Home remodeling is perhaps one of the most stressful events in a couple’s relationship. In fact, industry professionals even dared to say the experience causes more stress than raising children.
With statements like these, many homeowners become fearful of renovating a house and find it difficult to even start their projects before experiencing the tense emotion. Fortunately, you don’t have to be one of those people.
If you are interested in sidestepping the stress and entering your project with ease, being well prepared will be your secret to surviving the challenges of home remodeling.
Ready to make your home remodel a reality? Follow along to learn these seven simple ways you can prepare for your renovation and guarantee you make it to the final reveal with ease.
1. Create a Timeline
One of the reasons that home remodeling causes so much stress is because of its impact on your everyday life. If you plan on living in the space during the renovation, your daily activities will be forced to change due to the state of your home.
While setting a timeline for your renovation won’t decrease the effects of the strange new element, it will provide a light at the end of the tunnel to look forward to.
If you are doing many of the projects on your own or adding on more work as you go, you may end up with a renovation that lasts years. Instead of going with the flow, give yourself a goal, and stick to it as much as possible.
This will prevent procrastination and unnecessarily long renovation times so you can enjoy your remodeled home instead of dread it.
2. Set Your Budget
It can be easy to get caught up in upgrades and add-ons, but indulging in too many extras could leave you panicking to pay the bills.
Before you set out to choose materials or hire any contractors, review what you can realistically spend on your renovations and establish a cap. Plan out what funds will be allocated to each area of your remodel and a bit leave wiggle room in the event of an unforeseen expense.
Once you know your limit, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and make educated decisions to keep your finances in check.
3. Cover the Logistics
You’ve probably already learned that remodeling a home isn’t quite as simple as tearing down walls and rearranging your rooms. When you approach the idea of moving around your structure, you’ll need to consider all of the logistics for both your budget and your timeline.
Elements such as plumbing, electrical work, and load-bearing walls can send your renovation budget through the roof before you even get to the flooring and fixture choices.
Ensure you’ve covered these logistics and consider working your floor plans around existing components to save on the stress associated with these elements.
4. Find a Trustworthy Team
Whether you decide to work with a designer, contracting company, or project lead, make sure you choose a team you can trust.
Source helpers with adequate credentials and proven experience in their field before committing to their services. You should be able to communicate openly with the team leader to eliminate confusion and ensure great results.
Whoever you work with should have your best interest in mind and work with you to accomplish the remodel of your dreams, not theirs.
5. Understand Restrictions and Regulations
Before you commit to a set of plans, make sure that all building regulations are being met. This will ensure you can pass inspections and guarantee resale value when you are ready to move on.
Check-in on the restrictions for renovating and building in your area to ensure you won’t be dinged with heavy fines or halts on your project due to unintentional law-breaking.
Your contractor should have a solid idea of these limitations, but it’s always a good idea to brush up on the legal elements on your own.
6. Store Your Belongings
To kick off your project, you’ll need to shift furniture and belongings out of the construction zone. If you choose to keep your larger items nearby, it’s a good idea to cover them with protective plastic or sheets to reduce damage from the dust and debris a renovation kicks up.
If you don’t need your belongings at arm’s reach, you may want to consider storing them until the project is complete. This will eliminate any potential damage and ensure your breakable objects make it to the other side of your home remodel.
Explore renting a storage locker at a nearby facility or use metal storage buildings on your property to keep your things safe. Having storage on-site will make easier access to important belongings and make moving your items much simpler throughout the process.
7. Expect the Unexpected
Last but certainly not least, prepare your mental state by expecting the unexpected.
From surprise expenses to delayed project completion, it’s nearly a guarantee that you’ll face a series of roadblocks on the way to your home remodeling goals. While you can’t technically prepare for these hiccups, knowing that they are a possibility can reduce some of the stress that comes along with them.
Keep an open mind when problems arise and brainstorm alternative ways you can cut costs to make up for sneaky expenses. And of course, don’t panic if you fall off track a bit on the way.
Your timeline should be there to motivate you and keep you sane, not stress you out more. If you need to take a break to save more funds or take a weekend to rest, do so without putting too much pressure on yourself.
Mastering Home Remodeling
Now that you know the seven essential ways to prepare for your home remodeling, you can set forth with confidence in your renovation project. From your mind to your finances, use these tips to streamline your home renovation and master the process with ease.
Ready to discover more helpful tips and tricks for your home improvement? Check out our other articles to learn everything you need to know about design, DIY, and creating the home of your dreams.