A home remodeling project is an exciting endeavor. It can also be daunting and stressful if you don’t know what to expect.
Whether you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel or an entire home makeover, there are a lot of factors to consider before your remodel begins, so preparing beforehand will save you headaches down the road.
Let’s look at 8 things you can do to prepare for a home remodeling project:
1.) Mentally prepare for the remodel
With any new home remodeling project, there are a lot of variables to consider. It’s possible that the project will take longer than expected or that unforeseen circumstances will throw a wrench in the works.
Here are a few things to prepare for before your project begins:
- Timelines: Make sure your expectations are realistic. Look at how much work needs to be done and approximately how long it will take.Depending on project size 6-8 weeks is typical, but you should prepare for potential delays.
- Noise: Be prepared for elevated noise levels. Demolition to installation and everything in between, these projects tend to be noisy.
- People coming and going: There will most likely be multiple people associated with your project, including contractors, sub-contractors, inspectors, etc. Be prepared to have these people in and out of your home.
2.) Clean, declutter, and move things out of the space
When you’re ready to start a remodeling project, it’s important to get your space ready for the transformation by ensuring it’s clean and decluttered.
Start by removing everything from the space—don’t leave anything behind that might be damaged during construction. Having clear pathways will make it easier for the workers during the remodeling process.
Once everything is removed, vacuum thoroughly, wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant solution.
3.) Plan ahead (your day to day habits might have to change for some time)
Before you start a remodeling project, it’s a good idea to think about how your day-to-day life will be affected.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, ask yourself how you’ll prepare meals while your kitchen’s out of commission. Are there meals you can prepare ahead of time that will make dinners easy during construction?
If you’re planning on updating your bathroom, consider where you’ll wash up and how that needs to change if your sink is moved or replaced with a new model.
4.) Consider what you’ll do with your pets
If you have pets, consider how they will be affected by the construction process. If they are staying in the home during the remodel, make sure there are ways for them to escape loud noises and hide from the commotion.
Pets are sensitive to noise, so if your pet is skittish or easily scared, there should be plenty of hiding places for them to seek refuge.
5.) Prepare to encounter delays in your remodel
The timeline will depend on the scale and complexity of your project. For example, if you’re building an addition, you should expect it to take longer than a simple remodel of one room.
Construction projects are typically more complex than other types of work and require more steps to complete. Construction remodels also require more approvals and permits, which can also slow down the overall process.
At Bonsai Builders, we’ll work with you to come up with a timeline that works for everyone involved. Timelines are flexible—we want you to feel comfortable knowing that if something goes wrong or takes longer than expected, we’re right there with you until everything is done right. You can review our construction process here!
6.) Consider having a vacuum nearby for daily dust clean up
When you’re remodeling your home, it’s important to keep the dust to a minimum. Why? Because the dust can cause irritation to your throat and lungs, which can lead to coughing and wheezing.
If you have allergies or asthma, this could be especially problematic. If you’re planning on remodeling, there will be a lot of sanding and sawdust flying around. You can reduce the amount of dust in your home by having a vacuum handy so that you can sweep up any debris when it happens.
It may seem like a small thing, but vacuums are great at removing particles from your home quickly and easily.
7.) Take before and after shots!
If you want to document your remodel, take pictures before the project begins. Pictures will help you remember what the space looked like before construction started and how much it changed at the end of each phase. These photos are also useful for estimating timelines and planning ahead by providing a visual reference point of what needs to be done next.
For example: If you plan on removing all of your old cabinets and replacing them with new ones, take pictures before removing any cabinets so that you can compare them when installing new ones later on.
Taking these photos beforehand can also give you an idea about what items should remain where they are during construction (or if there’s anything else that needs moving) since some areas may not be accessible once demolition begins!
Ready for the next step?
Now that you know what to expect from a home remodeling project and how to prepare for it, you’re ready to take the next step! The best thing you can do is find the right contractor for your project.
Bonsai Builders is a luxury construction and design company in Central Massachusetts creating beautiful spaces that bring your dream rooms to life! We offer a wide range of services, including home remodels, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and more. No matter what kind of project you have in mind, we can help!
Use the form below to send us a message – we can’t wait to hear from you!