THINGS TO DO BEFORE ANY MAJOR HOME RENOVATION

Are you planning a major home renovation soon, be it a bedroom or bathroom remodel, or kitchen redesign? Here are the things you should do before any home renovation begins.

1. Determine your budget.

Establishing a firm budget now is critical so that when it comes time to shop for the right consultant, you'll be prepared to negotiate price and choose a specialist you can afford. How much money can you comfortably spend on this project? What is your limit? What are you willing to give up to get a reasonable price? Don't forget to budget for the extra expenses you'll incur as a result of the ongoing renovations, such as eating out.

2. Find the right contractor.

Following that, you'll want to find the best contractor for the job (assuming you're not doing the renovations yourself). Determine what aspects of a contractor are most important to you, such as price, turnaround time, attention to detail, integrity, or customer service. Look at online reviews for all of your options, and ask for a list of referrals if you want to dig a little deeper. You may or may not be able to meet with your potential beforehand to discuss the work and obtain a free estimate, depending on the type of service. Take advantage of these free estimates, as there is no substitute for meeting in person with a home renovation company.

3. Thoroughly inspect the area to be renovated.

Before allowing any contractors to touch your home, it's also a good idea to thoroughly inspect the area that will be renovated. Why? Because this can protect your reputation if someone damages your home during the renovation process. If a professional—plumber, carpenter, painter, cabinet specialist, or otherwise—damages your home and refuses to accept responsibility, you'll want to be able to prove that the damage was their fault. According to this article, a thorough inspection must include photographic and written evidence.

4. Up your security.

On the subject of being cautious, now might be a good time to invest in a new home security system. Even something as simple as upgrading your front and back door locks to programmable or smartphone-controlled locks can make you and your family feel safer when workers enter and exit your home.

5. Move your possessions.

Before you begin renovating, make sure to relocate your belongings from the area to be renovated to a more accessible location. If you're having your kitchen renovated, for example, ask your contractor which items you can keep and which you'll have to relocate. Then, set up a "temporary kitchen" elsewhere in your home so that things can continue to run smoothly while the renovators work on your kitchen. Place essential small appliances such as your coffee maker, microwave, and toaster oven in a central location, while storing less important items such as your waffle maker and food processor.

6. Make sure that you have all the needed supplies.

Nothing is more frustrating than starting a project only to discover that you are short on something that will ultimately cause your project to be delayed. If you're in charge of obtaining the necessary supplies (whether you want your contractor to install specific hardware or you're doing the renovation work yourself), go through all of them just before the project begins to ensure that you have everything. This includes things like adhesives, nuts and bolts, finishing agents, a dumpster for disposal (which you can rent from a company like this one), and so on.

7. Plan a short trip.

Finally, if it makes sense for you and your family to be away while renovations are taking place (and, of course, if you are comfortable with construction taking place in your absence), now might be a good time to plan a short trip out to see relatives or visit a new location. This can help to reduce the stress that you and your family experience as workers come and go from your home.

Frankly speaking, renovations never go as smoothly as planned. Make an effort to create a realistic timeline. Always add a day or two when we do this.

I hope you found some useful information in this list of things to do before starting a home renovation project.

~izzan~