How to Prepare for a Home Remodeling Project
Whether you are remodeling a room or your whole home, any remodeling project can be a large and exciting undertaking. There are many factors that should be remembered before and during your renovation. Here are some of those that we find most important.
SET YOUR BUDGET
This may seem like an obvious first step into any major endeavor. Most people dive right into a renovation without realizing the cost of completing their project. Make sure to do your research and create a list of what is realistic for your budget. Life is full of unanticipated moments. Try to avoid these during your renovation by factoring in 10-20% extra into your budget.
CHOOSING AND COMMUNICATING WITH CONTRACTORS
Choosing the ideal contractor is a task that will take some research and one that shouldn’t be made lightly. Do initial research, talk to friends and family to see if they have a contractor they would recommend. Ask them to be honest! Sometimes the best review is from people you know. Search the internet for companies in your area and pay attention to the reviews. In addition to these resources, always try to utilize the Better Business Bureau’s website as a good overview of companies. However, not every company is on the Better Business Bureau’s radar.
Be open with any prospective contractor. Treat any meeting with them like it’s an interview. Make clear what your visions are, any concerns you have, and your budget. Talking to a contractor about what your visions are for your home is a great way to see if they are capable and comfortable doing what you want and also giving you the confidence that they can complete the job.
SCHEDULING FOR THE RENOVATION
Depending on the size of the renovations, most take 8 weeks minimum to complete. Believe it or not contractors will work with your schedule. You shouldn’t have to let your work life or weekends suffer because your home is undergoing a refresh.
The time of year can dictate certain renovations as well. Spring and fall is ideal to replace those rickety windows with your new energy efficient ones as well as doing any exterior painting. Everyone wants the beautifully landscaped yard, the newly shingled roof and sturdy deck for family reunions and weekend cook outs. In conjunction with when family reunions and cookouts can happen, the summer is the best time for that new patio you’ve been dreaming of. In the winter warm up your home with indoor renovations like painting and new flooring.
Should you stay or should you go while renovations are ongoing? Stay, always stay. Even though your renovations will take time, it’s always best to stay in town. Communications with your contractors will be quicker if you both are in the same time zone. If your house will be undergoing major renovations, it might be worth it to stay elsewhere that’s close by instead of living under the chaotic mess that will become your home. Plus it’s better to see the progress in person.
PREPARING YOUR HOME
This step is equally as important as choosing your contractor! The amount of preparation will depend on what exactly is being remodeled. Don’t leave your home as is and don’t wait until the renovations are underway to do this step.
When preparing your home, it’s best to treat it like you are moving. Pack up or bubble-wrap your valuables. Bigger pieces of furniture should be moved into another room, garage or basement that won’t be a part of the renovation or placed in a storage unit.
OTHER NOTES TO REMEMBER
From the start, have good communication with the contractor you choose. Return any calls the day you receive them.
The benefit of hiring a professional contractor outweighs any problems or issues that may arise trying to complete the project yourself.
There is no way to avoid dust, but contractors lay down plastic sheets where they are working to help control it.
Talk to your kids about the renovation. It might be unnerving for them if their safe space is changing.
Remember your furry friends! This is just as stressful for them as it is for you and even more so for your contractor.
SOURCES
Thorsby, Devon. “To Prep for Your Home Renovation, Do These 6 Things.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, 9 Feb. 2018, realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/6-things-to-do-to-prepare-for-your-home-renovation.
“5 Home Remodel Prep Steps | HomeAdvisor.” Home Improvement Tips & Advice from HomeAdvisor, 29 Aug. 2017, www.homeadvisor.com/r/5-tips-to-prep-for-a-remodel/.
Fies, Mina. “6 Things You Must Do First to Prepare for a Home Remodel.” Renovation Roadmap, 4 May 2017, www.renovationroadmap.com/prepareforahomeremodel/.
Schroeder, Beth Orr. “How to Prepare for a Remodel.” Angie's List, 14 July 2017, www.angieslist.com/articles/how-prepare-remodel.htm.