What to expect

Remodeling your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also takes time and patience. Knowing what to expect can significantly reduce concerns, and eliminate surprises. We provide the following information as a service to let you know about the construction process and to help you prepare in advance for your remodel.

Dirt:
Remodeling is dirty! Dust and debris will abound. However, we will do our best to keep your home as clean as possible by using dust barriers, flooring protection, proper disposal, etc. But please be prepared for some dirt and dust to find its way into your home. When your project is complete, a cleaning service can be scheduled.

Noise:
Remodeling is also noisy. Again, we will do our best to keep unnecessary noise to a minimum, but most days, noise cannot be avoided.

Site Access:
We will attempt to make the least intrusive entrance to the job site. For room additions, equipment and supplies will need a fairly large access to your project, such as a side yard or driveway. This area will need to be cleared and kept free from obstructions during the project. This will help to avoid damage to landscaping, concrete, flooring, etc. in other areas. An area will also be needed for material delivery, dumpster, and sanitary facilities (porta-potty). An average driveway will accommodate much of this. Depending on your location, the dumpster can be placed on the street in front of your home with a special permit. If furniture storage is needed, this can be scheduled and a container delivered for a charge.

Animals:
If you have dogs or other animals in your yard or home, they will need to be secured out of the job site and access area. Your fence may be partially removed and Dunnwell Construction cannot be responsible for locking up pets. Animal security will be the sole responsibility of the owner. We will let you know when this will need to be done, but it will be before the commencement of work on your project. Construction crews need to be free to come and go as needed in and around your property. Animals will need to be secured every day while your remodel is in progress. Please plan ahead for this. In the case of dogs, there are no exceptions to this rule. If animals are unsecured or become a problem, personnel will leave the job until such time the animals are secure, causing unnecessary delays.

People/Children:
If you have children, please be sure to keep them out of the work area, particular during work hours when dangerous tools are in operation. Children are very curious when their house is being worked on. We realize this is your home and your project, but keeping everyone living in or visiting your home at a safe distance when work is in progress will insure everyone's safety. Falling debris, nails fired from nail guns, saws, dust, and many other things can present a hazardous condition.

Security:
Dunnwell Construction will attempt to keep your home as secured as possible during construction, however with many projects this is just not practical or possible, such as when exterior walls are being altered or removed. A lock-box will be attached to your door so that workers can access your home during working hours and when you are away. Dunnwell Construction works with only the finest specialty contractors around, however, please be sure your most valuable items are safely locked away or off-site during construction to prevent loss or damage.

Work Hours:
Normal construction hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. On occasion, crews will work later than this or arrive slightly earlier to set up, such as when pouring concrete. Sometimes, we will ask to work on Saturdays to accommodate scheduling conflicts or extra work. We will notify you first if this is the case. Some days, no physical work will be scheduled to allow for scheduling conflicts, inspections, or other circumstances. Please do not be alarmed. Rest assured, your project is proceeding.

Change Orders/Extra Work:
Changes to the original contract during construction can occur. Sometimes, these changes are client based, such as adding or deleting fixtures, windows, features, selections, or other modifications. Unknown circumstances and conditions can also be present in your home that are unknown at the time work begins and are only revealed after demolition. Some examples are faulty wiring, rotten plumbing, poor soil conditions, existing work completed improperly or out of code, termite damage, dry rot, mold, asbestos, or other hazardous materials. These conditions will require remediation and add to the cost of your project and the completion time. We will discuss all change orders and extra work prior to proceeding and we will need a signed change order to proceed. This change order will outline the work described and the cost. The cost for these services will be due upon completion of the work outlined in the change order. We will make every attempt to remedy the problem in the quickest and most cost effective manner.

Eating/Sleeping:
During a major renovation or room addition, your home may become somewhat or totally unlivable. A kitchen or bath remodel and/or major construction in or near your bedroom, or walls removed can cause a disruption to your routine and comfort. Please think about these conditions ahead of time and plan accordingly. We will do our best to work with you, but please understand the scope of your project and the impact it will have on your living conditions.

Patience:
Your patience is needed. Even the best-scheduled projects have delays and even top of the line components fail from time to time. Major remodeling takes time and patience. You will be provided with approximate start and completion dates as a part of the written contract. We make every attempt to be proactive and address issues quickly and efficiently.

Communication:
Finally, but most importantly, COMMUNICATION is the key to success. If a problem arises, it should be addressed as soon as possible. Little things can fester and create unnecessary conflict. If you see something you don’t like or don’t understand, let us know. Likewise, if there is something you like or were impressed with, please share it with us.