07/05/2022
Let’s talk about the best way to prepare for your home renovation project - including cleaning, talking to your contractor, and more.
1. Take “Before” Pictures #
You’re about to fully transform your home, so it’s time to get a picture of how it looks before it changes forever!
2. Use Up All Your Stuff #
If you’re completing a major home renovation, chances are you’ll be putting some things in storage or moving out of your home for a bit while your contractor gets to work on your space.
3. Figure Out If You Need Outside Storage #
Lots of folks end up shoving furniture into garages, basements, guest rooms, or areas of the home that aren’t being renovated during the project. However, there’s a good chance that you may need to move some things to a storage area if they can’t fit anywhere in your house.
4. Decide What’s Going Where #
Before packing everything and anything away during your renovation, it’s important to consider what things you’ll need on a daily basis and where you’ll keep them.
5. Talk To Your Contractor #
Things are gonna get messy, and it’s better to be too cautious than not cautious enough. Your contractor can let you know their plan of attack if they are renovating multiple rooms, and which areas they’ll be working on first. You can also ask them about their cleanup schedule - do they plan to sweep up every night? It’s important to get on the same page about who’s cleaning what and when and what site preparation will take place.
6. Let The Neighbors Know #
Your neighbors might not be too happy that there’s going to be a big dumpster in your driveway and whirring machines running 24-7 during your renovation. Make sure to talk to them in advance and let them know what your renovation will entail and how long it will be going on - they may want to make their own alternate plans for work or play during the project.
7. Think About Security #
How will your contractor and their team get into your home everyday? Do you have a home security system? Will you make copies of keys? Think about purchasing a lockbox for your key while the contractor is in your home if you’re concerned about security or keys floating around.
8. Decide Whether To Stay Or Go #
While it can be tempting to cut costs and stay at your home during a renovation, this idea could end up being much more time consuming or even expensive than staying somewhere else. If you stay, you may not have access to your kitchen or bathroom during long durations of the renovation, and you’ll have to worry about keeping the area clean and safe.
If you leave, your contractor has a lot more flexibility with the project site as they don’t have to worry about getting in your way. Also, you can cook and bathe in peace. Before making this decision, talk to your contractor and see how your presence might affect cost or their workflow.
9. Get Mentally Prepared #
Last but not least, give yourself time to prepare mentally for your home renovation. Home renovations are stressful, time consuming and disrupting.
Overall, the best way to prep for a renovation is to start early and write out a plan!