Many people can feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning their home renovations. After all there are many things to consider, from setting a budget, to planning and selecting a contractor who is a good fit. However, with a little bit of planning and implementation, any home renovation project can be a huge success. So, whether you’re renovating a full kitchen, a bathroom, or an entire home, follow these steps to give yourself the best chance of a successful renovation project!
Determine Your End Goal
A renovation project can be a big task to take on, so it is important to have a clear vision in mind before you start. This way, your contractor can understand your goals and start to visualize what your dream space looks like. This will help avoid changing directions part way through resulting in potentially costly extras. What are some key things to keep in mind while planning your project? First, think of how you intend to use the space. Are you opening up a floor plan to create more space? Or do you need more shelving and storage options?
Then, consider the visual aspects of the room. Do you have a specific style in mind for the room? Is there a combination of colours or textures you are drawn to? For example, if you’re revamping your kitchen, your decisions on style can be focused on the cabinetry or countertops. By setting your goals off the get-go, you can increase the chances of your home renovation turning out exactly how you envision it. This clear understanding of your goals will help you stay on track and make more tactful decisions as the project progresses.
Setting a Budget
One of the most important aspects of planning a renovation is determining a budget that works for you. Determine how much you can spend on your project and stick to it. Be upfront with yourself about what you can afford, and don’t forget to factor in the cost of materials, labour, permits, and any other misc. costs that can add up quickly. Of course, no budget is set in stone, and there will always be the possibility of overages. Just remember that some flexibility may be required. That being said, having that clear budget in mind will help to keep the entire renovation project moving along smoothly.
Having this clear budget can not only help keep you organized, and even aid in the selection of all your fixtures and accents for the space, but it can also help you prioritize certain steps, time and resources.
Find the Right Contractor
Now that you have established your goals and a budget for your project, it’s time to start looking for a contractor who can make your vision come to life. When meeting with your potential renovation contractors, be sure to ask them a lot of questions and check out some of their previous work. It can be helpful to get multiple estimates from a few contractors and ensure that they are all quoting on the same scope of work. You should also ensure they are fully insured before signing off on any estimates.
A good contractor will be straightforward with you about what your budget can realistically achieve, and they’ll have plenty of experience completing projects of similar scope and budget. They should also be able to provide you with a detailed estimate of all costs and materials involved in completing your project, ensuring that all your requests are being covered.
Create a Timeline
A home renovation can be a big project. There are many moving parts in completing some projects, and it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of everything. Creating a timeline will help you stay organized and on track and will also help you communicate your plans to contractors and other workers. When creating a timeline, work with your contractor to lay out the whole scope of the project and break down how long each stage should take. Remember to be a little flexible on timelines, as surprises and unexpected delays can arise once a project is underway.
Renovating your home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Just remember, that a home renovation is also a big undertaking that requires careful planning and preparation before getting started. By taking the time to follow this checklist before you begin, you are already setting yourself up for success! Now that you’ve prepared for any situation, let’s start planning your dream renovation today!