Do you want to renovate your home? That’s not an issue, but do you know where to get started? Do not worry; you are not alone in this. Most homeowners start home renovation without an idea of what they should expect. It is only after stumbling over renovation mishaps that you will regret moving too fast.
If you do not have an elaborate plan, any home renovation efforts will be futile and full of disappointments. There are so many unforeseen issues and costs that make home renovation a complex process. Therefore, before your home renovation, you should think about the following factors.
Set specific renovation goals
This may not be a challenger after all because you must know what you want prepared. However, it is an area that most people overlook, making it worth a mention. The first thing you need to do is set your home renovation goals before anything else. What do you want to achieve with the renovation? Which areas do you want to repair?
Generally, your home renovation should be meant to offer improved function, comfort, and convenience. This may mean touching every section that seems out of shape. For instance, if you have mold growing on the ceiling, you should replace the ceiling and the roofing because that is where the real problem is found.
Additionally, you should consider the result you want to achieve with the renovation. What style would you like to have at the end of the day?
Have realistic timelines
Here is something for you; your home renovation is likely to take longer than you plan. With this in mind, you need to plan for accommodation and other aspects to avoid being frustrated when the work continues after your expected deadline.
For instance, you may think that a ceiling replacement will be fast enough to allow you to move in after a week. However, the contractor may find other issues with the roof during ceiling replacement that take more time to rectify to ensure that the ceiling is installed properly.
This may take another day or two or more, meaning you have to wait for longer than initially planned. Therefore, you should be very realistic with your home renovation deadlines and expect unforeseen scenarios that may warrant more waiting time.
Take an audit your possessions
Whether it is a bathroom remodel or kitchen renovation, you need to know all your items and have them in a list form. This will help you in the following ways:
- Keeping track of your valuables during a renovation may help you with insurance claims when damage occurs.
- Listing all your belongings helps tidy up the place to decide what you want to keep before starting your home renovation. This way, you may have to categorize your belongings into four groups: save, donate, sell, and hand-me-down. If you find anything that you may not want to use after the renovation, it is advisable to donate or sell it.
- You need to store your valuables when the renovation is being done. Keeping track of what you have helps you determine the space you need to store them.
- Lastly, keeping a record of your belongings helps you know what you can have unpacked during renovation and what must be put away. For instance, you may want to downsize some stuff to maximize space and allow renovation to proceed uninterrupted.
How to find the right people for the job
What makes a good contractor? This is a question you must answer before you start scouting for a contractor to help you with home renovation. High-quality and reliable workmanship at a reasonable cost is the first thing that should come to your mind. Accordingly, other factors such as availability and experience as just as vital.
Therefore, before you start a home renovation, you have to find the right person for the job. Some of the most reliable ways to find a good contractor include:
- Referrals from friends and relatives
- Inquiries at the nearest hardware store
- Inquiries at worksites
- Google search
The chances are that you will be close to any contractor working on your home renovation. Therefore, you must ensure that you forge a good relationship and communication with these people.
Compare different contractors
One factor that determines how you find the right contractor is to compare different quotations. For example, you may get two completely different quotes for roof replacement costs and wonder which contractor to choose. The cheapest option isn’t always the best option. If you already have several contractors from your search, you will want to interview them to determine the right one for the project. It pays to compare bids.
For instance, if you want your drainage checked, interview different plumbers and compare their work experience, portfolio, and pricing to see if you can find the right one to get the job done at a reasonable price. Without comparing different companies, you risk overpaying for your home renovation or hiring someone without the required experience to finish the job in time without compromising quality.
Choose the right materials.
Considering the materials you plan to use is also crucial in your home renovation journey. Are you aiming for a rustic aesthetic or a modern finish? Choosing the right products can make a significant difference. For instance, if you’re refurbishing wooden elements, using a high-quality product like Briwax can enhance the natural beauty of the wood, adding a touch of elegance to your renovation. Being mindful of the materials you incorporate ensures that your home not only looks appealing but also stands the test of time.
Ask as many questions as possible
One of the things you should have on your bucket list is as many questions as possible. You want your home renovation done by a reputable company. So why not find out what they know about the job.
Any reliable contractor will be open and transparent about the services. Additionally, the company must be willing to share information about their practices and answer all your questions honestly. If you feel like someone is holding back something, you should consider moving to the next expert.
No matter how complicated the process is, a reputable company will be accountable for its practices and operation. Accordingly, the only way to find out this is by engaging the professionals. Asking questions also helps make realistic plans to avoid inconveniences during the renovation process.
Work with a realistic budget
The good thing about comparing and interviewing different contractors is that it allows you to estimate home renovation costs. This should help you draw a budget that works for you. However, you must be very realistic with your budget to ensure you cover every cost plus emergencies that may come up during the renovation process. This aspect means that you cannot work with a fixed budget and achieve the desired outcome.
It is essential to have a working budget before you start your home renovation. However, do not be very rigid and risk compromising on quality. The chances are, you may face unexpected delays that increase the overall cost of renovation.
Put everything down in writing
Keep in mind that mistakes happen. Accordingly, sometimes people don’t listen to instructions, or they may misinterpret what you said. Therefore, you should put everything down in writing to ensure you have proof of your agreement.
Without this, you may end up losing your warranties or having the wrong sections repaired, leaving what you wanted in the first place. Home renovations have hiccups, and that is why you should write everything down to save time and money on things that may be forgotten easily.
Do not overlook the ceiling plan
Most homeowners focus all their attention on the floor plan and other details, forgetting that ceilings also need renovation. Chances are, some changes that happen during a home renovation may affect the appearance of your ceiling. For instance, renovating your bedroom may change the style, leaving the ceiling hanging. Therefore, always consider the ceiling plan before you start your home renovation.
Limit where you shop
Another crucial aspect before you start your home renovation is to ensure you limit where you shop. For instance, do not buy finishes from one supplier and fixtures from another. This may cost you more. Additionally, shopping from different suppliers may compromise the quality and look you want to achieve with your home renovation. Find one brand that offers everything you need to complete your home renovation to save time and money.
Update your security system
This is very crucial, especially when working with contractors you do not know personally. During any home remodel, you should expect days when people come in and out of your home. For instance, designers, suppliers, and contractors may be moving around completing different tasks.
Accordingly, there are days when you have to rely on these people while you are away on other tasks. This aspect means that adding a security system is very crucial before home remodel.
Think about:
- Investing in a safe to protect your valuables and documents
- Installing video doorbells that help you monitor movements while you are away
- Installing smart locks that grant limited access to various people only
Consider other inconveniences
Most homeowners go into the renovation process without planning for the unexpected. Well, this is a mistake you should avoid. Always keep in mind that a home renovation comes with other inconveniences, depending on the extent of repairs.
For instance, you may want to:
- Consider covering your belongings to prevent dust from destroying them.
- Expect noise levels to be unbearable at times.
- Consider joining a gym to get somewhere you can shower if you are renovating the bathroom.
- Use your backdoor as the main entryway during the renovation.
The bottom line
A home renovation is meant to change your home’s look. However, there are many things that happen during this process, which may force you to reconsider your decisions. Nevertheless, you can make it as straightforward as possible by following one simple rule; never assume anything.