The home renovation process can be both exciting and stressful. To make it easier for you to understand the seven-step by step home renovation checklists and ensure a pleasant experience, we’ve broken them down.
The first step in any home renovation is to define your goals. What are you hoping to achieve with your renovation? Are you looking to increase the value of your home, make it more energy-efficient, or simply update the look and feel? Once you have a clear idea of your goals, you can begin to develop a plan. be realistic when setting your budget, as unexpected costs can quickly add up.
1. Set Your Budget
First, determine how much money you can spend on your home renovations. Although it might not be the most enjoyable step, it will help to manage expectations and determine how large a transformation is possible.
It’s okay to have a range at this stage because later the finer details of your budget can be put in place. A broad overview of your budget will help you decide if you are able to start the project right away or if you need to save more to make the changes that you desire.
2. Get Inspiration
There are likely many things that you want to do in your space. Even if there is no solution, take the time to write down your daily frustrations. Perhaps you don’t like the oven being in the main space, or you need more storage for your bathroom. These issues, no matter how small or large will help you and your remodeler to understand your needs and priorities.
Also, take time to find inspiration for your new space. You can explore the styles and finishes that you like, and create a Pinterest board to show your preferences. Your remodeler will assist you throughout the selection process. However, it is helpful to have a general idea of your preferences and needs so that the process can move smoothly.
3. Make A Timeline
Next, we will create a timeline for your home renovation. The most popular seasons for home remodeling are spring and summer. If you don’t start your home renovation plans in spring, you might have to wait until fall or winter.
This will help ensure that everything stays on track and that you don’t get overwhelmed with the process. Having a timeline will also help you budget for your renovation, as you’ll know exactly how long each task is going to take.
Reverse Your Work
It is best to set a date that your project will be complete. Once you have established a completion date, you can go backward and add time for planning, decision making, and construction to determine when you should start. It’s never too late to start planning.
The Construction Phase
Most bathroom remodels take between five to seven weeks once construction begins. Kitchen remodels can take anywhere from eight to ten months. You will need more time to complete a renovation, especially if you have to order special materials.
The Planning Phase
Before you start construction, you will need to plan you’re remodeling with help from a contractor. This step can vary depending on the scope of the project and the contractor is chosen, but it should take at least six months to finalize a design, select fixtures, and sign off on your final scope of work.
It is important to account for lead time for any product you purchase. Many cabinet manufacturers require a lead time of 10-12 weeks. This should be taken into consideration. If in doubt, plan your perfect home renovation at least one year in advance.
4. Research Potential Contractors
After you’ve established a timeline and a start date, it is time to hire a contractor. You’ll have them as your partner in the entire process, making sure that every detail is included in the final design.
Here are some things to look for when looking for a home remodeling company.
- Experiences of depth and breadth
- You can find similar work examples from the past that you like in your space
- Positives
- Awards and Accreditations from Trade Organizations
- Good personality fits
It is important to take the time to learn about each remodeler. A bad contractor could completely change the mood of your project.
5. Get Started Planning You’re Remodel
Now comes the fun part! The next step in our home renovation checklist will help you to visualize your vision.
Each home remodeler will have its own process. However, this is your chance to express your frustrations and prioritize your goals for the new space. To ensure that everyone is heard, make sure you include everyone who uses the space.
Your final space will be affected by the choices you make during this stage of your home remodel. Don’t hesitate to voice your opinion. This is your chance for the space you have always wanted to create. Also, this is a good time to review your original budget to ensure it covers all the work that you want to do and to adjust as needed.
6. Prepare Your Space
It can be stressful to prepare for contractors coming into your home for several weeks. While we streamline our work schedules to make it easy, there are some steps you need to follow to prepare for a home remodel.
You may need to rent storage units or move things to a garage, depending on how big the room is. You should carefully pack and move any valuables and keep them away from the renovation area.
7. Plan For The Actual Renovation
Preparing your family to live in the house while you renovate is the final step of our home renovation checklist. To keep debris and dust out of your home, our team will install dust barriers. Your space is ours and we will do everything possible to make it as easy as possible.
Construction can be disruptive even in the best of circumstances. You may want to avoid letting your pets and children play near the construction site. It is a good idea to plan your renovations during the school year, or while your children go on camp. If your pets are irritated by the noise, you might consider asking a friend or family member to watch them.
Bathroom Renovations
You’re lucky if you have multiple bathrooms. The bathroom renovation will not likely affect your ability to use the toilet or shower every day. You will need to talk with your remodeler if the bathroom you are renovating is the only one.
Remodelers are often able to adjust their schedules so that you don’t have to go without a toilet for a day. You may have to be creative and use a neighbor’s bathroom, gym, or work as part of your renovation schedule. You can also choose to go on vacation and return to your renovated bathroom.
Kitchen Renovations
It can be difficult to live without a kitchen while you remodel your home. Your kitchen will likely be the only place in your house that is used for food preparation. Preparing microwaveable meals ahead of time is a good idea. You may also want to plan on cooking out often during the renovation. The Crockpot is your friend and can save you a lot of time.
Although renovating your space can be stressful, it is possible to have a positive outlook. It’s only a brief period that will bring you years of enjoyment from your new space.