Home renovation or remodeling pertains to improving an outdated or damaged living space. It can be as simple as bathroom remodeling or a huge one like a house extension with landscaping work. Considering you’re opting for a major improvement project, it’s necessary to determine everything you’ll need to do or get to update your house.
Don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips on how you can prepare yourself and your property for a large-scale renovation project.
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Create a detailed project plan
Before starting your major renovation project, you must have a clear plan for your goals. Your remodeling project plan should include design inspirations, the timeline and budget for the work, and the outline of tasks that must be accomplished. Other things to include are your wants and needs for the project and sketches and blueprints.
It’s also critical to include in your plan any local zoning permits or regulations. For instance, some neighborhoods won’t allow garage conversions or sunroom extensions.
As mentioned above, the budget is a crucial part of the plan, which can be a deal-breaker. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s wiser to know how much money you can shell out then develop the plan around it. Still, it’s necessary to set at least 10% of your money for unexpected expenses to avoid any delays.
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Audit your belongings
The next thing to do is to have a list of all your permanent belongings. This allows you to easily keep track of your valued home items and identify what you will keep or get rid of. Sort your items into four categories: save, hand-me-down, sell, and donate.
Next, you’d also want to figure out a storage solution for things you’ll keep while the renovation is being done. Maybe you have a basement or spare room that won’t be hit by the work? If you have tons of large furniture, you might want to consider renting a portable storage container for safekeeping and better organization.
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Decide what you can and can’t do
Before finding a contractor to help you out, it’s better to check first on what tasks you can do yourself. Lifting a finger for the project can be a bit of work, but it can save you tons of cash. For instance, you can handle cleaning your bedrooms, especially if you have plenty of personal and memorable stuff in there. Simple tasks such as moving and packing precious and fragile items are also crucial to ensure they won’t get dusty or broken. You can use a home safe if you have one or use a vacant guest room for storage.
That said, don’t forget to also establish limits and zones for the workmen. Discuss with the contractor what rooms or areas they can or cannot access. Typically, contractors might request portable toilets when working on a major project. If you’re feeling generous, you can have your guest bathroom accessible for them.
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Work with the right renovation contractor
Find a contractor who can communicate with you when needed. They should respond to your messages or calls within the day and provide you with the permits or paperwork needed for the project. Ideally, the contractor should be the one to apply for the building permit and also explain to your its complexities or fees to settle.
Moreover, it’s better to hire a contractor with the capacity to provide other related home improvement services or is at least connected to another provider. For instance, if you’re also planning to do some major rework on your front yard, it’s great if they can offer landscaping services and are affiliated with a reputable flatbed transport company to handle the hauling of materials such as lumber or mature trees.
As for the project quote, you might encounter unexpected expenses due to some extra work or materials needed for the project. To avoid huge cost changes, discuss with the contractor about the entire scope of the renovation. A good contractor will understand your capacities and limitations when it comes to remodeling costs.
Tackling all these tips all at once can be a bit overwhelming, so make sure to plan and take it one step at a time. With proper planning and task organization, you can make sure that your major home renovation project will go smoothly. Lastly, do not hesitate to seek the help of professional contractors right away if you’re still struggling with how to get things done. It can save you time and from a lot of stress!
