What to Do to Prepare Your Home for a Major Remodel Take “Before Pictures”. Find out if you need external storage. Making product selections in advance can avoid delays in the future. Develop a plan that clearly defines the purpose of your renewal.
Your needs and wishes for the project should be included in an outline of the work to be completed. Proper planning can also help you stay within budget. You'll end up making the same decisions, but you'll know what they're going to be and what they're going to cost beforehand,” explains Ridley Wills, founder of The Wills Company, a design and construction firm in Nashville. However, before doing any work, you have to make plans, hire contractors, get permits, etc., all of which take time.
The most important aspect of the planning process is to make sure you have enough money to pay for the project, regardless of how large or small the scope of the work is. So, the second step of home remodeling planning involves making a simple list of the work you want to do and deciding if it's something you can do yourself or not. Once you've established your plan and chosen your contractor, it's time for the demolition to begin. To make way for the new, you first have to clean up the old.
This involves not only demolition but also debris removal, so you will likely need to rent a large, rolling container to handle the waste. This will minimize risks and clutter during your demolition project and allow you to finish it as quickly, safely and smoothly as possible. If you decide to do any of the demolition work yourself, be careful and follow all safety precautions. Demolition can be very dangerous, especially when done in a disorderly manner.
Once the demolition work has been completed, the “preparation” process can begin. Once all plumbing, electrical, and HVAC upgrades have been addressed and approved, it's time to tackle frames and drywall. Remember to consider all elements of your remodeling planning, including wall color, cabinet colors, floor and hardware, and how it all comes together. We've compiled some practical home renovation tips that will keep your remodeling projects tidy and stress-free.
Most contractors will tell you that the key to a successful remodel where all parties leave happy is good communication between customers and remodelers. Generally speaking, it is best to delay the installation of the floor until the end of the remodeling process, so that they do not suffer scratches, nicks or damage. Keep a diagram of your remodeling plans handy, especially for rooms that need electrical and plumbing work, so plumbers and electricians can properly service your needs. Friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who have completed similar remodeling projects are great resources, so ask them for recommendations from contractors.
Determine which part of the remodel needs to be completed first and which parts of the project can be completed at the same time. The most common type of home remodeling contract is a fixed-price contract, which lists exactly how much a project will cost, including all permits, construction materials, and labor. Before you begin remodeling your home, whether you are doing some of the work yourself or hiring a contractor to take care of everything, familiarize yourself with the remodeling process and what it entails. On average, a full home remodeling project takes 3 to 6 months to complete, but this all depends on the overall size and complexity of the project, as well as who you hire to do the work and the amount of work you choose to do yourself.
It's hard to eliminate the pitfalls that come with home renovation projects, but you can reduce stress by preparing ahead of time. .
