You have made your selections and signed the contract, but you do not want to start your project without a pre-construction meeting with your contractor and team. The meeting ensures everyone is on the same page with the schedule, communication and project itself. Here are 10 topics to discuss during the pre-construction meeting.
Work Days and Hours
The work days and hours depend on your living arrangements. Discuss the schedule with your contractors so you know when they are going to be at your house.
Parking, Trash and Recycling
Let your contractors know where they can park and when they need to move their vehicles. Discuss the trash and recycling schedule so they do not block the area during the pickup.
Home Security
Let your contractors know how they should access your home when you are out. Discuss the schedule and where a spare key will be hidden. If you have an alarm system, contact your alarm company about setting a temporary code for your contractors. The temporary code can be canceled once the project is complete.
Communication Needs
Your pre-construction meeting is the perfect time to ask for the contact information of everyone working on the site. You also need to give them your contact information and an emergency contact. Be sure to let them know how and when they can reach you.
Protection of Site and Landscape
Use the meeting to walk through the interior and exterior with your contractors. Point out what areas need to be protected, and let them know what type of site protection you would prefer in your home. You also need to figure out where to place the materials and dumpster.
Talk To Your Neighbors
The pre-construction meeting should also include talking to your immediate neighbors about the construction. You want to give them enough time to make other arrangements if necessary.
Utility Shutoffs
You may need to turn off utilities such as the water, gas and electric during the construction. Show your contractors where they can access the panels and circuits for your utilities and certain appliances.
Pets and Household Workers
If you have pets, make temporary living arrangements so they are not stressed over the noise and workers. If you are keeping your pets on-site, place them in a room away from the construction. You also need a plan for taking care of your pets and sticking to their routine.
Your household workers and contractors should be aware of all schedules so there are not any surprises, or you can suspend the cleaning or gardening service until the project is complete.
Regular Meetings
Schedule a regular meeting every week, every other week or every month. Use this meeting to get updates, ask questions and discuss the overall project.
Miscellaneous Concerns
Use your pre-construction meeting to address questions and concerns about scheduling, billing, mail delivery, permits or anything else regarding the project.
You can find a qualified contractor in your area through Alair Homes North Vancouver. The company specializes in tasks such as remodeling, renovation and custom home building.
It is important to hold the pre-construction meeting at least one week before the start date. This gives you and the main contractor enough time to come up with a solution for every concern.