It's no secret that no matter how smoothly everything goes, the sometimes disruptive process of a renovation can be stressful on families. There are workers coming in and out of your house at varied hours, building materials all around, and the daily disarray that comes with a project. While most people take into account the effects this will have on their families, they often neglect to consider the impact it will have on their best friends – their pets.
Since we at Palmer Custom Builders are pet lovers, we want to ensure that your pets remain safe. We’ve even gone to the extent of putting a pet clause in our contracts. When you are selecting a contractor, we encourage you to make sure that you're on the same page when it comes to your pets. While our crews have been known to walk homeowners' dogs, their – and any workers' - primary focus is on completing your project well and on time. Because your pets' safety is ultimately your responsibility, here are some things to look out for:
Building materials/tools are everywhere. During the day, workers are using sharp saws and dangerous power equipment. The loud noises from power saws and nail guns can be unsettling to a pet's sensitive hearing. Nightly cleanups may miss metal shavings, nails or screws, or chemical agents that can be dangerous or deadly if consumed.
Escape routes are open. While you may be mindful of where your pet is when opening doors, that’s not necessarily the case with workers - even those who make an effort to be cognizant of your pets. Materials are frequently brought in through garages, where invisible fences typically aren’t run. Gates may be left open to facilitate loading. Once, when we were remodeling a main level master bathroom, our crew was handing construction debris out the window when the family cat took the opportunity to jump through. We were able to retrieve the cat, even though the man who did so got bit, but fortunately, this scenario ended happily.
Legal issues. Even though the case of the cat ended well, if your pet bites a worker in your home, you might be opening yourself up to legal issues, so preventing contact should be a priority.
Site dangers. A construction site can be a dangerous place. If flooring materials have been removed, it's possible for an animal to fall into a crawl space, or if they are outside, fall into holes dug for footings.
Fear of the Unknown. We typically seal off work areas with plastic. During one kitchen renovation, an overly enthusiastic cat managed to penetrate the plastic. Since the kitchen was completely stripped, he panicked in the now unfamiliar space. Fortunately, he did not injure himself and we remedied the situation by erecting a semi-permanent wall. But this points out that animals will do things they wouldn’t normally do under stress. Changes and strangers in their environment, loud noises and more can wreak havoc on pets.
Designate a space! For these reasons and many others, we advise homeowners to keep pets in a designated area. A closed room is good, but a crate is best, as it eliminates the chance of your pet running through a door accidentally left open. If you have the option, we highly recommend having your pet stay with a friend or family member for the duration of your project.
In years past, Charlotte's most elaborate outdoor living spaces were, if you'll pardon the pun, decked out. They featured elaborate architecture, expansive paved areas, and fixtures and finishes that rivaled the finest gourmet kitchens. As the economy and times have changed, the way homeowners view their outdoor living spaces has also been transformed. Homeowners are taking a conservative approach and undertaking projects that stretch their home improvement dollars. Fortunately, a well-planned outdoor living area remains a wise investment.
One of the unintended effects of the recent financial crisis is that many homeowners are opting to fund necessary renovation projects out of pocket instead of taking out a loan. When every penny that is invested in a project is, shall we say, more personal, homeowners are often less likely to indulge in those little “extras” that normally would be financed over a period of years. Yet if you scrimp on items that will make a real difference in your comfort, enjoyment or the functionality of your space, you actually may be sabotaging the success of your renovation.
Sure. He seemed like he knew what he was doing when he knocked on your front door, said he was tackling some work at your neighbor’s house and asked if you needed anything done. That was before he skipped town with your money, botched the job, let your dog escape or any of a myriad of other nightmare scenarios. While you might never fall for this classic con, all too many well-meaning homeowners do fall victim to contractors who are either dishonest or just wrong for their particular projects. Every month, we meet homeowners who tell us stories about having chosen the wrong contractor for a project, and it is very sad to hear. Too many well-meaning homeowners hire start-up companies or unqualified individuals, friends or relatives who need a job and erroneously think they can handle the project. The homeowner thinks it’s a win-win – you help them out, they help you out and you save yourself money. Unfortunately, using an inexperienced person can prove costly in more ways than one – the extra time it takes as well as the money often required to fix things that weren’t done correctly the first time. Here are 10 warning signs that signal the contractor you’re considering just isn’t right for you.
