Home renovations are a major undertaking, but with adequate preparation and planning, you can make your home vision come true. Whether you’re renovating an old home or building something from scratch, there are a few key steps to take before you begin. 

In this guide, The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team covers everything from estimating costs and budgeting to finding a contractor, communicating your ideas, and scheduling the project. Let’s get started.

Home Improvements Worth Doing

Home renovations offer a creative outlet to freshen up your living space. There are numerous options available, such as home extensions, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, basement renovations, and home office design. It is also important to factor in elements like flooring, electricity, plumbing, interior design, energy efficiency, and lighting when planning a renovation.

Cost Control

Before embarking on any home renovation project, it is essential to plan out a budget and estimate the costs associated with it. This can include expenditures for materials, labor, permits, insurance policies, taxes, etc. It is paramount to remain realistic about what you are able to afford and which type of renovations will fit within your financial capabilities.

Have a Timeline in Place

When it comes time to start the actual building process, it’s important that everyone involved is on the same page in terms of timeline and schedule expectations. Before beginning any construction work, be sure to clearly communicate when each step will occur so that all parties understand what’s going on at all times during the project. If possible, set milestones along the way so that progress can easily be tracked by all parties involved.

Work With a Designer

If you want a professional look for your home, consider hiring an interior designer who has experience in renovations. They will help bring your ideas into reality while also taking into account practical aspects like space planning and colorscheme selection, as well as selecting furniture pieces that suit your lifestyle needs best. Additionally, having an interior designer on board also helps ensure that all elements of design flow together seamlessly, creating an aesthetically pleasing outcome in the end.  

Find a Contractor You Can Trust

When it comes to home renovation projects, finding a quality contractor is key. Make sure you do your research to find a good fit. This includes checking their references, reading online reviews, and looking at past work they’ve completed. Once you find the perfect fit, ask them plenty of questions so that your expectations and budget are both met. With the right contractor on board, your project will be in capable hands.

When it comes to home renovation projects, finding a quality contractor is key. Make sure you do your research to find a good fit. This includes checking their references, reading online reviews, and looking at past work they’ve completed. Once you find the perfect fit, ask them plenty of questions so that your expectations and budget are both met. With the right contractor on board, your project will be in capable hands.

Get Some Help From Technology

Understanding why contractors use takeoff software is essential for homeowners. Focusing on construction takeoffs with the aid of special software helps contractors create accurate estimations and quotes quickly, streamline project management, track costs to ensure budgets are not exceeded, and improve communication between the contractor and the homeowner. It allows contractors to easily identify materials needed throughout a project, enabling them to prepare a detailed bill of materials and prepare detailed budget estimates.

Secure Your Investment With a Warranty

After a home renovation, it's wise to invest in a home warranty. A home warranty can offer both peace of mind and financial protection in the event that anything goes wrong with your newly renovated property. It can also reduce costs associated with repairs and replacements made necessary by covered issues or defects. A one-time purchase of a home warranty can save you thousands of dollars and ensure that your renovated home is protected for years to come.

Home renovations can seem like an intimidating undertaking, but with some careful planning and attention to detail, it can be a fun and satisfying experience. Put in the effort to consider all of the factors involved, from budgeting and estimating costs to finding the ideal contractor.
This approach will make projects of any size much smoother and easier to manage.