A full home renovation is a significant investment that can dramatically improve your living space and boost your property’s value. It’s also more efficient and cost-effective in the long run than tackling a series of smaller home projects. If you’re considering giving your precious home a complete overhaul, here are eight essential tips to help you through the process.
Define Your Vision and Prioritize Goals
Before starting with the demolition, clarify what you want to achieve with the renovation. Create a comprehensive wish list for your home, and then decide which projects are priorities and which are secondary.
Distinguish essential repairs, like fixing structural issues or updating outdated systems, from desired aesthetic upgrades, such as new countertops or countertops. This clarity can help guide your budget and design decisions throughout the renovation process.
Get a Professional Inspection
A full home renovation, especially for an older property, can uncover hidden issues like foundation damage, mold, or outdated wiring or plumbing. Getting a professional survey beforehand helps you budget for more repairs and makes you aware of potential problems. It can also prevent costly surprises and delays down the line.
Develop a Realistic Budget
Renovating your home can be financially challenging, so working with a budget can help ease the financial stress and keep you on track. Assess your finances and determine your overall spending limit. To efficiently understand the current cost of labor and materials, contact several licensed contractors for bids.
Be sure to include a contingency fund, as all renovations encounter unexpected issues, which can quickly derail your budget. If you don’t have enough cash on hand, don’t hesitate to explore options like equity loans or refinancing to help cover the costs of your full remodel.
However, if you’re financially unstable or lack fallback options, it’s best not to continue with the renovation. Remember that home renovations often cost more than anticipated and take longer than planned, so proceeding without a safety net can lead to severe stress and negative consequences.
Assemble a Solid Team
A full home renovation is a team effort. Hire licensed and insured professionals, including a general contractor, architect, and designer, based on the scope of your project. If you plan to replace all interior doors or add a walk-in closet, find a trusted supplier of closets, doors, and custom millwork in your area.
When developing your team, make sure to ask to see pictures of their previous work to give you a clearer understanding of how they work. Before hiring, ask potential contractors for references from past clients and verify their license and insurance. Never rely on price alone when making your decision. During the renovation, be sure to stay in regular contact with your team to discuss progress, confirm decisions, and address any concerns.
Make and Finalize Selections Early
Decide on your materials, finishes, and fixtures as early as possible. Lead times for certain projects can cause significant delays, so having these items ordered and delivered before they are actually needed can help keep the project on schedule.
Make sure to shop smart for materials, as they can make or break your home renovation. Keep in mind that high-end doesn’t always mean better. Look for durable, long-lasting materials and take time to compare retailers for significant purchases like appliances and fixtures.
Plan for Disruptions
A full home renovation is disruptive, so it’s wise to prepare yourself and your home beforehand. If you intend to plan on living in the house, create a “clean zone” to escape the noise and dust. For major projects, consider moving out temporarily or scheduling a vacation during the messiest phases.
Relocating, even for a few weeks, is also critical if you have children or pets to protect them from potential hazards. If moving out is not an option, take time to educate your household, especially your little ones, on the safety basics to minimize risks and help the renovation project run smoothly.
Before work begins, declutter your belongings and either store them off-site or pack and protect them in a designated area of your home. Protect your furniture and other areas with dust barriers and sheeting, and remember to remove valuable items.
Conduct a Final Walkthrough
A final walkthrough is your last opportunity to inspect the renovation before making the final payment to your contractor. Make sure to schedule it before the final payment, as contractors are most motivated to resolve all issues before they receive their final check.
Note any imperfections, even if it’s only a minor concern, and create a detailed list of every remaining item that needs to be completed or corrected. Bring copies of your contract, change orders, and other relevant documents for reference during the walkthrough.
Bring a phone with a camera to take pictures and videos, a notebook and a pen to document issues, and tools to test electrical outlets. If possible, have a trusted loved one, or even a third-party inspector, accompany you. A second set of eyes can help identify flaws you might have overlooked.
Do a Deep, Post-Renovation Clean
The dust and grime left behind after a renovation are finer and more pervasive than regular household dirt. Hence, doing a deep cleaning is crucial before returning to your home. Make sure to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after all the construction is finished before starting the deep clean. This gives fine dust particles a chance to settle, so that they’re immediately kicked back into the air as you clean.
Move remaining items out of the space. If some furniture can’t be moved, cover it with plastic sheeting to protect it from dust and debris. Gather all your cleaning supplies before starting, and ensure you have the right tools to trap and contain the fine construction dust.
If your renovation budget allows, consider hiring professional cleaners instead of following a DIY approach. These professionals offer specialized expertise, have the right equipment, and a high level of efficiency.
Endnote
Giving your home a full makeover requires extensive planning and preparation. Keep these tips in mind and remember to enjoy the experience.
