If you’re just preparing for your first major home overhaul, you already know that you’ll likely have workers in and out of your home for days to weeks and that at least part of your space won’t be functional until the work is done. But there is much more to planning, executing, and surviving a home renovation. Today’s tips touch base on a few things you may not have considered that you don’t want to miss if you want a smooth process from start to finish.
Clear Your Home Before Work Begins
While your contractors likely don’t expect a perfectly clean slate, you will have to ensure a clean home before work begins. House To Home Organizing can help you clear everything from the master bedroom to the kitchen and pantry. This not only ensures your workers will have fewer obstacles, but it’s also a great opportunity for you to clear the clutter so that you can enjoy your new space even more.
Look Into A Home Warranty
Most people think of home warranties in terms of a product available only after the purchase of a new home. Fortunately, this is not true, and you can buy a home warranty anytime you want. A home renovation is a perfect event to spur this investment. Your home insurance will not cover new appliances or the HVAC system, ceiling fans, or other expensive components of your remodel. Before you pay for home warranty, it’s a smart idea to have a home inspection and to confirm whether your existing appliances and systems are already covered.
Hire An Interior Designer Or Decorator
Depending on your home remodeling goals, it might make sense to partner with a designer or decorator. If you’re not sure how to differentiate with the difference between an interior decorator and interior designer, consider this: a designer can handle aesthetics but also works with your contractors to ensure the space is functional and safe. A decorator handles surface-only updates, including furniture, paint, and draperies.
Create A Dual-Purpose Office
If you’re one of the millions of Americans that now work from home, you have probably taken over your spare bedroom as a home office. One of the most meaningful renovations you can make now is to ensure that your office also works as a guest space now that it’s time to open our homes and lives back up to our friends and family. CNN shares many different sleeper sofa designs to consider, and many of these also work well as an office lounge – your clients won’t have a clue they’re on your spare bed. You can also add a storage ottoman, decorative cabinets, and other dual-purpose pieces that help you switch from personal to professional space quickly and easily. A bonus tip here: use a UV light disinfection system when switching spaces from home to office use. Violet Defense explains this is effective and affordable.
Keep Pets Safe During Renovations
Perhaps most importantly, make sure that your pets are safe during the renovation process. This should start by ensuring their microchip or ID is up to date and that you make a special place in the home where contractors can’t go. Not only does containing your pet ensure their safety and sanity, but it’s also important in keeping you out of legal trouble if Spot snaps on a stranger in your home.
Planning a home renovation is an emotionally taxing time in everyone’s lives. But it does not have to be a long-term or tumultuous activity. From creating a dual-purpose office, investing in a home warranty, decluttering, hiring a designer/decorator, and keeping your pets on the premises, all the little preparations you do now will make things easier for you and your contractor so that you can enjoy your home as quickly as possible.
For more great tips on managing your home, visit House To Home Organizing’s blog frequently. And when you are ready to make a change, call us at 203.571.9412 to get started.
