What You Need to Know Before a Home Renovation

Written By Alla Levin
March 03, 2020

What You Need to Know Before a Home Renovation

Home renovations can transform your living space, infusing new life and energy into your home. However, the journey from concept to completion is often fraught with challenges that can test the patience and resolve of even the most seasoned homeowners.

Understanding these obstacles and preparing for them can make the renovation process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s how to tackle some of the most common struggles.

The renovations can provide a fresh face to your place, allowing you to secure a higher selling price in the future and more enjoyment living there now.

Have a Plan First

Before starting a project, like installing new floors throughout the house or renovating a room, make sure you have a plan. Otherwise, it’s straightforward to get sidetracked and do more than you envisioned or not even do what was initially hoped for because of getting caught up in the activities.

The problem is if you go beyond the budget and spend money for other purposes.

While there will be more decisions to make once the Renos get underway, making some choices today can help relieve stress down the road and ensure you get the desired work done. Appliance Repair Kanata may be useful in this case.

Suggestions:

  • Start with a detailed plan and clear priorities.
  • Include a contingency fund of at least 10-20% for unforeseen expenses.
  • Use budgeting software or spreadsheets to track expenses.

You’ll Make Great New Connections

According to https://www.oliverrepairs.com/, if you contract out different work around the house, then you’ll get to meet new people and potentially make lasting connections. In the future, if anything else needs to be done around the residence, call those people to do additional jobs.

They’ll be grateful if you recommend their services to others, too. If you’re renovating the laundry room, a new heating element for the dryer is one part of ensuring it works at its best. Also, ensure the washing machine isn’t malfunctioning.

Assess the Existing Condition

Before beginning a renovation project, note what’s around the item you want to update. For instance, a simple change to the kitchen cabinets could make the entire countertop look outdated.
If that happens, then you’ll have to consider redoing the whole room. So, note what else you might have to do if you update this one thing.

Consider whether your budget allows for all the projects or pick and choose what to do until you can increase that budget. That’s one of the advantages of James Hardie Siding: you will count on a fully transparent team willing to provide accurate advice.

Your Deadline Won’t Always Be On Time

While you might think, “I want to have this reno done in three months,” the reality is that it might not happen. If you use a contractor, then you’re dependent on that person’s schedule. Also, shipped items take time to arrive, and paint needs time to dry between coats.

Shopping for decor, while fun, takes time, all while balancing working and caring for the family.

Suggestions:

  • Plan for a temporary living space that’s comfortable and feasible.
  • Schedule renovations in stages to minimize disruption.
  • Protect personal belongings and areas of the home not being renovated.

Before a Home Renovation: Chaos Can Be Constant

Lastly, before beginning a home renovation, know that it can be stressful to live in chaos.

Between disorganization and dirt, it’s not a quiet time. If you work from home or have kids, expect each day to have its share of banging and messes, but remember that it’s all part of moving toward a place to live that’s more how you want it than it was before.

Looking into dumpster rental options for your home renovation may be helpful. This way, you’ll have a safe and secure place to put all the materials and trash in a space out of the way. It will help minimize messes and chaos throughout the home renovation process. 

If it all gets too much, you could stay temporarily in a hotel or Airbnb for a few weeks when the remodel is at its most crucial point. Alternatively, ask friends if you can stay with them or take a much-needed vacation.

Finding the Right Contractor

Suggestions:

    • Seek recommendations from friends and family.
    • Interview multiple contractors and check their references and past work.
    • Ensure clear communication and written agreements on scope, timeline, and costs.

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