How To Organize a House Renovation

“House renovations.” For some, these words are exciting. For others? Often daunting. Then there are also those who react with a mere “meh.” Obviously, if you’ve clicked on this, you’re most likely in the “oh no, what will I do” camp. Well, the answer is quite simple on paper – organize! Whether renovating a single room or giving your entire home a makeover, proper organization is vital to ensuring a successful outcome.

In today’s guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to help you plan and execute your house renovation effectively, from setting goals to selecting contractors and managing your budget.

Ask Yourself the Right Questions

Before you start browsing through your favorite home design magazine, it's absolutely crucial (as we’ve said many times in the past) to clearly define your renovation goals and set a realistic budget. Begin by asking yourself:

• What is the purpose of this renovation? Are you looking to enhance functionality, increase your home's value, or just give it an aesthetic makeover?

• Which areas of your house do you want to renovate? Are you focusing on a single room or tackling multiple spaces? What about outside?

• Will you like this design style and color scheme? What about your family?

• How much can you realistically afford to spend on this renovation without breaking the bank?

Setting clear goals and a reasonable budget will guide ‘all’ your subsequent decisions. With all that out of the way, you can focus on staying on track throughout the project.

Add Details to Your Plan

Okay, then what? Well, once your goals and budget are established, it's time for you to create a detailed renovation plan! This plan should include the following: a rough project timeline, a list of specific renovations, a list of materials, and any necessary permits.

For starters, try and estimate when you'd like to start and complete the renovation.

Remember to be flexible, as delays can occur. After that, outline the changes you want to make in each living space, whether it's new flooring, updated lighting, or, well…everything. Following this, you must research and select the materials, finishes, and fixtures that align with your design vision (and budget). Finally, determine if your project requires building permits, and (while we don’t believe this needs mentioning…) obtain them before starting work.

Research and Hire Contractors

Finding the right contractor(s) is essential for the success of your renovation. In fact, it’s better if you don’t think of it as finding the “right” one but rather the most experienced. Research potential contractors thoroughly and consider the following advice:

• Ask for recommendations from people who (you know for sure) have had significant experience with home renovation.

• Check online reviews and ratings for any local contractors. There might be a “hidden gem,” so to speak.

• Interview several contractors and ask for references from their previous clients.

• Request detailed written estimates, including labor and material costs, and start comparing them ASAP!

The most promising faces are those who are experienced, reputable, and can communicate professionally. Be sure to get everything from them in writing, including a contract outlining the scope of work, payment schedule, and timeline.

Prepare Your Home

Before the actual renovating part begins, you'll need to prepare your home. This involves the following: clearing the space, protecting areas that won’t be renovated, and setting up a place for temporary stay.

Start by removing furniture, personal belongings, and any items that could get in the way of construction. To protect the rest of your humble abode, use plastic sheets and drop cloths to cover floors, walls, and furniture in adjacent rooms to prevent dust and debris from spreading. Finally, if your renovation affects essential areas like the kitchen or bathroom, create a quick setup to meet your basic needs during the project.

Monitor Progress and Stay Flexible

On one hand, it goes without saying that you should check in with your contractors to monitor progress – for your own sake. On the other hand, try not to overdo it and get in their way. Stay open to communication and address any concerns promptly, but remember that unforeseen issues may arise, such as hidden structural problems or supply chain delays.

As the renovation nears completion, pay close attention to the quality of work. Inspect all areas, list any issues that need to be resolved, and ensure that all the work meets your expectations and the agreed-upon standards.

Cleanup and Final Inspection

Once the renovation is finished, it's time to add the final touches, such as painting, installing fixtures, and arranging furniture. Afterward, perform a thorough cleanup to remove construction debris and dust, making sure your new space is clean, safe, and ready to enjoy.

Invite the contractors to perform a final inspection with you. Go through the renovation together and make sure all the work meets your standards.

Closing Thoughts

As you can see, properly organizing a house renovation involves diligent planning, research, and execution. By outlining your goals, creating a detailed plan, hiring reputable contractors, and staying flexible throughout the process, you can achieve a successful renovation that enhances your home's functionality and aesthetics. Oh, and you’ll stay within budget all the way through, might I add! So, don’t waste time and get to it!