Renovating your home can be daunting, especially if you have no prior experience with such an undertaking. How long does a home remodel take? How much will it cost? It may seem easier to buy a new home than to renovate. As a homeowner, however, renovating is oftentimes the most direct and realistic path to realizing your dream home.
Even with planning and an ironclad budget and timeline, things can—and typically do—go wrong, so it’s essential to be thorough in your preparation to minimize variables and maximize the chances of on-time completion. With careful planning and foresight, you can turn your dream renovation project into a reality with as little added stress as possible. This article will provide tips on successfully completing a home renovation project with minimal hassle.
Contents
Renovation Wishlist: Needs, Wants & Priorities
When it comes to renovating your home, the first step is to create a renovation wishlist. This list should include everything you need and want for the project. It’s important to distinguish between needs and wants as this will help you focus on what’s vital for the project and prioritize more costly items. For instance, a new kitchen countertop may be desirable, but space-saving condo storage installations might offer you more utility.
If your home renovation plans involve multiple projects of varying scope and size, be deliberate about the order in which you complete them. The contractors and design professionals you work with will be able to guide you in this regard, but it’s generally advisable to complete the largest projects first.
Budget, Budget, Budget
Allocating a budget for your renovation is essential to ensure that the project remains within your financial limitations. Researching different aspects of the project, such as materials and labour costs, will give you an idea of what to expect.
It’s also important to factor in contingency funds to be used if something goes wrong or additional work needs to be done. The cost of building materials can change considerably in the span of a couple of months, and supply chain issues can cause serious and costly delays. Furthermore, inclement weather is notorious for disrupting home improvement projects and upending timelines. Such delays can bankrupt a renovation effort without available contingency funds and leave you with an unfinished home.
Research Thoroughly
It’s important to do your research before beginning any renovation project. This includes researching the job itself, as well as the professionals and materials you’ll be using. Look at Houzz or Pinterest for home design inspirations.
If possible, visit showrooms or stores to get a better idea of what type of materials are available for your renovations. Try to avoid using materials that frequently go out of stock; if you finish tiling 90% of your floors with hard-to-find tiles and run out, you could be forced to decide between living with an unfinished floor or patching the empty space with another material.
Hire a Contractor (After Checking References)
Depending on the project’s scope, you may need to hire a contractor. Before making your decision, take the time to research potential contractors and check out their references. Ask questions regarding their skill set, experience and cost estimates. Additionally, ensure they understand your project’s vision and have a clear plan of action.
It’s advisable to request examples of a contractor’s past work. This will usually help you determine whether or not they can fulfill your home renovation vision.
Create a Comprehensive & Realistic Timeline
Creating a timeline of when each aspect of the project should be completed is important for staying on track. The timeline should include start and end dates and any milestones or breaks in between. Make sure to factor in extra time for unexpected delays or problems that may arise during the renovation process.
Permits: Keep it Legal
Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need to obtain certain permits from local authorities. Make sure to research this in advance and ensure that all your paperwork is in order before starting the project. This will save time and money down the road if any legal issues arise.
Packing & Patience
Before starting any demolition or construction, carefully pack up any items that need to be moved out of the way. This will help to keep them safe and protect them from dust and debris. Additionally, patience is important throughout the entire process; remember that some tasks may take longer than expected!
Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to designate a protected living area that will be shielded from the dust and debris of the renovation.
Preparation & Planning for Success
Renovating your home can be stressful, but with careful planning, foresight and research, you can complete the project with minimal hassle. From creating a renovation wishlist to obtaining permits, following these tips will help ensure that all aspects of the project are covered and that you have an enjoyable experience. Good luck!
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