The home renovation process is a daunting, time-consuming, and physically demanding task. Many homeowners are often overwhelmed doing home renovation projects and making poor decisions that lead to unfinished home renovation projects. This is especially for projects that concern their entire house.
Having a remodeling project house checklist can help keep you track of the entire project and progress is essential to a successful outcome. Here we have listed things to include in creating your home renovation checklist.
Create a Home Renovation Project Plan.
The first thing on our list is creating a renovation plan. Some people might ask what a renovation plan is and what it should entail.
A renovation plan is simply a step-by-step guide that will help you achieve your desired outcome for your home renovations. From small things like bathroom cabinets that need to be sanded and painted or a complete overhaul of your home flooring, a renovation plan will help you track progress and keep you organized.
Key Points to Consider in Home Renovation Planning
- What is the scope of your project?
- What kind of renovations are you planning on doing?
- Will you tackle the project yourself or hire someone to do it for you?
- What is your budget for the project?
- When do you plan on starting and completing the project?
- What kind of timeline are you working on?
- What are your priorities for the project?
Answering these questions will help you understand what your renovation project will entail and help you create a more effective renovation plan.
Get Organized With Your Home Renovation Projects.
Without proper organization, home improvement projects can quickly become overwhelming and lead to poor decision-making. This is why you should get organized before you start your remodeling project by having a house checklist.
Take a pen a paper or do it on your phone or computer, but sit down and make a list of everything you need to do for your project. Consider quick fixes first before proceeding to more time-consuming tasks.
Once you have your house checklist, start crossing things off as you complete them.
Set a Budget for the Renovation Process.
When choosing home remodeling materials, the cheapest is not always the best option. Going for the cheapest option could cost you more in the long run.
Choose materials that are durable and will last through wear and tear. If you are unsure what materials to choose, always consult a home remodeling professional for guidance.
Plan Your Aesthetics.
Does your home need a fresh coat of paint or new flooring? Do you need accents, lighting and other fixtures, or hardware? These are all factors to consider when planning your home’s aesthetics.
If you have a budget, consider hiring an interior designer to help you achieve the look you want for your dream home. Remember, you are remodeling your home because you want to improve not only the aesthetics but also its functionality.
If you end up having just an “okay” outcome, then it might not be worth the investment. Remember, renovating a home is a major decision to make among homeowners and must have a well-thought plan to ensure that is worth the time and money.
Create a Timeline for Your Renovation.
It is also important to know how long each task will take to complete. This way, you can create a timeline for your renovation and ensure everything is done on schedule.
It is especially critical for DIYers as doing everything yourself will use a lot of your time compared to hiring contractors. Decide whether you repair your old cabinets, add a refreshing touch to it, or replace them altogether.
Ask for Referrals.
Referrals are the best way to find reputable home builders for your home improvement project. Ask a few of your friends, family members, office mates, or colleagues if they know of any home builders in your area that they can recommend.
This way, you can find a contractor you can trust and will be on the same page with your style and vision for your dream home.
See Online Reviews.
Once you have a list of general contractors from referrals made by your friends or family, the next step is to check out their online reviews. See what their past clients have to say about them. It will give you a better idea of what to expect from working with them.
You can start by browsing websites like Brightlocal.com, HomeAdvisor.com, and Houzz.com. Yelp can also be a great resource to find customer feedback and reviews for local businesses.
Check the Company’s Credentials.
Another thing you can do to vet the contractors on your list is to check their company’s credentials. Make sure they are licensed and insured to help you achieve your home renovation goals.
It will protect you from any liability, in case something goes wrong during the home improvement project. You can also check if they are accredited by professional organizations such as the National Association of Remodeling Industry or the National Kitchen and Bath Association. It will help you narrow down your list of potential contractors even further.
Get Estimates from Contractors.
Most general contractors that do home renovations will give you an estimate of the total project cost before they start working. It is important so you can budget accordingly. Make sure to get at least three different estimates to compare the prices and services being offered.
Do not just go for the cheapest option as this might not always be the best value for your money. Opt first for those who offer free in-home estimates and no-obligation consultations so you can talk to them about your vision for your home and get a more accurate estimate.
Prepare Your Home for the Renovation Project.
Once you have chosen the right general contractor for your home renovation, it’s time to start preparing your home for the project.
It includes removing unnecessary clutter, furniture, and any personal items that might get in the way. It’s also important to ensure adequate lighting so the workers can do their job properly.
Prepare Your Storage Space.
Another thing to consider is the storage space where you’ll put all the materials needed for the home renovation. It’s best to keep them in a secure and dry space so they won’t get damaged.
If you are having kitchen and bathroom renovations, consider having your things and stuff delivered to a friend or family member’s house temporarily. Ensure they have extra space in their home to accommodate your stuff for the meantime.
If you have a garage with enough space and cabinets to accommodate everything, that would be the best place to store them. Just check that the items are labeled properly to know where everything is when you need them during the renovating period.
Plan Your Living Arrangement During Renovations.
An entire home renovation project will limit your space and privacy, so plan your living arrangements accordingly. If you have family nearby, you might want to consider staying with relatives or friends during the duration of the project.
You can also look for temporary housing options such as Airbnb or a hotel. This will help you avoid the noise and dust that comes with home renovations.
Document the Progress
Pictures, videos, or a blog can help you document the progress of your home renovation project. It will come in handy when it’s time to show off your newly-renovated home to family and friends.
It will also be a great way for you to look back on the entire process and remember all the hard work that went into it. Before and after photos are also beneficial if you are planning to sell your home in the future.
It is because potential buyers would want to see how your home looked before the renovations and how it looks now. Appraisal values also increase if there is documented proof of the home improvements that were made.
Hire the Right Professionals
While there are homeowners that opt to do everything themselves, there are also those that choose to hire professional help. If you plan on doing major renovations, leave it to the experts.
Not only will this save you time, but it can also save you money in the long run. Make sure to hire licensed contractors. You don’t want to work with someone not qualified to do the job.
When dealing with electrical systems, consult with an electrician first to avoid accidents during your home remodel.
Final Thoughts
As a homeowner, starting a home renovation project is the hardest part. It could disrupt your usual routine and have to do some adjustments, relocate furniture and curtains from windows, and such.
But it can be less stressful if you have a solid plan and the right team to ensure a successful home renovation.
If you keep these tips in mind, you are sure to have a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Need professional help with your renovation? Contact Shepherd Contracting today and learn how our services which are performed by industry experts can help you achieve your vision for your home!
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