4 Tips for Stress-Free Home Renovation and Maintenance
Working from home means homeowners are using their homes in ways they have not before. This increased exposure has led them to discover issues that they had previously missed and caused them to think about improvements that were not priorities in the past. Top Hat Home Services has been helping Manhattan homeowners take care of and upgrade their homes for over 15 years with small to mid-sized projects. New York City has become one of the toughest places to get a small project or home renovation done on budget and on time. Having a relationship with Top Hat eliminates the need for the frustrating and sometimes endless search for a qualified and trusted provider.
As the project manager for many townhome, brownstone, loft, and co-op renovations, we have helped people get through renovations with the least amount of disruption and stress. Not to mention, they get the result that they hoped for. Whether you’re working with an architect, designer or doing it on your own, here's how you can get ready for your renovation:
It’s Hard to Find Good Help
The pandemic has forced many service businesses out of New York, making it harder to find qualified vendors. If you have a landmark property or are looking to make the property sustainable, it adds on an extra layer of challenge. Overall, New York City homes have unique challenges.
When interviewing vendors, make sure that the current team (not just the company, staff turnover is an issue right now) has experience with your type of property.Have they worked in a landmarked property before? Ask for and speak with referrals.Look at their portfolio.Make sure you get in writing the timeline, costs, and team members.One of the advantages of Top Hat Home Services is that we are transparent about who will be working on your renovation.
Murphy’s Law
Be prepared for the worst. What if you had to stay a few extra days at a hotel or family member’s house -- will that blow your budget? What if contractors open the kitchen wall and uncover an ancient electrical system or old pipes? Have a reserve “what if” fund just in case things don’t go as planned.
Do your neighbors know that you’re planning a renovation? For smaller jobs, like redoing kitchen cabinets, there won’t be too much noise.But larger renovations can mean a fleet of trucks, workers going in and out and loud construction sounds.Be a good neighbor and let them know that you’re about to start a project.
Permits. Permits. Permits.
Another joy of working in Manhattan are the plethora of permits that are needed for a residential construction job. If you’re redoing the bathroom or kitchen, you’ll likely need permits to switch out the plumbing and to do the electrical work. If you’re working with an architect, their plans must be approved by the Department of Buildings, which can take months. Make sure that the person or team managing your project is taking care of securing the permits.
Insurance
As we mentioned, things can go wrong. Before you hire a contractor, ask if they have liability insurance plus workmen’s comp. Have a trusted agent review the policy since many cocontractors, to lower the cost, have hidden limitations in their policies. Just because their policy says they have $5 million in coverage doesn’t mean it covers a specific situation that might affect you. That way, you’re covered for everything from a busted pipe to a broken leg. You should also check your homeowner’s policy to ensure that you’re protected from an issue caused by a contractor. Some insurers offer an add-on to cover renovation-related risks.
We’ve seen jobs go smoothly and we’ve been hired to clean up jobs that went horribly wrong. The most important thing is to be prepared and have the right team helping you with your home renovation. Even a small renovation can be a great investment whether you’re looking to sell soon or enjoy your home for a good long time.
Gary Mindlin is co-founder and owner of Top Hat Home Services, a full-service property care and management company. Top Hat services homes in Manhattan and are known as experts in every aspect of building management, maintenance and repair, as well as renovation and construction supervision.