After months of toiling and waiting, you’ve finally turned your dream home into reality. But just when you thought all the work is done, you find that there’s still so much to do—and it’s extremely important. You need to ensure everything is in order before settling down into your newly renovated abode.
For one, you will want to know how to make the most out of your new nest and plan out your next steps after the grueling yet rewarding renovation journey. We’ve made it easy for you by gathering essential tips to make the process easier, one step at a time.
Do a Final Walk-through
A final walk-through is a crucial step to do after a home renovation. This is usually scheduled with your builder, who will discuss the remaining items on the list.
You will check every room and examine the work done, which will allow you to see if there are things that are not 100% complete. Most remodelers will harness their keen power of observation and look out for imperfections. In cases where rectifications and touch-ups are required, you will know exactly what to expect from your builder or contractor.
To be sure, you must prepare a checklist of what you should look out for during the walk-through process. We’ve gathered some of the essential things you need to keep in mind:
Make sure all the lights and switches are working.
Check the power plugs and see if everything is in order.
If you have built-in appliances, ensure they are installed properly and running smoothly.
Ensure the flooring is laid out perfectly.
When it comes to wardrobes, doors, and cabinetry, make sure the hinges work properly.
Ensure no parts of the newly painted walls have chips or smudges.
In the bathrooms, examine if the water is draining and waterproofing is properly installed.
You must be aware of the issues after renovation so you can follow through with your contractor.
Do a Thorough Cleaning
Home improvement projects typically leave lots of dust and debris, which can get into other parts of the house that weren’t part of the renovation. While there are measures in place to control the spread of the mess, they’re not foolproof.
This is where a deep, thorough cleaning is required. If you are up for it, you can do the cleaning yourself. You can roll up your sleeves, grab the vacuum cleaner, and get ready to work. You have to be meticulous during this process. Deep cleaning will also require more tools to get everything done. Here are some things you might need:
Protective gear like rubber gloves and face masks
Cleaning supplies for glass and mirrors, floors, and other surfaces
Cleaning products for carpets and floors, especially those that can remove stains
Mops and buckets
Brooms and dustpans
Scrubbing pads and brushes
Clean dusty walls, ceilings, floors, and countertops. You will probably do a lot of sweeping and vacuuming to eliminate any trapped dust and wood splinters.
Of course, you need not do everything yourself. If you can still squeeze it within your budget, you can opt for a professional cleaning team who can do the hard work for you.
Do the Final Furnishings
This is perhaps the most exciting part of the post-renovation tasks list. You have checked off your punch list and ensured the home is sparkling clean. This brings you to the important questions: How will you furnish your newly renovated space? Are you putting back your rugs, furniture, and art pieces? Are there items you’d like to replace?
You might decide to give your home a perfectly new look and change the layout and style to make a brand-new start. Make sure the furniture pieces fit your new layout and the newly painted walls. You might need to install artwork on the wall or choose a new set of curtains to complement your freshly remodeled floor-to-ceiling windows. If you plan to have a do-it-yourself interior design, you will need important tools to help you along, like annular cutters.
Needless to say, you can opt for the easy way and hire a professional interior designer instead. You can tap their expertise to achieve the new style and design you envisioned. Just make sure that it is within your decorating budget.
Put Your Insurance in Order
A home renovation requires investments, which involve lots of money. Make sure that your insurance agent knows everything and that investments are well documented. Schedule a meeting to discuss everything. Consider adjusting the limits on your homeowner’s policy, especially if you have significant value to your home after renovation.
In cases of appliances and other products with warranties, you may want to register them to ensure ease of access to any warranty claims in the future. Keep track of the warranty period too. Another important consideration is to organize all warranties and other important documents in a secure place. You need to keep your home insurance and other documents in one drawer so they will be easy to retrieve when you need them.
Plan How to Maintain Your Space
Just because all the hard work is finally over does not mean you can forget the crucial part—a maintenance checklist. There should be instruction manuals for all the new appliances and products installed in your home. You may also talk to your contractor or remodeler about the best practices in maintaining your newly renovated home.
For example, if you have natural stones for your flooring, you’ll need to seal them periodically to avoid stains. Wooden floorings need felt pads for heavy furniture. You will also want to know the products that can help you clean your floors safely.
Keep some sort of a list to make sure you are on top of the needed maintenance of your home.
Wrapping It Up
So you have ticked off everything on your list and can finally settle down into your refurbished home. There is no better feeling than being able to plop down on your new sofa, put your feet up, and enjoy the feel of your freshly remodeled abode. You may want to indulge by getting yourself a treat, perhaps a cake from your favorite bakeshop or some beer sampler gift baskets to relax. This calls for a celebration, after all. You certainly deserve it.
By Gavin Chase
