Home Construction Issues That You Should Plan For

Every home will eventually need to undergo remodeling, an upgrade, or a repair. Because home construction is inevitable, it is best to be prepared and understand exactly what is involved in any projects you undertake. Here are some common issues to be ready for with your next project.

Delays

With home construction, delays are unavoidable . If you expect everything to go according to plan and happen on schedule, you are certain to be disappointed. When you think about every link in the chain that must work in harmony, it makes delays more understandable. Suppliers run out of stock, delivery trucks are slowed by unforeseeable events, and because contractors are human, they get sick, go on vacation, or get called out in emergencies. In addition to this human fallibility, Mother Nature can be especially fickle and deliver the worst weather at the most inopportune times. Plan delays into your schedule, and you are far more likely to come out of the project with your emotional health intact.

Structural Issues

Hidden damage can be uncovered during a renovation project. Common culprits are leaky roofs or pipes that have gone unnoticed for a long period of time. Another hidden danger that could be unearthed during a renovation is a foundational crack. This will need to be addressed by a structural engineer. Often, you don’t realize there is a problem until renovations are being made . When these hidden damages are uncovered, they will need repaired and will cause unexpected expenses. Especially if your home is older, it is a good idea to budget some flex funds into your construction project. You never know when a remodel will uncover hidden structural damage.

Gas Lines

Your home construction project might require extra caution around gas lines. If you will be replacing gas appliances, be sure that the main gas line is turned off before proceeding. Connections should be tightly sealed and there should be no leaks. One issue that COVID-19 has introduced is an impaired sense of smell in many people. If you or a contractor have lost your ability to smell, use a hazardous gas detector to make certain that new lines are tightly sealed. Additionally, it is important to call the national call-before-you-dig hotline if you are doing construction that involves digging. The number to call in the United States is 811.

Legal Problems

When doing construction on your home, it is important to follow all state regulations. This includes building to code and obtaining the correct permits before starting on the project. In addition to completing these important legal steps, it is critical to hire contractors who comply with construction regulations. Some of these regulations are overseen by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. The OSHA is a federal agency charged with ensuring safe and healthy working conditions in the US. Some construction agencies might make illegal changes to equipment, which could cause legal problems for both of you. For example, modifying a forklift may be an OSHA violation if it’s jerry-rigged or drilled through.

Neighbor Angst

No man is an island, and all construction projects will impact not only your own life, but that of your neighbors, as well. It is always a good idea to communicate with your neighbors before the project begins to let them know what you are doing and how it will affect them. If a project is particularly invasive, noisy, or messy, it would never hurt to bring over a plate of cookies when you make the necessary communication. Giving your neighbors a heads up is the courteous thing to do, and it is always in your best interest to maintain a good relationship with the people who live near you.

Disruption

It is best to understand from the very beginning of a construction project that your life will be disrupted. You will need to be home to let contractors in. There will be unavoidable messes and noise involved. You may have to move furniture, be without electricity, water, or gas for a time, or even be forced to make-do with one less bathroom or no kitchen. You may have to make alternative accommodations for pets and contain young children. Home renovations are messy by nature. The more you can plan for the disruption, the more smoothly the process will go.

Under-Budgeting

Many homeowners run into financial troubles by under-budgeting home renovations. Before you go forward with any project, be certain that you understand the full expense. Do your homework and know exactly what will be involved. Additionally, work closely with your contractor to get the closest estimate possible. Whether you will be paying out of pocket or applying for a loan, you should budget for each line item as well as some wiggle room.

Home construction projects can be a hassle, but if you are prepared, they don’t have to be overwhelming. On the plus side, they are always worth it when everything is done and you are enjoying a more beautiful and structurally sound home.

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