If you have recently made the decision to update your home, congratulations! We know how exciting it can be, knowing that in a few weeks’ time you will have a new kitchen, windows, roof lantern, conservatory…delete as appropriate.
However, before you can sit back and watch the contractors transform your room or home, there are a couple of things you can do to help smooth the way and expedite the process. The better prepared you are, the faster you can enjoy the new addition to your new home – whatever it may be. Our article this month takes a look at what you can do to prepare for the contractors coming in.
Do you need to move out?
Depending on how large or disruptive the job is expected to be, you may need to move out – at least temporarily while the bulk of the job is undertaken. Discuss this with your contractor in advance so that you know the exact dates of when you need to be out and to give you enough time to find suitable accommodation. You will also need to arrange for keys to be collected and returned. If you are moving out, you will also want to make sure that there are no valuables left in the property as a precaution. Contractors will be moving in and out and opportunistic burglars may take advantage of an open door or window. Alternatively, put any valuables and cash in a safe – ideally one that is not freestanding.
Move things out of the way
If the work is to be more localised, in one or two rooms, then you will need to move some of the furniture out or into a far corner, away from the construction work. This is also a good opportunity to remove any picture frames or paintings on the wall that you don’t want damaged, as well as any smaller, more fragile items such as lamps, framed photos, knick-knacks, or china. You also want to make sure that the route from the front (or back) door into the room that is being worked on is clear of any obstacles or breakable items.
Cover what is left in a room
All contractors will have dust cloths with them, but you may prefer to add a first layer of your own for extra peace of mind. Dust cloths not only prevent dust from settling on to furniture, but it also protects from possible scratches and knocks as things are moved around.
Cash and valuables
Whether you are moving out or staying, the advice for storing cash and smaller valuables – such as jewellery – in a safe place or an actual safe still applies. One option could be to leave them with trusted family or friends who can look after them for you until the work is completed.
For questions or advice on preparing for your contractors to come in and work on your home don’t hesitate to ask our expert team at Parsons Joinery. With extensive experience of transforming people’s homes, we are sure we can help. All you need to do is get in touch by phone or email – find us on 01273 814870 or at enquiries@parsonsjoinery.com.
