Before you get started on your home renovation, there are a few things you need to do. Renovating your home is an exciting venture, but you don’t want to dive into it without doing the prep work. A renovation is a big investment (both timewise and financially), and it’s important not to underestimate the work that needs to be done. The end result will only be as wonderful as you’re imagining it if you take the time to prepare beforehand. Check out 5 things to do before renovating your house!
1. Figure Out What You Like (And Don’t Like)
You may know the exact rooms in your house that you want to remodel, but you have to dig deeper than that for a good renovation. For example, if you want a totally new kitchen or laundry room, will your renovation just be cosmetic (new cupboards, counters and appliances), or will it also be structural (knocking down a wall, changing the layout)?
Create a visual wish list by flipping through magazines, searching Pinterest and looking at design blogs. This will help you get a direction for the design of your remodel and figure out what you do and don’t like.
2. Budget
If you’ve never gone through a home renovation before, the price you have in your head for all the work that needs to be done could be very off base. Create a budget and figure out what’s feasible in the parameters of your budget.
Take a trip to your local design centre to start pricing out materials so you know what’s in your price range. You don’t want to start falling in love with materials and furniture only to be disappointed. The same goes for taking on projects in your home. A consultation with a contractor or architect will give you insight into which projects you can afford, and which to let go of before you get started.
3. Test Colours and Materials
Before making decisions on colours and materials for your renovation, make sure to get as many samples as you can, from paint swatches to hardwood to fabrics. Take a few days to sit with them before making your final decisions. Keep in mind that colours and patterns change with the light throughout the day, so check on them at different times.
4. Hire the Right Contractor
You may be able to pull off some of the simple jobs when it comes to your home renovation, but be honest with yourself about your skill set. Using a professional contractor is the best way to make sure your renovation goes off safely and turns out beautifully.
Hiring a contractor isn’t something you should take lightly. Not only are they responsible for turning your dreams into a reality, you’re going to be spending a lot of time with them and handing them a big chunk of money. Make sure to conduct interviews, get referrals and make sure they have the proper licenses. Head over to our Contractor Locator to find a qualified and trustworthy renovator for your project!
5. Plan with Ample Time
Home renovations are known to run overschedule. Whether it’s due to weather, back-ordered materials or projects that end up taking longer than expected, unfortunately it’s part of the process. Plan your renovation with ample time, especially if you have date that you really need your renovation to be done by.
Ready to get your renovation started? Do these 5 things to prepare for a seamless renovation!