Residential Contractors can do amazing things with your home – but they’re not miracle workers. Sometimes homeowners come in with some unrealistic expectations about how their renovations will go, and that can lead to uncomfortable conversations.
We want to help you create your dream home, but that does involve understanding the nitty-gritty of how renovations work. So, in this article, we wanted to talk about a few hard truths about home upgrades – straight from expert Rochester home improvement contractors.
Some Facts to Consider When Hiring Residential Contractors
Suggestions from Contractors on who to work with are often more beneficial to you as a homeowner
Occasionally, a homeowner may be trying to hire workers piecemeal, like hiring one group to do the floors, another to do the walls, and so on. They might even try to hand off work to friends or relatives of theirs.
Unfortunately, this approach usually just leads to chaos, miscommunication, and delays. Your work will go faster and more smoothly if you let your primary contractor bring in their own people, whom they can trust and know how to work with. They aren’t trying to rip you off; they just want a solid team with experience working together.
Residential Contractors may not be able to reuse your cabinetry, flooring, or other fixtures
Sometimes we get requests from a homeowner that we preserve and reuse a particular fixture, such as an antique cabinet that’s always been with the home, or vintage wood flooring. Here’s the problem: Older fixtures tend to fall apart once they’re taken down. Depending on how they’re mounted, removing them without damaging them may be virtually impossible.
If there’s a piece you really want to preserve, your residential contractor will put in their best effort to save it, but sometimes this just won’t work out. That said, sometimes the remains can still be repurposed! For example, the doors of an old cabinet could be turned into display pieces.
Local zoning regulations are rarely flexible when working with Residential Contractors
Are you thinking about upgrades that are outside of what’s permitted by your city/county/state regulatory boards? Chances are, they aren’t going to happen. Home renovation contractors know how to work with government agencies and can help you obtain your permits – but we can’t get the laws changed for you.
Of course, it never hurts to ask. Sometimes there are loopholes. But if your contractor says “sorry, we’ll never be able to get the permits for that,” they’re telling the truth. Hopefully, they’ll be able to suggest some alternatives that will be acceptable within local ordinances.
Don’t be afraid to specify your needs in detail
Believe it or not, home improvement contractors in Rochester like it when a customer is detail-oriented and specifies exactly what they want. You’re not being difficult or demanding – you’re making the contractor’s job easier by telling them the parameters of the job.
This is much better than a client who’s afraid to speak up and only starts complaining or making demands after work has been done.
Our Home Improvement Contractors Near You Are Here to Help!
Spartacus Construction has extensive experience doing home renovations and upgrades across upstate New York. Our team of residential contractors is happy to help you design your dream home. Click here for a free quote and consultation on your upgrades!