Home renovations and remodels can be very stressful time for homeowners. Not having access to kitchens and bathrooms is incredibly stressful if you don’t make the proper preparations. Renovating your home doesn’t have to get you in a tizzy, though. We’ve put together a few great tips for a low-stress remodeling process, so you and your family can prepare for what people wish they would’ve known before starting the renovation process.
Extensively Plan Your Renovation
Renovations are exciting! Whether your home isn’t functional with your current living situation or you’re ready for a fun aesthetic change that better fits your current style. But don’t get ahead of yourself. Planning is the absolute most vital way to have a smooth renovation. The first step to a successful renovation plan is getting a general idea of what you want.
Get A General Idea Of What You Want From Your Renovation
Start with a rough draft idea of what you want from your renovation. Hate your outdated countertops? Love cooking, and you’re looking for a more functional expansive kitchen? Maybe you dream of double sinks in the bathroom to make getting ready in the morning more productive. Throw all your ideas together, and don’t be afraid to have fun because the next step is prioritizing your list.
If you’re working with a stricter budget, consider what you’re going to get the most use out of. The kitchen may be what you’re most excited about. If so, the high-end finishes in the bathroom could become a project that you’ll take on in the future. You could run into unforeseen costs during the renovation, so having a list of your must-haves will come in handy to cope with budget constraints and plan a realistic remodeling budget.
Create A Realistic Renovation Budget
Not getting ahead of yourself is also important when creating a budget. It’s a rule of thumb to leave some breathing room when making a budget for really anything. You can create a perfect plan, but this doesn’t mean everything will go perfectly. Having money on the go for any potential issues that pop up makes them a lot easier to deal with.
Plus, there’s no hurt if you end up spending less than what you planned for. It’s always better than having to exceed your budget. This money could also go towards your interior and exterior decorating budget. Be safe, not sorry!
Find A Reputable Contractor
You’ve heard the renovation horror stories and do not want one of your own to share. It’s vital that you trust and even get along with your contractors because they’re a team you’ll be working closely with. Some green flags of reputable construction companies include,
- Licensing and insurance
- Optimal experience
- Good reviews
- Substantial work portfolio
- Great communication
- Written estimates
To avoid scammers or potentially putting yourself in a dangerous position, watch out for the red flags that are typically seen in scammers trying to make a quick buck. Scammers typically,
- Are hard to contact
- Demand cash payments upfront
- Have no reviews or references
- Are apprehensive about signing any contracts
If you notice some of these red flags in the companies you’re considering, run away fast. After doing ample research, narrow your potential candidates down to about three or four companies and compare estimates.
Compare Estimates
Now that you have a general idea of who you might be working with, it’s time to compare cost estimates. It’s not always the right call to choose the cheapest company cause you may also be compromising the quality of work. Cost should be a factor you consider but not the prime deciding factor for a company.
If any estimates are just unbelievably low, this is a red flag. All of your estimates should generally be within the same range, so if you notice one price is significantly lower, this suggests shotty work by the contractor. Some deals are just too good to be true.
Hire The Best Contractor For You
Consider the cost estimate, expertise, and credentials of the potential companies. If you’re looking for a specialty in a particular area of your home, like the kitchen, consider a company specializing in kitchen remodels.
Everyone and every home is different, so choose the company that works best for you and your home.
Prepping Your Home For The Renovation
If you’re choosing to live at home during your renovation and aren’t too sure what to expect, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below are some excellent home preparation tips that will combat the potential stressors of a home renovation.
Declutter
All your belongings have to be out of the space you’re renovating, so only having to move and store the stuff you need makes the process more manageable. Plus, this can be a time to get a clean start and get rid of those things you haven’t thought about in years. It’s easy to let things pile up, but your renovation presents the perfect opportunity to clean out the old and bring in the new.
Consider Storage
Absolutely everything from the room/rooms in your home needs to be moved. In the kitchen, this means everything inside your cabinets, like food and glassware, must go. Appliances on the countertops have to be moved as well. A great idea is to move your microwave or other small appliances into a laundry room or somewhere accessible so you can still use them. With your stove and oven out of commission, your toaster and microwave are going to come in handy!
For larger things like furniture or oversized objects, there are a few different ways you can go about storage. If you don’t have space in your garage or a spare room in the house, you can always ask a friend, rent a portable container, or purchase a personal storage unit.
Expect Noise During Your Renovation
If you work from home, have small children, or do anything that loud noise may negatively impact, you want to plan accordingly. Instead of working from your home office, consider going to your local coffee shop or setting up something with a good friend. If you can’t leave the house or don’t want to, you can also try to move your home office away from the construction site. The noise is something a lot of people forget about, so just being aware of it can make a difference.
Make The Most Out Of Your Outdoor Space
If you have a usable backyard, this is a great space to take advantage of. If you don’t already have one, you can set up a table to eat dinner at, plan a family game night, or do other fun activities. If you have a grill, this will significantly enhance your experience with not having a stove or oven cook. The backyard or other outdoor areas are great because they’re away from the workers and all of the noise. Outdoor areas can be your sweet escape from the renovation chaos.
Don’t Forget About The Fur Babies!
To keep your animals safe and out of the worker’s hair, they’re going to need a place to go during construction. A spare room or a kennel works fine. The best thing you can do for animals during a remodel is sticking as close to their regular schedule as possible. A little extra playtime and exercise can also alleviate the stress on animals during this confusing period.
Keep A Positive Attitude And Communicate With Your Contractor
If any questions arise, don’t be afraid to ask. Communicating with your contractor lets you fully understand each step throughout the process, ensuring you never feel like you’re in the dark. Having an open line of communication relieves stress caused by confusion or uncertainty. It’s normal to feel hesitant, but at the end of the day, one of the keys to a successful remodel is a great communicative relationship between the contractor and the homeowner.
Renovations are stressful because your home is less functional. You can run into unforeseen problems, and it’s easy to get worked up. Trying your best to maintain a positive attitude makes what feels impossible way more manageable.
Working with empathetic, experienced contractors is another valuable strategy for having a low-stress renovation. That’s where our team at West Shore Construction comes in. We specialize in bathroom and kitchen remodels, and with over 20 years in the business, we’re able to anticipate your expectations for the renovation.
We respect your home as if it were ours, cleaning and containing work areas with specific attention to detail. Communication is one of our top priorities to ensure your family is comfortable and safe throughout the renovation experience. For a free estimate or any questions about your home renovation, give us a call at 727-488-8182 or contact us online.
