Home renovations have received a massive spike during the pandemic. When the pandemic hit, there was a more than 50% increase in home renovations and remodeling, and the numbers continue to increase.
One of the most significant contributors to this increase is that people spend more time at home. So, with more time on their hands, many homeowners are finally using this opportunity to tackle those long-awaited home improvement projects.
If you’re planning a major renovation, you can do a few things to prepare your home (and yourself) for the process. Here are five tips:
Make a Plan
The first step is to make a plan. It may seem obvious, but it’s essential to understand what you want to achieve with your renovation.
You must ensure the essentials in your plan, such as a budget, timeline, and scope of work. Once you have these in place, you can flesh out the details such as design, materials, and contractors. Make sure to create a checklist for these things if you want your project to be a success. Many online resources and tools can help you plan your renovation if you’re unsure where to start.
Set a Budget
A crucial part of making a plan is to set a budget. This will ensure that you don’t overspend on your renovation and end up in debt.
There are a few ways to set a budget for your renovation. One way is to use the “10% rule.“ This rule states that you should spend 10% of the value of your home on renovations.
For example, if your home is worth $500,000, your renovation budget should be $50,000. It’s a good starting point for setting your budget.
You can also use the “20/8/2 rule“ to help set your budget. This rule suggests that you should spend 20% of your budget on design, 8% on project management, and 2% on contingencies. This rule is a great way to ensure you don’t overspend on your renovation.
If you want to know about the average spending for renovations, it’s around $47,000. If you want to save money, consider spending lower than that overall amount.
Get the Right Contractors
Once you have a plan and a budget, it’s time to start looking for contractors. This is one of the essential steps in preparing for a renovation. You need to find contractors who are reputable and who have experience with the type of work you need to be done.
The best way to find contractors is to ask for recommendations from family and friends. You can also search online for reviews of contractors in your area. When you’re meeting with contractors, be sure to ask them about their experience, licensing, and insurance.
You should also get multiple bids from different contractors before you make a decision. This will help ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Lastly, your contractor should keep your home’s structural integrity in mind. They should have the necessary accessories to keep the construction site protected. They should have resilient construction floor protection products installed in their heavy equipment. This will ensure that your home is not damaged during the renovation.
Prepare Your Home
Once you’ve made a plan, set a budget, and found the right contractors, it’s time to start preparing your home for renovation. This includes everything from packing up your belongings to protecting your floors.
One of the first things you should do is declutter your home. This will make it easier to pack up your belongings and protect them from damage.
You should also start protecting your floors. Cover them with plastic or plywood to prevent scratches, dents, and other damage. Doing these things can prepare your home for the upcoming renovation.
Be Prepared for Disruption
One of the most important things to remember when preparing for a renovation is that there will be disruption. No matter how well you plan, there will always be some inconvenience while the work is done.
It’s essential to be prepared for this disruption and have a plan to deal with it. One way to do this is to create a “renovation survival kit.“ This kit should include snacks, games, and activities to keep you occupied during the renovation.
You should also plan where you’ll stay during the renovation. If you have the option, staying elsewhere while the work is done is best. This will minimize the disruption and allow you to live in a more comfortable environment.
If you can’t stay elsewhere, plan how you’ll deal with the noise, dust, and other nuisances that come with a renovation.
A significant renovation requires a lot of planning and preparation. By following these tips, you can ensure that your renovation goes smoothly. It can also help you save money when it does happen and live a life without any disruptions.
