10 Ways To Prepare For A Remodel Before It Begins

Preparing for a remodel before any work begins in your home decreases stress and saves you time and money in the long run!

Here are some tips on how you can prepare for your remodel before it begins:

1. Research The Desired Style And Design Elements

This might seem obvious, but a little research goes a long way. Before your remodel collect any and all design elements that inspire you. Create an idea board organizing all of your preferences.  Pinterest is a great resource for brainstorming, designing and organizing your upcoming project.  For example, you can find specific paint colors and tile samples you want incorporated in your remodel. You can also research interior design styles so that your home renovation project has a cohesive look and feel.

2. Remove All Personal Items

Before Demo Day you'll want to make sure you remove all personal items from the area(s) of the remodel. Cleaning out all of your kitchen cabinets or bathroom drawers ensures time and money saved down the road. Not to mention, it's a great opportunity to purge and empty those junk drawers that barely close!  

3. Move Furniture

Be sure to move furniture or budget for moving professionals to relocate all of your large furnishings out of the way.  Don't forget to take down picture frames, art, curtains or wall hangings that may get covered in dust or remodel debris.

4. Plan Food Arrangements

A remodel, especially in the kitchen, means access to every day food preparation utensils, cooking tools and appliances are on hold.  Plan to clean out the refrigerator of all perishable food and either have a budget for eating out or create simple meals that don't require many appliances. Utilize a meal planning calendar and shopping list app. For example, Mealime which is an easy and efficient way to budget, plan and serve easy meals during your remodel. Consider purchasing disposable plates, utensils and cups for serving solutions that don't require washing, drying or storage. It's also important to factor in other unforeseen food expenses such as prepackaged snacks, bottled water and beverages.      

5. Prepare for Loud Noise

Remodels are inherently noisy, but you do have options. Your home has become a temporary place of business, and just like any business, there are hours of operation. Communicate with your contractor and plan a schedule that works for you. You can also ask your contractor when you can expect a particularly noisy day and prepare accordingly. 

6. Pets

Pets rely on routine and when that routine changes they can sometimes act out. While you know why your routine is drastically changing, your pet does not. While housing your pet elsewhere is ideal, there are ways you can condition your pet before the remodel. Relocate the animal’s food and water bowls at least 10 days before the renovation. If you are having an outside remodel, adjust your pet to being inside, and if your remodel is indoors, prepare your pet to be outside or a separate room for long periods of time. When a practically noisy day is on the schedule plan an outing with your pet. 

7. Plan Alternative Lodging

A remodel can be disruptive to any routine. It's inventible that there will be noise, debris, and people coming in and out of the home constantly. If possible, plan to stay with nearby relatives or consider a hotel staycation during the majority of your remodel. 

8. Pack Clothing

9. Prepare Your Neighbors

Notifying your immediate neighbors of your upcoming remodel helps everyone. Depending on the level of work your remodel requires, there will most likely be work vehicles in and out of the neighborhood, along with the extra noise coming from your home. A fair warning prepares everyone. 

10. Prepare For Your Hired Professionals

Lastly, there are a few tasks you can accomplish before your contractor even asks. Prepare parking for your contractor and subsequent work vehicles. Locate a water source for their use and the breakers in case power needs to be adjusted. Prepare a guest bathroom for the workers use. Prepare a code or a set aside a set of keys for your contractors use if you wish them to have access to the house if you are indisposed. 

Let us know if these tips were helpful and if you have any tips of your own!