Alas, the home remodel is over, but you’re not done quite yet. There are still a few things to take care of. As the excitement of your new floors or kitchen cabinets wears off, keep these tips in mind. They’ll help you protect your investment and keep your home looking beautiful after a remodel.
1. Do a final walk-through.
Once the remodel is complete, the contractor should do one final walk-through. They’ll be looking to make sure everything is 100% perfect. And you should, too. If there’s something you’re not happy with, tell them. For example, if you requested the bathroom tile to be laid a certain way and it wasn’t, that’s something they should fix. Even though you might be anxious to get the renovation over with, take the time to run through this finalizing step. Otherwise, you might have regrets later on.
2. Get the maintenance details.
Before the contractor leaves, be sure to ask about maintenance. While everything looks terrific now, eventually it may get dirty or at least need routine care. You should start thinking about things, like:
- What needs to be sealed?
- What filters need to be changed and when?
- Which cleaning products are safe to use?
These are all questions you need to ask — especially if the products are exposed to sunlight or moisture. And, heavy-use items, like appliances and floors, also require special attention. Plus, certain materials come with specific cleaning instructions. Laminate floors, for one, cannot be cleaned with a wet mop. Make sure you find out all of that information now so you can enjoy your remodel for many years.
3. Retain the project information.
In case you have any questions later down the road, always keep track of the contractor’s information. And, if you ever want to work with them again or recommend them to a friend, you’ll be prepared. Also, take note of what products were used. That way, you will know how to get more supplies if anything ever needs to be replaced — like paint for doing touchups.
4. File the paperwork.
Be careful that you don’t lose any paperwork because you never know what you might need later. This includes warranties. Make sure you register all appliances and products after a remodel. Most warranties have a time limit on when an item can be registered. And, in case something breaks down the road, you will be covered. Sometimes, the contractor will register everything for you, but not always.
5. Clean up.
The tarps are gone, and the tools are away, but there’s still some cleaning left to do. Most major remodels leave behind a lot of dust and debris. Those particles get trapped in your home’s HVAC system. Therefore, cleaning the HVAC and any furnace ducts should be a top priority.
6. Contact your insurance agency.
After a remodel, get in touch with your insurance provider. Document your investment and make sure everything is taken care of on that front.
7. Take precautions.
Before you put the silverware in the drawer or bring in your furniture, you might want to take some precautions. A lot of homeowners like to line their kitchen cabinets or put protective felt on their dining chairs. A few minor precautions can make a big difference in the lifespan of your new remodel.
Learn more about home remodeling today. Contact Friel Lumber in Queenstown, MD for all your building materials and design needs.
