Renovation day is coming, and you’ve got a lot to prepare to keep that project running smoothly! Many homeowners would schedule a renovation day with a contractor or a DIY buddy, but forget to consider essential factors like house renovation costs, and the durability of their materials.
Overlooking preparations beforehand can lead to longer, expensive renovations that get interrupted due to scheduling conflicts, materials issues, and costly mistakes. Home renovations are no small feats, as they often require some construction knowledge and experience to do, especially for large-scale projects that deal with structural integrity.
Know what to do during your home renovation, and prepare the things you need beforehand so you can be sure your renovation day goes smoothly within your budget. Make it your goal to have a cost-effective and efficient renovation so you can make the most out of your home upgrade project! Here are 6 ways you can prepare for renovation day:
- Work Out the Costs and Your Budget
First thing’s first: decide the budget that you can put aside for the project. Research on the costs you will incur from renovating your home based on the scope of your project. Decide whether those costs are doable for you, or if you’d rather opt for more cost-effective methods or materials. You can also inquire about estimated costs while scouting for contractors.
Prioritize essential renovations over decorative ones if you’re looking into multiple projects. Renovations are not spur of the moment decisions or impulse purchases – they will become permanent changes to your home. If you have the budget for only one or two renovations on your list, prioritize the important ones first.
- Scout for a Contractor
Scout a contractor who can work with the scope of your project, and with your budget. Look for reputable contractors over expensive ones, as expensive services do not always mean they will provide the best services available. Scout around for reviews, and check out contractors’ portfolios to see if the company is a good fit for your needs.
Manage your expectations as well. Contractors work with a lot of variables and engineering to bring you closer to your dream home, but you need to communicate with your contractors to ensure smooth project construction.
- Check Out How-to Guides
Whether you’ve hired a contractor to do the renovations, or you’re tackling the task yourself, you will need to know the step by step process on properly renovating your home. There are a ton of considerations when it comes to renovating your home, especially when you’re dealing with structural aspects like staircases, additional balconies, and more.
Find how-to guides online to find out what materials and tools you will need to tackle the project. Knowing these will also help you fine tune the estimated materials expense that your contractor offered you. Know the proper method of doing your renovation projects for your own safety so you can be sure your project will last long!
- Opt for Reclaimed Wood
If you’re working with wood, opt for reclaimed wood and other sustainable materials. These will lower your expenses by repurposing quality materials from old homes, and will give you that vintage feel as well. You can choose to line your floors with reclaimed wood, or use these planks to create an extension for your patio.
Similarly, go for sustainable materials over cheap alternatives. Many eco-friendly materials are made to be durable, as you can maintain the structure longer without having to do another renovation anytime soon. Natural materials often give a more minimalist look, and a warm feel to your home too! Be sustainable in your project.
- Keep Your Furniture in Storage
To prepare for that big renovation day, opt to keep your furniture in a storage facility in or out of your home. There are affordable options for short-term storage where you can safely keep your furniture from getting damaged throughout the project period. This is especially useful for large projects that require you to clear several rooms in the house.
For small projects, you may decide to cover your furniture with plastic or paper to protect them from paint splatters, spackles, and stains. However, accidents can happen anytime, and you surely wouldn’t want to risk damaging your precious china due to construction mishaps! Protect your furniture and collections through a storage facility instead.
- Plan Out Your Renovations
Plan out your renovations. How many days will it take for the project to be completed? Will you need to relocate your family for the time being? What permits will you need to start renovations in your neighborhood? There are quite a few factors you need to plan out when renovating your home, and planning them beforehand helps you prepare for the project.
A reputable contractor should be able to handle the paperwork for you, but you may need to check in with your homeowner’s association for any noise restrictions, permits, and documentation that you need. Consider moving into a temporary home or hotel room in the meantime so the renovations can be completed without hindrance.
