Your remodel is complete. The remodeler has packed up their gear and are on to their next project. Hopefully they have a final visit scheduled with a representative from their company to thank you and answer any final questions you may have. That being said, I would love to take this time to talk to you about what I recommend.

The first thing I recommend is to look at your paperwork for information on all the products that went into your remodel. At my company, Amiano & Son, our client’s product information is listed in their contract or change order. The difference being where ever they contractually signed for the product from our company. In that information you should be able to at least find the make, model and finish of the product. In today’s world most product warranties begin online with the registration process. You need to go online to the manufacturer’s website, under their registration/warranty section is typically where you can register your product. There you will input all of your information and the product information. After completing the registration save the information so you can easily file a manufacturers claim in the future. On their website they will also give you maintenance guidelines that will help you keep your product in great condition.

Now your products are registered, what is next ?  I encourage my clients to get a dust blower like you use on a computer and blow out your smoke detectors. Dust settles no matter what you do and it can wreck havoc on your smoke detectors setting them off at odd times. Do the same for your TV’s, computers, and other electronics that were in the vicinity of the remodel. Change your home air filters more often then usual. Again, dust settles, (hence the phrase),  so make sure to get as much dust out of your house ASAP.  Dry dust your floors and furniture a few times after even a contractor cleaning. Removing the dust with a dry method is thorough and does not streak the way the wet method will.

The next few items I recommend are things we already do for our clients but most contractors do not. Ask to keep or get an additional small bit of grout for your tile areas. Ask for a tube of matching silicone for maintenance that matches your grouts. Inquire about  a touch up kit for your cabinets if available. Some of the lower end cabinetry will not offer them with their cabinets.

If you got wood floors you definitely want to maintain and care for them. The first thing you should do is put felt pads on the legs of the chairs so they do not scratch your new floors. Maintain your pets nails as well unless you enjoy the character they add to the floor with scratches and indentations. When you are registering your floors take care to look at their cleaning recommendations. Some only recommend a light water and white vinegar mix, others a special cleaner. Wood floors require consistent humidity levels within the home. Be cognoscenti  of these humidity levels and the seasonality of the levels.

The final items I will rattle off as you probably have heard them a hundred times.

• Deep clean your plumbing fixtures every once in awhile. This will help to get rid of build up especially in rainhead showers.
• Get your grout sealed. It is simple to do on your own or hire a company to come out and seal it for you. Many times this is not included in remodels as it can seal in the construction dust.
• Seal your natural stone products every one to two years. Based on the use you will be able to tell when they are due for a touch up.
• Put your range hood grids in the dishwasher as needed. I see a lot of clients who forget to do this. Your cabinets will build up residue on them if your range-hood is not venting properly.
• Wipe down your cabinets with plain water every quarter. It is a simple thing that we all forget to do. It will keep them clean and will not leave a residue.
• Take a picture of the paint cans color mixture. You might have some paint left, you might not. Better safe then sorry so take a pic.

This article is sure to hit home for some kind of remodel that you have done or are planning to do.