroom is out of service, ask your contractor when it will be unavailable and whether another bathroom in the house will stay usable. Agree on any utility shut-offs ahead of time, so you know when water or power will be off. For a sense of the pace of a kitchen project, see How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Kids, pets and neighbors
Tools, open walls and stray nails are not safe for children or pets. Pick a spot in the house that stays closed off from the work area, and keep the work-area door shut. Pets can slip out when workers come and go, so plan a quiet room or another place for them. A quick note to your neighbors about noise, parked vehicles and a dumpster or materials delivery is a courtesy that tends to be appreciated.
Staying in touch during the project
Before work starts, agree on the schedule, the hours the crew will be at your home, how they will get in and who your main contact is. Decide how you will handle questions and changes, for example a short daily message or a regular check-in. Put any change to the plan in writing so everyone is working from the same page. To learn more about services and how projects are organized, see Remodels.
After the work
When the work is finished, walk through it with your contractor and make a punch list of anything that needs fixing or finishing. Ask for warranty paperwork from the partner who did the work, along with any care instructions for new materials. Keep copies of permit sign-offs, receipts and product details in one folder. Then clean up or schedule a final cleaning before you move everything back in.
Frequently asked questions
Should I move out during a remodel?
Not always. Many people stay through smaller projects, but a whole-house job or one that shuts off water, power or the only kitchen can make staying hard. Ask your contractor which phases will be the most disruptive and decide with that in mind.
How do I protect my floors during a remodel?
Ask your contractor how floors along the work path will be covered, for example with protective sheeting or boards. Move rugs out of the way and remove anything fragile first. Agree on who is responsible for repairing any damage before work starts.
What should I do with my furniture?
Clear the work room completely if you can, and move furniture from nearby rooms to a spot away from the work. Anything that has to stay should be pushed together and covered. Ask your contractor what they expect you to move and what they will handle.
Who handles debris removal?
It varies by contractor and by project. Ask whether debris removal and cleanup are included in the quote, and get the answer in writing so there are no surprises when demolition starts.
Who pulls the permits for a remodel?
Often the contractor handles permit paperwork, but it depends on the project and the agreement. Ask who will apply and who will schedule inspections, and check with the City of Rochester or Olmsted County about what your project needs.
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