Hopefully you will only have to remodel your home once in your life. While this may be a comforting thought, it also means that most renovators go into their remodel as newbies. Follow these easy suggestions to make your remodel run as smoothly as possible, regardless of previous experience.
1. Put items in storage
Whether your home is being completely remodelled or just your kitchen is being renovated, you’ll have to prepare your home in different ways. One thing to consider is whether you should put items into storage. It may be a good idea to remove couches, appliances (like TVs and PlayStations) and expensive rugs from your home during the renovation. The items that are expensive to replace or are personally invaluable can be damaged by dust or debris (you wouldn’t be able to forgive the person that accidently sloshed paint over it!) and should potentially go into storage during the remodel.
2. Talk to your builder
They will give you a good idea of how much you should remove and what. Talking to your builder may be helpful because they will have experience and knowledgeable suggestions. It may be completely unnecessary to put items into storage or maybe you need to also consider moving your family to a rental while work is underway. Talk to someone who knows the scope of your project.
3. Cover what you have decided will stay
Cover as much as you can and well as you can. If you aren’t staying, pack away bedding and pillows. Dust gets everywhere! Try making your clean up afterwards as easy as possible by preparing beforehand.
4. Plan for access and security
How will the builders enter your home every day? Are you going to be there to let them in and out? Are you going to give them a key? Do you have a security system? There may be a lot to consider here. One idea may be to have a lockbox while the building work is under way; the builders could have a passkey to the lockbox and access to your keys. Remember to lock up or seal any areas that you do not want people to have access to.
5. Let your neighbours know
Let your neighbours know of the project in advance, let them know the scope of the project, how long it is planned to go on for, and what sort of machinery may be in use. They may have pets that they would like to make arrangements for or events that may have to be rescheduled. Communication is key!
6. Make a path
If there are any areas that aren’t being worked on, it may be a good idea to organise a path through them where you tape cardboard to the floor, this will help protect your floors and decrease the amount of muck being trudged throughout your house.
7. Provide space for tools
Any available flat surface will be turned into a workbench. Cover your counters and your tables with cardboard to protect them, otherwise they may be damaged by some wayward tools that are placed down during the renovations.
8. Take lots of pictures!
Taking before photos and comparing them to the work afterwards is one of the most fun aspects of renovation! Take lots of photos before the work is underway, while the builders are there, and then of course afterwards.
9. Mentally prepare
Renovations can be a big undertaking. They take time, money, and are chaotic. The change may also be a challenge for the family. Let everyone get involved, share your pictures, your ideas, and your desired goal. Let them know why you are undertaking this disturbance. Remember to keep that end goal in mind and that some levels of compromise may be necessary.
It is always a good idea to get second opinions and compare quotes. If you’re interested in
finding a builder, check out a couple of options before you pick one. Once you have a builder confirmed, it also may be a good idea to ask them for advice on what you should do to prep your home and lifestyle before a remodel.