Remodeling
Success 101

Q: What is "zoned" heating and cooling?

A: As a way to lower energy costs and promote more comfortable, healthier indoor living spaces, contractors may create separate smaller zones for heating and cooling, rather than treating the entire building as one big zone. Smaller, more efficient heating and cooling equipment are responsible for smaller zones within the house. The warm or cool air generated by the equipment is distributed through metal ducts (or chases) only to its designated zone, thus reducing energy use and providing more precise control over temperature and comfort.

No one wants to experience the "remodeling horror stories" we've heard from acquaintances or the media. To make the most of your remodeling experience, it is important to understand that good communication with your remodeling contractor is the most reliable way to avoid that problem. Without good communication, headaches and hard feelings are all too common. By contrast, an open line of communication is the key ingredient to a successful and satisfying remodeling experience.

Shopping for a remodeling contractor is fundamentally different from shopping for a new house. When you shop for a new home, you can see the completed work and examine every detail. When you plan a remodeling project, you cannot be sure exactly how your existing house will be changed. That fact underscores the importance of diligently and patiently interviewing potential contractors and checking references before making your selection. You want to start your project with comfort and confidence in the remodeling contractor who will be your partner in the process.

A contractor's way of presenting information during an initial phone call or interview is often an indication of how he or she will communicate during the execution of your project. In addition to imparting a sales message, a remodeler or staff member should seek your input and questions and provide understandable and satisfactory answers. Follow-up gestures, such as a thank you note or phone call, can be signs of quality communication used by that contractor.

Before and during your remodel you will have many decisions to make. Be sure you are comfortable with the remodeler's procedures for maintaining effective communication. How will you approach your builder to raise questions or discuss the progress of your project? Who is your contact person on the remodeler's staff? Many remodelers or their on-site superintendents (often call "leads") use a scheduled review, or "walk-through," of the remodeled section of your house at specified critical stages of construction. These walk-throughs can take place during structural framing, electrical and plumbing rough-in, or after the interior walls have been dry walled. As you select a remodeling contractor, ask about additional opportunities to communicate, such as ad-hoc meetings, phone calls or emails.

After you select your remodeler, you will find that a detailed scope of work -- outlining the construction process along with an agreed timeline or schedule -- provides a guide for your questions and expectations. The scope of work and schedule will also establish deadlines for key decisions on your part. When those deadlines are clear to you, you can avoid hasty, last minute choices and contribute to the smooth progress of the work.

Before construction begins, review with your remodeler the exact process for requesting, confirming and executing changes, or "change orders," during your project. It is always necessary to make a change or two. A well-established routine will avoid serious misunderstandings. Your selected remodeler should also provide you with detailed information about warranty and service call procedures after the project is completed.

Successful remodelers got that way by communicating effectively with their homeowner clients throughout the entire process of sales, construction and warranty service. Respect your contractor's proven strategies and procedures, but also take the opportunity to express your needs within that framework. Your home and circumstances are unique. Once you and your remodeler have agreed upon communication methods that are comfortable for you, you can rely on the process and look forward to successful completion of your remodeled home.

Warm regards,

info@highcraft.net
www.highcraft.net

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