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Helpful Tips for Homeowners

HELP REDUCE STRESS DURING YOUR REMODELING PROJECT

The homeowner's role in the remodeling process doesn't end once Great Northern Kitchen & Bath (GNKB) has been hired. Simple steps, initiated by the homeowner, will reduce the stress of your remodeling project over the next few days or weeks. We suggest the following tips to create a positive experience for everyone involved.

PLAN AHEAD

No Water or Power

Know in advance if and when workers plan to shut off your power and water. You can avoid food spoilage in the refrigerator/freezer. Also, be prepared by having a supply of bottled water on hand. Make temporary arrangements with a neighbor or friend when "nature calls".

Create a Phase List of Procedures

Meet with GNKB/contractor and create a list of work that will be done. Try to incorporate a chronological timeline so you'll know what phase of the project you can expect next.

Make an Extra Key or Create a Temporary Security Code

Depending on your schedule, there may be a need to share keys or opener/security codes with us. If you give an opener or security door code, create a temporary code while the work is in progress. Once the work is complete, return to your regular code.

DOUBLE-CHECK ALL MATERIALS UPON ARRIVAL

Is That the Right Color?

Once tile, cabinets, baseboards are installed, there's no turning back (or at least it can be very expensive to do so). Before workers start drilling, gluing, nailing, painting, etc., make sure the product you ordered matches the product that was delivered to your home; and don't just trust the box it came in. Open it!

Don't Plan to "Buy as You Go"

You can cut down on last-minute stressful decisions as well as material availability delays by selecting all materials with GNKB/contractor in advance.

BATTEN DOWN YOUR BELONGINGS

Cover Furniture and Carpeting

GNKB/contractor will take the necessary steps to protect and cover the work area, but remodeling leaves more dirt and dust throughout the house than you can imagine. You may want to cover furniture in other areas of the house, especially in rooms adjacent to work being performed.

Dry-clean Drapes, Rugs and Upholstery

Use remodeling time as a perfect excuse to have curtains, rugs and upholstery cleaned. Otherwise, remove drapes, throw rugs and upholstered furniture and place them in an area away from the work being performed.

Store Breakables

Accidents happen. Box away knick-knacks and personal mementos from the construction zone for safe keeping. If furniture is to be moved, pack contents in boxes and remove them from the work area. This protects contents from loss and breakage and also prevents the homeowner having to dust or clean each knick-knack after the work is complete.

STAY OUT OF CONSTRUCTION AREA

Safety First

It is the homeowner's responsibility to keep children, toys and pets away from the work area at all times.

Maintain Schedule

Enter the work area when workers are on a break or after they have finished for the day to eliminate disruptions and injury to the homeowner or workers. This is important for maintaining construction schedules as well as safety for the homeowner and workers. We understand the urge to watch over the contractor while they work but it usually leads to additional conversation and unwanted delayes.

Create Space

Make adequate room for tools, equipment, materials and workers. Remove your items from the work area so workers have sufficient space to work.

BE HOSPITABLE

Basic Human Relations

Realize that workers are going to be part of your lives for a period of time. Win cooperation from workers with mutual respect and honesty.

Refreshments

It's a nice gesture for hard work. An unexpected pot of coffee or a cold glass of lemonade will always get a "thank you".

Give Compliments

Nothing makes anyone work harder than a sincere word of appreciation and gratitude.

Be Cool and Calm

Take a deep breath, step back and trust the contractor’s skills. Time-clocking workers only builds resentment and tension, be flexible.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

No one can prepare for the unseen incidents that may transpire during remodeling projects

Tearing down a wall may uncover a problem that demands plan revisions. Remember, late deliveries, inclement weather, wrong parts is part of our industry and not necessarily directly related to GNKB/contractor. We are diligent about our procedures but mistakes do happen, we expect to resolve them immediately and get your project back on schedule as soon as possible!

1051 East Main Street (Rt. 72), Suite 106 East Dundee, IL 60118 Ph:(847) 844-6961

Great Northern Kitchen and Bath