Steve of Wonder Construction has been a licensed remodeler, builder and developer in Macomb County and Oakland County real estate since 1971. "Ask the Builder" at FixinToFix@gmail.com

The biggest complaint that Macomb County homeowners have about home renovations is the mess that most contractors make during remodeling. Here are some MUSTS that a Macomb County real estate contractor should do, or don't hire him.

Before my contractors and I invade someone's home to do renovations, I prepare the home thoroughly and go over these tips to greatly reduce the stress on the family and home:

• Kitchen refreshment projects require pre-planning. If you are looking forward to a brand new kitchen, it is going to take a bit of time to do the renovations. Have your contractor specifically time out the project and give a specific date of finalization, so you can make other arrangements while your eating and cooking area are out of commission. When we renovate a complete kitchen, we buy our customers 5 dinners for the whole family, on us, to help ease the stress of living without a cooking area. Plan a week of barbequed meals, pre-make meals and freeze them. Set up the microwave in the garage for quick meals. Have dinner at your mother and father’s home. They would love to see you! Ask a friend a favor and eat at their place. Return the favor when you can show off your new kitchen!
• Written bids must include the following: Specific total price (not an estimate). Exact terms when moneys are due. Approximate time of completion. Detailed description of the work that is to be done must be included! Proof of builder's license who has worked in Macomb County real estate. Both you and the builder sign!
• Contractors are men after all. Men with boots and tools mean messy carpets! We protect your carpeting with plastic sticky sheeting, that completely reduces problems of messy carpets. In addition, if we are working in a tiled or hardwood area, we set foam board over the area, so that tools won't drop on precious hard floors and scratch or crack. If your remodeler isn't willing to protect your floorings, foogit about 'im!
• Dusty projects, that churn up drywall and other dusts, need a barrier. Large sheets of heavy plastic will stop dusts from travelling all over your home. It's a great way to contain the mess and we don't go anywhere without our plastic sheets!
• Don't Wack the Knick Knacks. Vibrations from tools and percussion to a home can mean broken trinkets and flying paintings. We suggest that homeowners pack all knick knacks, in the renovation project area, and paintings.
• Children's safety is imperative. We would love to teach your children about home refreshment projects but our major concern is their safety. Make sure your children are completely away from any projects and tools.
• Protection of plants and gardens. When my crew and I are working outside around the gardens that you greatly enjoy, we cover them for their protection. Depending on the exterior project, we protect window glass as well. Just a tip: Put away your hoses and garden tools so that contractors don't trip and fall. It's best to move indoor plants from renovation areas as well.
• Clean up our mess, Mr. Contractor! The old Italian saying is, "you have to make a few crumbs when making bread" but, clean up the crumbs afterwards! Nothing urks me more than a worker leaving a mess behind. We bring in a clean up crew and completely make our finished work look just that: finished and ready for you to enjoy.

What are you FIXIN TO FIX? Email Steve of Wonder Construction for any questions or renovations in Macomb County real estate or Oakland County real estate: FixinToFix@gmail.com