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Planning Your Renovation: Strategic Preparation
Renovation is often a stressful process, but proper planning minimizes risks. The first step is not searching for a contractor, but creating a precise Scope of Work. Before contacting anyone, have you determined your timeframe and budget?
Pre-interview Questionnaire
Use these questions to filter candidates:
- What was your last project of a similar scale and how long did it take?
- How do you structure your workday and who handles technical details?
- Do you have a list of materials that I need to purchase in advance?
- What guarantees do you provide for plumbing or electrical installation work?
Verification and Red Flags
When reviewing a portfolio, pay attention not just to general aesthetics, but to details: the joints of tiles, the organization of electrical panel cables, and the smoothness of wall surfaces.
Red Flag Checklist: When to Stop Negotiations:
- Unrealistic Deadlines: If a contractor promises a full renovation of a 100 sq.m. apartment in two weeks, it means technological processes (e.g., drying time) will be compromised.
- Verbal Agreements: Avoid any contractor who avoids providing a written estimate.
- Full Upfront Payment: A professional will never ask for the total amount in advance. Payment should be tied to specific milestones.
- The "Low Price" Trap: If an offer is significantly lower than the market rate, expect "unexpected" costs to arise during the process.
Contracts and Management
Reliable contractors work with contracts that outline deadlines and penalties for delays.
Contract Structure:
- Scope of Work: Detailed and numbered.
- Payment Schedule: For example: 20% advance, 30% after intermediate stages, 50% upon completion.
- Quality Control: A clause that covers the correction of defects at the contractor's expense.
What to Do When the Project Changes?
If misunderstandings or conflicts arise during the work, do not wait for the problem to escalate.
- Written Communication: Document all changes via messenger or email to maintain a history.
- Pause: If you see quality declining, request a work stoppage and a meeting to clarify the situation.
- Contract Termination: If trust is lost, end the relationship and finalize accounts only based on completed and accepted work.
Sheniani Market Index (Average Timelines)
Based on market data in Georgia, a full renovation of an average-sized apartment (plumbing, electrical, finishing) should not take less than 3 months. If someone promises 1 month, it is a direct threat to the engineering safety of your home.
At Sheniani.ge, we make it easy to connect with verified masters so you can be confident in every stage.
Start your project today — post a request and receive reliable offers from professionals.