Prepare for Your Remodel Like a Pro

Like most major events in life, starting a home remodel requires preparation. Home renovations can take weeks. This time can be overwhelming for some homeowners. Considering the tips discussed here can help to alleviate some of the stress that can come with home remodels.

 

Communicate

Good communication between the homeowner and remodeler is the key to a successful remodel. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. It’s important to be able to trust your contractor. This will help you feel more at ease and reduce stress.

Tidy Up

It’s important to declutter and clean up areas that are to be remodeled. The crew members working on your home will need plenty of space. Storing valuable items will reduce the risk of damage and dirt. Large furniture will also need to be removed if the flooring is being replaced. To reduce clean up and damage, you can cover up furniture in adjacent rooms.

Timing is Important

You should schedule your remodel to avoid causing major disruptions to your current lifestyle. For example, you shouldn’t plan a remodel during the holiday seasons if you typically host guests. If you have kids, you may want to schedule your remodel during the school year to keep them away from the site during the day.

You also need to consider if you want to stay somewhere else while renovations are happening. Some people take this opportunity to travel or go on vacation.

Living with the Work Zone

If you decided to stay at home during renovations, there are a few things you should sort out beforehand. If your kitchen is being remodeling, you’ll need to set up a temporary kitchen. You can use a mini-fridge to store any food items and a countertop convection oven to cook. Your outdoor grill will also be very useful during this time.

If you have pets at home, it is important they are kept away from the job site to ensure their safety. Pets should keep in crates or separated from the work zone. If your pet is easily frightened, you may want to find outside care for them during the day.

Declutter

Just like bigger furniture, it is important to clear out any clutter. Especially for kitchen remodels, everything needs to be removed from cabinets and counter space. This ensures that your contractor can easily work on your home without disruption. It’s safe to remember that the crew is there to remodel your home, not declutter it.

This is also a good time to sort through what you want to keep and what to trash or donate. When your newly renovated space is finished, clutter will be minimal and organized.

Proper preparation and planning will help make the remodeling process less overwhelming. It also makes your remodeler's job easier. During the remodel, decisions will come up. Having a good communication line between you and your contractor will make things go much more smoothly. Lastly, with remodels come big changes to your home, during and after. Try to make the best of it. After all the chaos, you will have a beautiful new space.