You're in the middle of remodeling your kitchen and the contractor asks you about adding decorative wall tile. Great idea! But the problem is, you planned the whole project without thinking about wall tile.

 

When selecting designs and products for a project, it is important to think through the decisions before the work starts. Changing your mind midstream can be a costly mistake, as it likely will affect the timeline and cost of your project.

 

With this tile example, you face several problems:

 

·         You already have selected all the other parts of your kitchen. How easy will it be to match tile to the other products already ordered -- cabinets, floor, countertop, etc.?

·         These types of changes can affect your timeline. Instead of an eight week project, start to finish, you are making changes at the four week mark. Now the new tile won't be available for another six weeks. That will delay the completion of the project and possibly add to the installation cost.

·         The tile installer might not be available on short notice.

·         You run the risk of paying several hundred dollars more for the products and installation.

 

A Better Way

In this scenario, the tile should be discussed during a planning meeting with the contractor before the work starts. This will give you ample time to look for tile, order it, and add it into your budget.

 

Plan carefully

·         start with a master plan for the entire room.

·         re-check your plan during an initial walk-through of the space with the contractor.

·         make a list of all the products to be purchased

·         keep records of product order and expected delivery dates

 

In a kitchen project you likely will be buying:

·          cabinetry

·          cabinetry hardware

·          a countertop

·          appliances - dishwasher, refrigerator, range, microwave

·          lighting - overhead and perhaps undercabinet

·          flooring

·          plumbing fixtures -- sink, faucet

·          wall tile or other backsplash material (wallpaper, glass, paint)

 

In a bathroom project you likely will be buying:

·          sinks and fixtures

·          cabinetry hardware

·          a countertop

·          lighting

·          flooring

·          plumbing fixtures

·          tile

·          exhaust fan?

 

When reviewing your product selections, think about the overall picture. Do all the products blend together from a design and functional standpoint?

 

If you want to make changes, discuss them with the contractor before the work begins. Ask the contractor about the implications of the changes.