Renovating and remodeling your home make you
feel happier. Sometimes, home renovation becomes mandatory. Most people
renovate their homes to increase their home value, as it gives a good ROI. But
in some cases, individuals renovate to add more space to homes, to fix safety
issues, or to increase their comfort.
For example, in the case of Louisville, where the current median home value is $255K[u1] and trending up 6.3%[u2] year-over-year, home renovation will give you a huge ROI. Thus, if you've finally decided to take on that home renovation project you've been dreaming about for years. While the thought of updating and improving your living space is thrilling, the process can be daunting.
Renovations almost always take longer and cost more than initially budgeted. But with proper planning and preparation, you can make the experience smooth. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a streamlined home renovation.
1. Get Clear on Your Goals
Focus on your vision so you know what you want to accomplish. Do you want to gut and remodel your kitchen completely? Replace the cabinets and counters. Knock down walls and open up the floor plan? Repaint and recarpet all the bedrooms. The scope of your project will determine the time, cost, and work involved. If you need more clarification, start small and focus on jobs that will give you the most bang for your buck.
2. Live Separately
When preparing for a home renovation, one of the critical considerations is where you will stay during the process. If the renovation is extensive, you might not live in your home for a while. It is where a house moving company comes in.
If you need moving companies in Louisville, search the best Louisville moving companies and take their quotes, read reviews, get info from your friends about the company, and go ahead with packing and moving to a temporary home. They can help you move your belongings to a temporary residence or storage facility, ensuring your items are safe and out of the way.
This step protects your belongings from construction-related damages and provides the contractors with the space they need to work efficiently. If feasible, move out during the renovation work. Living in a construction zone is difficult, especially if the kitchen or bathrooms are being redone. Temporary housing lets you escape the fray.
3. Set a Realistic Budget
After deciding on your goals:
- Conduct thorough research to estimate accurate materials, labor, and any contracted work costs.
- Get multiple quotes and ask contractors lots of questions.
- Pad the budget with an extra 10-20% for inevitable expenses.
4. Hire the Right Contractors
Vet potential contractors thoroughly - read reviews, ask for references, and verify licenses and insurance. Make sure you choose professionals with solid experience with projects similar to yours. Check portfolios and look at past work. Confirm timelines and budgets in a written contract. Be proactive in scheduling contractors and get confirmation the week before they start. Good communication throughout the process is vital.
5. Plan for Disruption
A significant renovation means turning your home upside down. Make plans to accommodate daily routines disrupted by the work. If the kitchen is being remodeled, set up a temporary kitchen area. Remove valuables and fragile items from work zones. Determine what areas of the house will be sectioned off and plan alternate routes. Talk to neighbors about contractor parking and hours. Arrange for storage if needed. Plan where you'll eat, sleep, bathe, do laundry, etc.
6. Declutter First
Before walls get torn down and floors removed, thoroughly purge your belongings. Box up items you won't need during the renovation and store offsite if necessary. Discuss donation pickup with your contractor. Get cleaning services to prepare the home by cleaning surfaces and removing debris. Decluttering first saves headaches when contractors need to access work areas. It also prevents damage to precious items.
7. Be Ready to Make Decisions
A home renovation involves thousands of decisions - countertop material, cabinet hardware, light fixtures, flooring options, and more. Do lots of research online and in stores ahead of time. Make some selections before meeting with contractors. Be prepared to make many last-minute decisions, too. Inevitably, surprises will arise, so remain flexible.
8. Establish a Command Center
Create a dedicated office space to manage the controlled chaos. Set up filing systems - physical and digital - to track receipts, contracts, paint chips, invoices, and all other paperwork. Designate an area to organize materials and samples. Compile essential phone numbers. Print out a project schedule with milestones. Set reminders. Create a large calendar to map out workers' plans. It will help you stay sane amidst the disorder.
9. Expect the Unexpected
No matter how organized and prepared you are, the unexpected will happen. Products get delayed or damaged. The work uncovers unanticipated problems like mold or faulty wiring, and disagreements arise. Build padding into the schedule and budget to handle surprises smoothly. Take delays and complications in stride and document issues thoroughly as they occur.
10. Be Decisive But Not Impulsive
Make decisions quickly when needed to keep the project moving efficiently. But don't rush into hasty choices you might regret. Make selections thoughtfully using the research you've done, but avoid overanalyzing. Consult your contractor if you need more clarification - their expertise can guide you. Remember that some mistakes lead to minor tweaks down the road.
11. Communication is Critical
Frequent and open communication ensures everyone is on the same page. Hold regular meetings with contractors to get progress updates and discuss any issues. Ask questions if something needs to be clarified. Provide plenty of lead time for choices contractors need from you. Confirm all dates. Be cordial but firm if work falls behind schedule.
12. Expect Mess and Noise
Renovations inherently involve noise, dirt, and debris. The demolition stage is incredibly messy. Power tools, banging hammers, and construction equipment generate noise. Nuisances like blocked pathways, no running water or toilets, and increased dust and bugs can fray nerves. Be patient, and don't expect workers to tiptoe around during standard work hours. Remind yourself it's temporary.
Conclusion
The key to maintaining your sanity during a major home renovation is staying on top of all details, big and small. Thorough organization and proactive planning reduce surprises and delays. Research decisions before you're pressured to make them. Anticipate issues and solve them before they become problems. Embrace the process as an adventure, even on stressful days.
1 Comments
I agree on living separately! Makes for a much smoother renovation experience. Even living in another room of the house during the work can be a great way to separate from the stress. From the team at Home Restore.
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