Remodeling is an inevitable part of owning a home, and if you’ve got the budget for it, it should be done every 15 to 20 years. Unfortunately, that can be easier said than done. From hellish contractors to dwindling budgets or the idea of having your privacy invaded for months, many aspects of a renovation put off potential remodelers.
If you want to give your home a facelift in the most stress-free way possible, read on to find out our top tips for keeping renovations simple.
1. Choose the right company
Working with the right contractors can make or break your home improvement project. Look for companies with excellent reviews, years of experience, and a reputation for excellence to look after your home.
Ask friends and family in your local area for recommendations, or search extensively through the reviews and testimonials of local companies to see which companies others have had success with.
2. Budget accurately
Understandably, one of the most common stressors of any home renovation project is money, especially when you end up spending more than you’ve budgeted. When it comes to renovations, less isn’t more.
Instead of working right at the top end of your budget and leaving little room for maneuver, put aside much more than you think you’ll need. That way, you’ll have an extra stash in case the final bill comes to much more than you’d anticipated.
3. Establish your priorities
Most home renovations come with some element of compromise, and it’s significantly easier when you know what your red lines are. Before you get started on your project, establish what’s a nice-to-have, and what’s a must-have.
That way, you’ll end up with your priorities as a definite and your nice-to-haves as a maybe, instead of the other way around.
4. Do as much prep as possible
The week of the renovations will be busy enough without any extra disruption. Instead of leaving things to the last minute, make sure your house is in the right condition for renovation before the project begins.
Move furniture and belongings into storage (or your garage) and make the space as easy as possible for the contractors to work in. Remove artwork, blinds, and other objects that could obstruct the renovation. By doing so, you’ll avoid a rushed last-minute rearrangement on the first day of the project.
5. Schedule to suit your family
There’s no such thing as re-designing your home with no disruption, but you can use smart scheduling to minimize disruption. For example, if you have holiday plans over the summer or don’t intend to use the home as much, it might be a good idea to schedule the renovation during that season.
Avoid your children’s exam periods, times when you might need to work from home, or periods in which you plan on hosting at your house.
Final thoughts
Renovations don’t have to be stressful with adequate preparation. As well as choosing a well-regarded contractor to help you create your dream home, prepare your priorities, budget, and home way in advance for maximum results.