Everyone knows that a lot can go wrong when looking to start a home renovation project. A lot of stories get passed around through friend groups and on the internet of projects going way over budget or never finishing on time or never finishing at all! So you’re probably wondering what the secret to a successful project is. Luckily for you, you’re already on the right track. You’ve started researching what you should do, and there is a lot of great information out there on how to remodel your home successfully.
Here we’ll be going over some of the more significant points on having a successful home renovation. Then, we suggest diving deeper into each of these topics, and don’t be afraid to call professionals and get their opinion!
Hire the Right Professionals
Home renovation projects are all unique. There are kitchens, bathrooms, master bedrooms, additions, basements, second-story additions, and even whole house renovations. These projects require different professionals to get them done correctly, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming to know where to go. We recommend starting with a Design-Build contractor. They’ll be able to go over your dreams and ideas with you to get a clear idea of the project and what it might need. Then, with all their connections in the industry, they’ll help bring in the professionals you’ll need to have a successful project. That might mean you need a professional designer, an architect, plumber, or any other tradesman.
Set a Clear Budget
Before you call anyone, sit down with whoever else needs to be in on the conversation and get very clear about how much you’re willing to invest in this home renovation project. If you can go into consultations, design meetings, selection rooms with a clear and firm budget, you’ll be more likely to stick to it. And don’t be afraid to share your budget with your contractor. They’ll be able to help you stay in budget more than anyone else. Contractors know how much goes into each part of a remodel, and they can help guide you to picking items that won’t blow your budget and remind you along the way.
Get a Contract & Schedule in Writing
Before any work begins, you’ll want to ensure that you have a written-out contract and schedule from your contractor. This will allow you to know what to expect and when and ensure that everything you want to have done is done. Any professional contractor will have a written contract because it also protects them and clarifies what needs to happen before they are finished. It keeps everyone on the same page and reduces the confusion that can occur when big projects get going.
Have a Plan for Furniture
No matter which room of the home you’re remodeling, there are sure to be items in it that need to be removed before any construction can begin. And just like when you’re moving, you’ll realize you have more stuff than you thought you did! The best way to protect your things is to pack them up and store them in a room, garage, attic, or storage unit until the construction is over. If you’re unsure how to go about this, ask your contractor, they might have some great suggestions!
Keep Pets and Kids Safe
We have a whole blog post dedicated to how you can protect your pets from the stresses of remodeling, but this is true for kids as well. Depending on the age of the children, this might be harder or easier. Older kids can be told not to go into the construction zone and stay out of the way. Unfortunately, for younger kids, this isn’t so easy. A construction site is a tempting place for them to explore, so be sure you have enough baby gates, or baby-proofed door handles to protect your little ones. Even a well-kept construction site is a dangerous place for a small child.
Be a Good Neighbor
When you first moved into your home, you probably walked around and introduced yourself to your neighbors. You might even have monthly game nights with some of them. But even if you aren’t buddies with your neighbors, it’s a good idea to warn them of the upcoming project. Let them know you’ll be having workers making noise, parking on the street, and maybe a dumpster in your yard for a bit. While this isn’t mandatory, it’s nice to give them a heads up before all the commotion starts.
Starting a home renovation project is a big deal, and understanding how to pull one off successfully will help you relax as you dive into it. Invest in good professionals, and always plan ahead, and you’ll be sure to not only have a beautifully remodeled home in the end, but you’ll also enjoy the process!
