Renovating your home can be a challenge for home owners who don’t have any prior experience. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, living room or undertaking a whole-house remodel, careful planning is essential for a successful project. There are many factors to consider—ranging from permits and budgeting to hiring contractors and finalizing design plans.
Obviously, you want your investment in home renovation to actually pay off. Being meticulous about your home renovation can help you avoid a construction claim for any renovation related losses. Here is a detailed checklist of essential considerations every homeowner should know before starting a home renovation.
1. Set a Clear Vision for Your Renovation Project
Before diving into the logistics of your renovation, define clear goals of the project. Clarify what are your objectives? Do you want to simply refresh a space by adding some design elements or do you want to increase its value, improve functionality, or enhance the overall look?
List down and prioritize features that are essential to the project and understand where you might need to make compromises if the budget is tight. Think about how the renovation will affect your home in the future in terms of functionality, energy efficiency, and resale value.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
A budget is one of the most important components of any renovation project. It ensures you have sufficient budget throughout the project and helps you avoid making costly mistakes. Determine your budget range and then visit a market to get an idea of the cost required for materials and labor for your renovation project.
Create a budget list and add all the important things in it such as the cost of materials, labor, approvals, and any other expenses like design consultations or moving costs. It’s common for unexpected costs to arise such as hidden structural issues. It is advised to set aside a contingency fund – a 10-20% buffer above your original budget is recommended.
3. Get the Necessary Permits
Depending on the scope of your renovation, you need permits to proceed legally. Contact the building department to inquire about which permits are required. From plumbing to electrical work and structural changes, you may need permits for every single change you make. Permits can take time to be approved, so factor this into your project timeline. Starting early will help prevent delays. Hire a professional contractor or architect who can assist you in pulling permits and ensuring the work meets code.
4. Hire the Right Contractors
Choosing the right contractor is a must-have for making the renovation project a big success. Do your research and look for contractors who are experts in the specific field – whether kitchen, bathroom, or whole-house renovations. You can check online reviews, get multiple quotes and ask family friends for genuine recommendations.
Look for multiple quotes to get a clear idea of their service charges. Ask contractors about their experience, licenses, insurance, and warranties. Ensure they’re knowledgeable about local building codes. If possible, contact previous clients to check their work quality and reliability. Clearly communicate your expectations, timeline, and budget with your contractor to ensure alignment from the start.
Review the contract carefully. Always have a detailed contract that clearly defines the scope of work, payment type, materials used, and completion date. Be cautious about contractors who ask for large upfront payments.
5. Create a Realistic Timeline
A home renovation is a challenging undertaking, so delays are common. It is advised to be prepared for potential delays such as weather issues, backordered materials, or problems uncovered during demolition.
Set clear project milestones and ensure that your contractor has a timeline for when key phases of the renovation should be completed. If your renovation is extensive, you may need to temporarily relocate or make arrangements for disruptions to your daily life, so be prepared for it.
6. Design Planning and Materials Selection
A successful renovation is built on solid design and thoughtful material choices. If you’re unsure about design or want to make sure the space is optimized, consider working with an architect or interior designer.
Stay consistent with your home’s style. While renovations are a great opportunity to update your space, keep the overall aesthetic of your home in mind so that the new work blends seamlessly with the existing style. Invest in durable, high-quality materials, especially for areas with high wear and tear, like kitchen countertops, flooring, and bathrooms.
Research sustainable options for your home renovation, especially if you’re eco-conscious. Look for green materials, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable building practices.
7. Prepare for Disruption
Renovations can create hindrance in your daily life, especially if you’re living in the place where the renovation takes place. Since you are renovating a home, there is a possibility of noise, dust and workers coming in and out of your home. Consider taking a temporary living arrangement if the noise and disruptions are severe.
Remove personal belongings, valuables, and furniture from areas being renovated to avoid damage. Clearly communicate with your contractor and set working hours and noise levels.
8. Understand the Scope of the Renovation
Be clear about what exactly will be done during your home renovation process. Whether you’re adding a new room, updating the kitchen, or installing new windows, make sure the scope of the renovation is clearly defined. Try to provide every single detail to your contractor to ensure on-time completion of the project. Some renovations, like knocking down walls or changing the plumbing layout, can affect other areas of your home. Understand how the renovation will impact your entire property.
9. Prepare for the Final Walkthrough and Punch List
As your renovation nears completion, make sure you thoroughly inspect the work. Review the entire project to ensure the work meets your expectations. Make sure all agreed-upon tasks are completed and there are no outstanding issues. Check the details carefully and identify any issues that need to be managed before your final payment. Ensure you understand the warranties on materials and work, and keep records of these warranties for future reference.
10. Stay Flexible and Adaptable
While planning is essential, remember that things don’t always go as expected. Construction projects are often unpredictable, and issues can arise. Communicate your concerns with your contractor, and adjust your expectations when necessary. Keeping a positive and adaptable attitude will help alleviate stress and lead to a better home renovation experience.
Final Thoughts
A home renovation project takes time, money, and energy. By understanding the full scope of the project, establishing clear expectations, and working with experienced professionals, you can avoid common pitfalls, avoid construction claims and ensure the success of your renovation project. Taking the time to plan thoroughly will result in a home that meets your needs and desires for years to come.
