10 Tips for a Great Construction Experience

Let’s be honest. Construction projects, especially ones in your own home, are extremely stressful! There are so many decisions to make, so many people to manage, and it can cost so much of your hard-earned and saved money. I think this is why so many people put off construction projects, it just seems like too big of a mountain to climb. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help!! Keep reading for my top 10 tips for a great construction experience!

1. Design Comes First

This may sound like an obvious first step, but you wouldn’t believe how many people expect to plan out their design as they go. It simply doesn’t work! Logistically, you need to have the specs of all of your selections in order to build them and plan around them accordingly. For example, you can’t order your gorgeous new countertops without also selecting the sinks you want to go in them! And you can’t select wood for your new custom cabinets until you’ve decided if you want paint or stain on them! And those are just the obvious examples. Don’t get me started on the importance of selecting furniture, art, and drapery on the front end! The thing is, if you’ll make ALL your design decisions, from furniture, to lighting, to draperies, to cabinetry, to countertops, THEN you’ll get a far more cohesive end result!

2. Don’t Rush to Start

No, really. Give yourself plenty of time!! There’s truly no need to start this in two days. Rushed projects come with compromises in quality and longevity. So STOP IT!!

3. Make All Decisions Before Starting

Every single decision should be made before you even begin! Every. Single. Decision. I’m talking grout, install style, layout, stain colors, window type, etc., etc., etc. Don’t leave anything until later. Dig in NOW and make the decisions! Why? Because decision fatigue will come either way. You don’t want all of your project to be on hold, while your house is an active construction zone, because you are struggling to make yet another decision! And logistically, it needs to be done. See the first tip if you need a review!!

4. Be Flexible

I like to encourage our clients to, “stay in athletic stance.” Chances are, an item will be backordered or unavailable or a sub-contractor will get sick on a crucial install day. These things happen! But this isn’t the end of the world, and everything will come together. Just breathe. (:

5. Don’t Just Hire the Cheapest Guy

Don’t ever hire “the cheapest guy,” or the one who can “start it tomorrow,” my GOD! People need to understand how crucial and DANGEROUS your electrical work, plumbing work, framing, even PAINTING can be if done improperly. Even cabinetry! You hire the cheapest guy, 6 months later your whole house is filled with bowl weevils. Like.. stop it. Construction projects are an investment. If you cheap out on the front end, you will pay for it later!

6. Find the Right Contractor

That brings us to a very crucial step… finding the right contractor! Here’s some things you should look for: sub-contractor relationships, a beautiful portfolio, great references, and great reviews. But more than any of this, find someone who understands the vulnerability of going through a home renovation. Find someone who genuinely cares for your family, for your safety, for your life! This can’t just be a job to your contractor, this HAS to be a calling, or else you’ll get bad work and have a bad time.

7. Hire a Designer

You have so many talents and abilities, and you should use those. You don’t have to pretend to be a designer, too! Let a designer make your grout selections, layout, finishes, dimensions, etc. This will save you money in the long run. I promise, I’ve seen it time and time again. This will save you stress. This may even save your marriage!

8. Get a Calendar from Your Contractor

Get a calendar from your contractor before signing your contract to make sure you’re all on the same page. This way you can monitor the day by day! Are we meeting our timelines? Meeting our goals? If not, why? If your contractor doesn’t give you a set calendar for the remodel…why? It’s amazing to me the number of times I’ve said “a kitchen remodel takes 6-8 weeks” and people’s jaws drop as they say “mine took 8 months!!!!!!” Like...it literally shouldn’t. That’s stupid. Get a calendar. Stick to the calendar. 

9. Don’t Rush the Financial Decisions

Don’t make financial decisions in a rush. Sometimes it’s “well, I want to save $1,000 dollars,” but 2 years from now you may think “omg. What was I thinking!!!! Why was I trying to save $1,000!!!” Likewise, rushing into an $8,000 change order just because you’re panicking is CERTAINLY never the move either. 

10. Hire Lambert Home Instead

So, you could do it all yourself and take on all of the above steps on your own (bleh). Or, you could hire us! I mean, come on. You have a job! Whether that’s in the office, or if you’re managing your own family at home, you’re busy! You’re stressed! Let us help!

We have the expertise and the relationships to ensure your project is completed exactly how you want. Read through our process document to understand that we mean business, and then contact us when you’re ready to get started! Why wait to have the time to make your home a space you love?