Home renovations can be both exciting and stressful, particularly if you’ve never done them before. Even a small renovation can be an involved process, often affecting more than you’d initially expect. However, to make sure your renovations, big or small, run more smoothly, we’ve put together this list of useful tips to get your home ready for renovations.
Plan your renovation
It’s vital that you plan your renovation as much as possible before any work begins. You need to understand exactly what you want to get out of the renovation, along with how much it will cost. Make sure your renovation plan includes the following:
- A detailed design, along with any inspiration
- A clear goal for your renovation, like improved function in kitchen or more living room space
- An itemised budget, including money set aside for unforeseen costs
- A list of tasks, divided into what you need to do and what professionals will be doing
- A realistic time frame
Planning can take a while but it’s worth it. Don’t rush it and do as much research as you can. Many people find it’s helpful to begin planning 6–12 months before the project is set to begin.
Hire professionals
Once you have a detailed plan prepared, it’s time to hire contractors to get the renovations underway. While it’s important to hire contractors who can complete the renovation, you also need an expert to ensure your design is feasible. As you look at contractors and consider who to hire, think about the following:
- Insurance: All contractors should have current insurance to complete their work. This protects both you and the workers.
- Experience: Choose someone who has experience and skills that are relevant to your renovation project. While an inexperienced contractor may be passionate, they may not have the knowledge or skills to get the job done properly.
- Licensed: Ensure that your contractors are licensed to complete the work you have hired them for.
- References: If you know anyone who has recently completed renovation work, ask about who they used. Would they recommend the same people? This is great way to find a quality contractor.
- Payment method and schedule: Make sure the payment method and schedule is appropriate, as well as fitting with your budget.
Prepare the space
Once your renovations are scheduled to begin, it’s time to get your home ready. Remove any furniture and belongings from the rooms you are intending to renovate. This will make it easier for tradespeople to complete the work.
If you can’t move these items elsewhere in your home, hire a storage unit for the length of the renovations.
This can also be a good time to declutter your home. Look into mini bin hire to clear out any unwanted items.
- Prepare nearby spaces
You should also remove any fragile or treasured items from nearby rooms as the vibrations from construction equipment may damage these items from afar.
Cover nearby furniture as well as dust from the renovations can also travel throughout your home. - Prepare your family
Home renovations can be noisy, intrusive and stressful. Therefore, you need to prepare yourself and your family. This can include finding alternative accommodation when amenities need to be turned off for construction purposes, as well as making sure you and your family spend time away from the home to relax.
It can also be helpful to explain to younger children what is happening. They may not understand why the house is changing or why there are strangers in their home. Reassure them that it is okay and spend some time together away from home.
If you have pets, make sure there is a safe space for them to relax away from the construction work. You may also need to board your pet or have them stay with a friend or relative if they become overly stressed with renovations or cannot be kept safely away from the work.? - Notify your neighbors
Be polite to your neighbors and let them know when construction work is going to begin. Let them know details, like what is being done and how long you expect it to last. Provide your contact details so they can get in touch with you if they have any concerns.
Conclusion
Whatever you’re looking to renovate, you can make the process less stressful and run more smoothly by preparing yourself and your home for renovations.
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