How to Prepare for Your Renovation
If you’ve been considering a renovation or remodel project in your home, you’ve likely been gathering images and inspiration for a beautifully redone space. Beyond the aesthetics, you also want a project that runs smoothly, stays on budget and causes a minimum of stress. As a busy interior design firm, we see the most successful projects start with motivated homeowners, organized preparation and good communication. Whether you’ve been around the block with the renovation process, or this is your first undertaking, we recommend that you take these 10 key steps to ensure that the process is efficient and enjoyable.
1. Purge and Store
A great way to prepare for a renovation is to purge excess items. Clear out, donate or sell unwanted furniture, fixtures, decorative items, papers and other items. Good storage should factor into the new design, so only keep the minimum. Be ruthless – you’ll be glad for it.
2. Plan It
Be sure to have floor plans, technical documents and a list of finishes prepared, to assist with quotes and discussions in the planning phase. Good design takes time! Keep in mind that the design and decision-making process takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Allow for a realistic design and planning timeframe before you begin any site work.
3. Find the Right Professionals
Seek out great advice and assistance from the outset. Calling upon professionals can add great value to your design project by ensuring efficiency and a high quality of work. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need a general contractor, interior designer, architect, decorator or landscaper, and possibly other specialized trades. Their knowledge and experience can save you time, money and frustration. Don’t be afraid to inquire early on with those with whom you are interested in working. Many will be very happy to provide input early in the process, and others may have a waiting list to start.
Proper planning at the outset is crucial to a smooth-running project
4. Create Alternate Amenities
Does your renovation involve the kitchen, or the only bathroom in the house? If you’ve decided to tough it out at home during the course of the reno, consider how you will set up a makeshift kitchen area, sink facilities or temporary bathing and toilet amenities. These can be temporarily located in a spare room, or basement, near a floor drain.
5. Site Supervision
With any renovation, you want to keep a steady construction momentum. Even with the most efficient of trades, it’s smart to visit the job site regularly (or have someone visit on your behalf). Stay on top of daily and weekly progress, delays, and issues. Be efficient and proactive with responding to any queries to avoid delays. Consider hiring a project manager (some interior designers and design/build companies offer this service) to assist with keeping everything running smoothly.
6. Should You Move or Stay
We often get asked “Should I move out during our renovation?” It depends on the type of renovation and the people involved. The truth is that renovations are messy. Even plastic sheeting and other containment measures can’t completely contain the dust created by demolition and work on-site. If your renovation encompasses a whole floor, or major areas of your home, how will your day-to-day routines be impacted? There will be a steady flow of trades coming in and out of your home for quite a while. You may feel a lack of privacy, and noise may be disruptive to nap times or working from home. Some factors to consider:
Do you have young children?
Do you have health concerns?
Do you have pets, and can they be contained away from the work area?
How long is the renovation expected to last?
Does the renovation involve the kitchen or bathroom?
The added expense of finding alternate living quarters may be worth it, if you consider the potential disruption to your lifestyle. An alternate option is to schedule a vacation during the worst of the renovation process (see site supervision above!).
Your family's well-being is the highest prioritiy
7. Have All Materials On Hand
Nothing affects construction progress more than waiting for one crucial component. Be sure to have all fixtures and materials delivered and available on-site well before they are needed. It’s often helpful for trades to see specific components (such as appliances) in person to properly plan placement of their basic infrastructure, such as plumbing or wiring. Be sure to assign a dedicated, out-of-the-way spot (such as a garage) to store these items, to prevent loss or damage.
8. Delays
Expect them. Even with the best planning, unforeseen issues always arise. Whether it be surprises on the job-site, or delays in receiving, it’s wise to expect that all may not be completed exactly on schedule. A good project manager will be able to provide solutions and work-arounds, should this occur.
Enlisting the help of professionals can make your project run more smoothly, and reduce stress
9. Stress
Expect a high level of stress in your household during on-site or off-site renovations. Change in circumstance, environment and schedule can affect couples, kids and pets. Be patient and mindful of keeping great communication. Plan special outings to sweeten the situation, and make the most of local amenities, such as parks, libraries and coffee shops.
10. Protect Yourself
Before your project begins, check your insurance policy to ensure that you are well covered should any unfortunate circumstances arise. Ask all trades, contractors and liable parties to provide proof of insurance as well. This is also a good time to update your home security system, passwords and permissions. Plan on who will have access and keys to your home during construction.