RULES FOR REMODELING

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Saturday, May 26, 2007

Setting ground rules is a critical part of managing a remodeling project. David Lupberger, author of "Managing the Emotional Homeowner," suggests some issues homeowners should discuss with their builders before a project begins:

What rules apply to children around the building site during working hours?

Where should pets be kept during construction?

What kind of cleanup will take place at the end of each day?

What restrictions, if any, are there on the contractors' use of bathrooms?

Is there a designated eating or smoking area for the contractors?

Are there any parking restrictions?

At what times will daily work begin and end?

Can work be scheduled on weekends?

Where will workers store their tools and building materials?

Whom should the homeowner or builder contact with comments or in emergencies?

Do spaces need to be cleared of furniture? Who should clear those areas, and where should the furniture be stored?

For outside projects, does any landscaping need to be moved or protected?