There is no getting away from the fact that a home renovation is pretty exciting. After all, it gives your house a major facelift and turns it into a visual treat. Besides, it also increases the property’s value to a significant degree. But home renovation projects also come up with a lot of chaos as well. From loads of dust to noise, you have to encounter numerous hassles for a considerable period. All these issues virtually turn your lifestyle topsy-turvy, at least for the time being.
However, the good news is that you can save yourself from the stressful experience with proper planning. Sounds too good to be true? Well, you have to read it to believe it:
Table of Contents
Plan Ahead
Advanced planning is crucial when you are delving into a home renovation project. It will ensure everything is done the right way and within the expected deadline. We recommend you involve your spouse in the planning process. Otherwise, it will be tricky to keep everything smooth in the long run.
There is no such as a perfect renovation period. Regardless of how pitch-perfect your planning may be, you will confront issues related to timing, material, delays, etc. Accepting this fact from the beginning can help you be flexible and less stressed. Unrealistic expectations will only add to your anxiety.
Moreover, it’s better to keep in touch with your contractors. Even though it is not ideal, delays are almost inevitable. Good communication with your contractor will help you build trust and understand the status of the project.
Store Belongings Offsite
Your belongings, including furniture and other essential things, will need to be removed before any renovations begin. Therefore, it’s a good idea to rent a storage unit near your house to keep your belongings safe. That way, they will not get in the way of workers during the renovation process. If you have a sufficient budget, it would be wise to rent a storage unit to keep your items safe and sound.
Choose the Right Contractor
Hiring the services of a contractor means you are allowing a stranger to step into your property with a bunch of other workers. It is a big decision and requires thorough consideration. But when you set out to shop around for a contractor, you will probably come across plenty of them. So how will you make sure that you pick the best of the lot? Just take the following factors into account, and you will be able to get hooked up with a contractor who is best in the business:
- Ask for recommendations: It is always a good idea to seek recommendations from trusted people, including friends, family members, neighbors, and so on. Better still, visit the space where the recommended contractor has worked. If you are satisfied with the finished product, it is a green signal to connect with the contractor. Look around your neighborhood for houses that have had recent renovations. Most homeowners will be happy to give their opinions on contractors, particularly if they are satisfied with the work. But if you can’t find recommendations, head to the online review platforms.
- Have a look at credentials: Once you have a list of recommendations, start to do preliminary research. You can either call the contractor or visit his website. Check to see if the contractor holds the necessary licenses from the state and local governments. Also, check for designations from professional associations. To earn specific certifications, contractors must complete rigorous testing and courses. However, not all certifications are the same. Make sure to do your research and learn about the requirements related to your project.
- Take experience into account: It does not take long to find horror stories about homeowners unhappy with a contractor’s work. As a result, they ended up suing him through the courts to recover their money. That is why you are better off working with an experienced contractor. Unlike a novice, a seasoned contractor is a much more reliable option if you do not compromise quality.
Lay Down the Budget
Drafting a budget is arguably the most difficult and frustrating part of renovating your house. However, mapping out the budget upfront will give you a lot of clarity. For example, it will allow you to come to terms with the cost of materials, hourly rates of contractors, and much more. There are hidden costs that many people overlook. By narrowing down the budget, you can keep this issue at a safe distance.
Sometimes, homeowners use all the funds in the middle of the project. As a result, they end up putting themselves in a big mess. But once you have a clear idea about the budget, you can arrange the additional money before the project is up and running.
Get Away from the Construction Site
Temporarily going away from home is the best way to avoid stress during renovations. It is not a good idea to live near a construction site as it can be disturbing. On top of that, dust particles can cause severe health problems, and no one wants to feel sick during major home renovations. In case you do not want to shift for whatever reason, you may also opt for a vacation.
Think About Your Neighbors
As a responsible citizen, you would not want your neighbors complaining about noise during the renovation process. If you anticipate that your project will be loud, inform them in advance not to be caught off guard. Also, let them know how long the renovation will take. If there are any delays or issues along the way, keep them posted.
Final Words
Unsurprisingly, the popular opinion about home renovations is that they are very exhausting both mentally and physically. But, like most things in life, if you create a master plan and take every step strategically, you can waive off all the stress. If you do not know where to start planning, sticking to this guide is your best bet.