Do your homework
It is a good idea to ask around and find out just what contractors and sub contractors are reliable and do great work. You don't want to go with just anyone and have your remodel be a disaster. So, get referrals and ask around. It is even a good idea to make a list of those referrals and meet with all of them. Once you have found the one that you like and think will work best for you, then hire them. Don't hire before you do your homework, you will be sorry.

Schedule
Set a schedule that everyone can stick too. Obviously, it is a good idea to create a schedule that you and your contractor can follow. Talk to you contractor about your vision of when you would like the work to be completed. Have them draw up a schedule and discuss it so that you both can be comfortable with it. Remember, just because you have created a schedule doesn't necessarily mean that you have to follow it exactly and chances are things will come up the you can't help. Always leave room in your schedule for things like inspections not passing, bad weather, or other unexpected things that will cause delays.

Communicate
Make sure they will be available to do work when needed according to your construction schedule. If you have to wait a week for electrician or somebody else, then this can delay the overall project. If you communicate properly with your subs and contractor this will really help you to stay on schedule. Give them due dates of when you want things done. Let them know the dates you need them and when you would prefer them to show up to begin work each day. Also, let them know about the possibility for change. Communication is key in a successful remodel.

Penalties
If you really want your workers to stay on schedule, then you have to let them know that you are serious. It is ok to include penalties in the contract if the contractor doesn't stick with it. If for some reason they break the scheduling of when they said the project would be finished, or even what time they are showing up, then dock a certain amount of pay per day until in is completed. Letting them know you are serious will ensure that they stay on task and complete the project as specified..

Have other plans
It is ok to have back-up plans. If for some reason your sub contractors aren't working out then you can go with someone else that you had previously talked to. Make sure to get several bids, hire one of them and then ask the other one to be your back-up. If things fall through, then call your back-up in to complete the job. This will ensure that if one of your sub contractors don't show up or they aren't doing a good job, then you can call your back-up in to work. Addressing the problem this way will help you keep the work going and the remodeling progressing.

Sticking to these tips for keeping your home remodel on schedule will help things go smoother and according as planned. Why deal with the headache of a project being drug out over a long period of time? Next time you decide to remodel your home, stick with these tips to make sure that you have your home looking beautiful in no time.