Preparing your home for a construction project can seem like an overwhelming task, but with proper planning and preparation, you can minimize the disruption to your daily routine and ensure a smooth construction process. Whether you are renovating your kitchen, adding a new room or building an addition, here are some tips on how to prepare your home for a construction project.
Clear the Space
Before the construction begins, clear the area where the work will take place. Move any furniture, decorations, and other items out of the way to create an open space for the construction crew to work. Don’t forget to remove items from the walls, not only in the construction area but from the adjacent rooms as well. We do our best to set up dust protection but there will be dust as well as the vibrations from the work which can transmit through the floors and the walls of the home, potentially causing items on adjacent walls to fall. This will help to protect your belongings from potential damage or dust.
Protect Your Home
While we do our best to protect the workspace, construction projects can create a lot of dust, debris, and noise. To protect your home, consider covering floors, furniture, and valuables with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. You can also use painter's tape to protect walls and other surfaces from scratches or scuffs.
Communicate with Your Contractor
Communication is key when it comes to preparing your home for a construction project. Discuss your expectations with your contractor before the work begins, and ask them to provide you with a timeline for the project. You should also establish a point of contact with your contractor in case you have any questions or concerns.
Consider Your Family's Schedule
Construction projects can be disruptive to your family's daily routine. Consider your family's schedule and plan accordingly. Typically we install a lockbox on your home so that the Open Meadow team and trade partners can access the construction area as needed during working hours. This allows our team to get the work done without having to further inconvenience your family’s schedule and doesn’t require you to always be home to let us in.
Plan for Utilities
If your construction project involves any changes to the plumbing or electrical systems in your home, make sure to plan for the disruption to these utilities. Talk to your contractor about how they plan to work around your utilities, and consider making alternative arrangements for your family's needs during the construction process.
Create a Plan for Waste
Construction projects can generate a lot of waste, including building materials and debris. Talk to your contractor about how they plan to handle the waste. At Open Meadow, we typically place a dumpster in the driveway on dunnage to protect the driveway. Please note that household trash should not be added to the dumpster so that we can prevent attracting wildlife and causing an odor.
Account for Valuables
Construction sites create a lot of attention and unfortunately at times, they can become targets for theft. We recommend locking up or storing valuables elsewhere for the duration of the project.
Make a plan for your pets
We love animals and know that pets are part of your family but we also know that animals are naturally curious and may wander into the construction area. We want to make sure your furry family members are safe and comfortable so you may need to keep them in a separate area of the house or have them stay elsewhere for the duration of the project. For more details, see our blog post on keeping your pets safe during construction.
Preparing your home for a construction project takes time and effort, but it is essential to ensure a successful project. By clearing the space, protecting your home, communicating with your contractors, considering your family's schedule, planning for utilities, creating a plan for waste, accounting for valuables, and considering the needs of your pet, you can minimize disruption to your daily routine and protect your home during the construction process.
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