Home renovations have spiked recently as people across the country struggle with a challenging housing market and continue to adapt to new and changing needs due to the learn/work/play-at-home lifestyle that has now emerged. Homeowners are looking for the potential in their homes and discovering there’s a lot to be loved – though perhaps with a few updates and upgrades. If you’re among them, here are my top three tips for planning a successful home renovation, and surviving to tell the tale!
Plan well in advance
Depending on the type of work you’re planning for your home, a renovation can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. A renovation has a lot of moving parts, and with current supply chain issues and trades shortages to contend with, a little advanced planning goes a long way.
Funnily enough, your plan should begin with your end goal. Determine what works for you in your space and what doesn’t. If you’re anticipating any major lifestyle changes in the next 10 years, as many of us are, be sure to factor these into the outcome. For example, planning ahead for the needs of a growing family.
As part of your planning process, know that the room being renovated will be largely unusable while the work is being done. Have an “escape plan” in the form of temporary accommodations or as a holiday away.
Get professional help
As part of your advanced-planning process, research and book your trades early on. Depending on the time of year and how picky you are on who you hire for the project, there may be a waiting period.
With that said, don’t get caught up in the excitement of your dream home and settle for less than the best. A home renovation is expensive, so ensure you’re spending your money wisely (and more on that later). Check references and ask for recommendations from family and friends who can vouch for the contractor’s quality of work, their steadfastness to timelines, and whether they stayed on budget – the big three. Consider hiring a professional designer who will work with you to put your goals on paper, create a budget and then manage the project from top to bottom.
Stay on budget
Overspending is one of the biggest concerns related to home renovations, but there are some things you can do to stay on target with your vision and your budget, and they’re all entirely within your realm.
Be realistic. Super-sizing your space is sometimes necessary, but not always. Are there ways to make your space more efficient, instead? This could mean a change in floorplan, or something as simple as creative storage solutions – overall, much cheaper than building an addition. When a full-scale renovation is in order, your designer can help bring you down to Earth when your dreams surpass your dollars.
Some good old elbow grease can save on costs as well. Some homeowners opt to do their own demo and pick up materials. Then, once the renovation has begun, stick to the plan. Making changes midway through the process causes delays and drives up the price, especially if those changes involve different materials and re-booking trades.
Worth the wait
There’s a lot to consider and plan for with a home renovation in the works. But there’s also a lot to look forward to. Here’s your chance to make your home what you want and need it to be. A little forethought and planning will ensure the result is worth the effort and the investment.