A GUIDE TO DEVELOPING A BETTER RELATIONSHIP
WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR

It is a well known fact that having a stranger in your home, no matter how pleasant or talented, can cause stress. Add that to the fact that this particular stranger will be swinging a hammer and making noise-not to mention the sawdust and other dirt-and it's easy to understand why some homeowners consider remodeling to be stressful.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) likes to think of it as creativity in process. Yes, it may be noisy and dirty; it may be disrupting to an otherwise normal household environment; but the results are definitely worth the inconvenience in the end.

To help you survive, NARI has come up with some tips to minimize the surprises and prepare you for a contractor in your home:

	Before work begins, ask your contractor what inconveniences may occur and plan for them. Discuss the contractor's working conditions-estimated time subcontractors will begin work, mode of operation, etc. And do this before the work begins so you understand what to expect ahead of time. Clearly spell out any special considerations you may have, for example, asking that the workers do not block the driveway without checking if the homeowner's car is out of the garage, etc. It is often these minor details that are overlooked in the planning stage and which lead to irritation later.
	Be sure that your contractor is fully aware of your vacations, business trips or special events so that he or she can plan the work schedule accordingly.
	Move your personal property from the construction areas and declare all work zones off-limits to children and pets.
	Always put changes in writing if the scope and complexity of your remodeling project is modified while work is being done. Any amendments should be agreed upon and signed by both parties before the new phase of the project is started.
	Keep a job file including the contract, plans, specifications, invoices, change orders and all correspondence with the contractor for clarification should questions be raised at a later date.

Working relationships take time and trust. Be open and honest from the beginning. Discuss problems or irritations as they occur so you and your contractor can devise alternative solutions. And remember to be patient. Keep your mind on the end result. By the time you cook the first meal in your new kitchen or soak for the first time in your new whirlpool bath, you will have forgotten the noise, dust and other distractions.

For additional help and guidance from NARI, call the National NARI Homeowner Remodeling Hotline or your local NARI member.