Making any kind of change to your home, big or small, can be a difficult task. Remodeling is not known for being easy, but the results are usually well worth the time and money you put into any kind of home upgrade. If you’re noticing spaces in your home that you know could use a more updated look, make sure you’re putting the right steps in place before starting a remodel to ensure it is an overwhelming success.
Assess your Space
Assessing the space you have to work with when it comes to a remodel is the best place to start. Is your home an open floor plan, or is it more closed off? Do you have enough room to stay at home while the remodel takes place? There are numerous factors to consider but nailing down just how large your renovation will be as a whole is crucial during the planning stage. Take into account whether or not your remodel will occur in the central location of your home, or if it will be a bit more secluded. The more centralized the work is during the renovation, the more likely it is to disrupt your current lifestyle.
Declutter your Home
Another good way to prep for a remodel in a more general sense is by decluttering. Any area you plan on remodelling directly should be completely clear, however, it’s never a bad idea to declutter the rest of your home as well. Setting a designated space for the items you have to put aside during your renovation is a must. However, it’s also in your best interest to do some cleaning and clearing out in general. Take the time to do a deep dive through your space before you fine tune the details of your remodel. You might even be able to sell some old items in your home that you no longer want or need for some extra cash to help fund your renovation.
Set a Budget
Once you’ve assessed and decluttered your space, setting a budget for your plans is your next best bet. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t need to budget often, you’d be surprised at how easy it is to overspend when the proper financial boundaries are not in place. Be sure to explore all of your options when it comes to funding. Taking out a home equity loan is a common way to fund home improvement projects. Look into how home equity loans work in order to determine which payment route is best for you, and don’t count out other non-conventional options either. With the proper budget in place, you might not even need to take out a loan at all, as some homeowners are able to pay for their renovations with a swipe of their credit card.
Create a Schedule
Having a realistic timeline in place for your remodel will be a lifesaver should you run into any speed bumps along the way. Whether your renovation is being done by a private contractor, a family member, or you’re taking on the process by yourself, it’s in your best interest to consult your calendar before beginning any work. Creating a schedule for each day of the remodel will help you track the progress, and it will ensure that no aspect of the project is rushed through.
Look for Savings
When it finally does come time to start ordering materials for your renovation, always ask about or look for ways you can save. Though your contractor might recommend top of the line flooring, or swear by a specific type of tile, it never hurts to do your own research on what materials to use as well. You might even be able to take a more sustainable stance on your renovation by looking for remodel materials made from recycled products.
Another great way to save is by researching home improvements that are easy to do yourself. Hiring work out can be expensive, so don’t spend extra money on a contractor if you know there are simple upgrades you’ll be able to tackle on your own.
Remodeling your home is a change that should not be taken lightly, however, the process can be made easier with the proper plans in place. By preparing your home, setting the right budget and creating a realistic plan of action, your renovation process is sure to succeed!
