Project Management | Keeping clients happy during a green remodel!

When remodeling a home there are a lot of times when we have to perform work in a residence that the homeowners actually live in while we work. In order to protect any installed components, to keep dust and dirt from the work area to a minimum and most importantly – to make sure the actual working area stays clean and no dust and dirt gets trapped in new wall cavities or underneath cabinets and new components, a number of precautions should be taken:

A) All woodfloor walkways get covered with a floor runner that is specifically made to protect existing wood or hard surface flooring. This material breathes and does not leave any marks or stains if left on the flooring for an extended amount of time. 

B) Shield the rest of the house from the work area with a plastic cover or tent that is tightly taped at all wall/ceiling connections. This keeps dust and dirt to a minimum, but don't expect the rest of the house to stay perfectly clean during the construction process. No matter how good a work area is covered, there will always be some amount of dust.

C) At the end of each walking path, put down "tacky" mats. These mats are sticky and collect dirt and dust as workmen walk over them. This really helps to keep the rest of the home as clean as possible.

D) Always cover all newly installed components such as cabinets, plumbing fixtures and new flooring immediately.

E) Cover all HVAC supply and return ducts and ensure that the HVAC is not running while major dust is produced such as floor sanding or drywall sanding.

F) Vacuum all wall cavities before they get closed up. Too many times you see sanding dust and drywall mud, drink cans and all sorts of other stuff that stays in wall cavities and just gets covered up with drywall. Not so on properly managed projects. All wall areas should be vacuumed and inspected before the drywall crew hangs sheetrock.

F) Most importantly, perform a thorough daily cleanup. Don't use regular shop vacs with regular filters as they seem to spread more dirt around then they pick up. Ensure that vacuums have HEPA filters and bags and vacuum the entire work area.

Using these methods will ensure that the process of remodeling is made as pleasant as possible for your clients while the work is performed. Of course it is equally important to set proper expectations. Clients should know that it is impossible to keep a house completely dust free while work is performed. Ensure that they are aware of working times and when to expect extra loud noise and both parties will have a much more pleasant remodeling experience.