Survey’s in. Home starts are down and new home permits are at an ALL TIME LOW.
Many Home Builders are going to become Remodeling Contractors to supplement the workload. This will make Contractor selection for residential remodels a bit more challenging.
Although I have worked with and around many Home Builders turned Remodelers who were very qualified, I have also worked with and around many who were clueless when it came to things like how to blend in old siding, stucco, drywall, with new without obvious defects. There is a huge difference in starting from a clean slate and retrofitting new to old seamlessly.
There are other challenges most home builders aren’t used to dealing with too, like logistics and strategic planning. Factoring in limited areas for material drops and limited access is sometimes difficult. Sometimes we are left to do rigorous work by hand that would normally be done with heavy equipment. I can also recount some interesting experiences involving getting huge beams into attics or under floors when there was limited access to say the least.
Imagine how disrupting it can be trying to completely demolish a kitchen or only bathroom while families prepare for work and school, while making every effort to cause as little inconvenience as possible. I too had to learn to meet these challenges years ago when I started taking on large remodel projects.
I’d have to say that the number one issue that I’ve seen in the Home Builder to Remodeler transition has been dust and debris containment during remodel construction which is a foreign element in new construction. Another item that doesn’t require as much attention in Home Building is the need for daily, sometimes multiple daily cleanups.
Most Home Builders have never even heard of the new EPA- RRP requirements which require any contractor who works on homes built prior to 1978 to be a certified lead based paint renovator. Stiff penalties apply to those who don’t adhere to this rule! More info on RRP below.
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Long story short- Those of you who are planning to remodel should be very diligent in screening your contractor. Extensive remodel experience is a plus!
Related links-
EPA RRP Rule
Housing Survey
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