As you’re planning a renovation, it’s common to focus on design details such as the layout and materials. However, you should also give attention to logistics and contingency plans for any unexpected twists and turns you may experience. Today, ArtePatio shares five tips to help you prepare for renovation.
1. Develop an Organization System
Before you begin, determine a goal for your renovation, such as boosting your home’s value or accommodating your growing family. Remember your goal will help you stay grounded if you feel stressed at any point during renovations. Take the following steps to prepare for your renovation:
Set up your temporary living accommodations.
Remove furniture and belongings from the work area.
Store your valuables.
Finalize agreements and orders with vendors.
Set up a calendar to track renovation progress and coordinate deliveries. With the Frontdoor home management app you can easily schedule service appointments and track the status of their repairs.
Also, you should maintain and organize all your renovation-related documentation, including contracts, email exchanges, and receipts. To make things a lot easier on yourself, digitize all paper documents. Then, you can combine the pages using a PDF merge tool and download them to your phone for offline access.
2. Stay Flexible
“Expect the unexpected” is a good mantra when it comes to renovations. Even the best-laid plans are bound to hit a few hiccups along the way. External factors such as delivery mishaps, long lead times, and hidden home defects can all impact renovation progress. Leave some leeway in your timeline and budget (Real Homes recommends 10-15% of your projected expenses) to account for unexpected delays and costs. Plan ahead and be willing to make necessary changes to your renovation plan.
Your daily routine, as you know it, will be disrupted. To what extent depends on the size and scope of the project. A kitchen renovation, for example, will be most disruptive, as you’ll be without the majority of your cooking essentials for at least a couple of weeks.
In addition to your regular work and personal responsibilities, you’ll also focus a lot of time and attention on the renovation. Hiring a contractor with a skilled project manager can relieve you of much of the renovation-related burden.
3. Communicate Your Design Choices and Preferences
If you’re renovating a room for a specific purpose, such as a home office, be intentional about your design choices. Your home office should be a comfortable space that promotes inspiration and productivity. Desired features may include built-in bookcases, a custom-crafted desk, or recessed lighting. Communicate your wish list to your contractor, who can guide you through turning it into reality.
4. Expect Noise and Mess
There’s no way around it; renovation is a messy business. Autodesk notes that demolition is by far the biggest generator of dirt and dust, but every step of the process will include a degree of chaos and debris. A diligent contractor will seal off the work area to contain dust and dirt, but it helps to embrace the mess as a necessary bump on the path towards a new, beautiful space.
5. Trust the Process
Renovations often look a lot worse before they look a lot better. You may wonder about the order in which things are happening. Bring up questions or concerns to your contractor as soon as they arise rather than waiting until it’s too late. You’ve done a lot of legwork to hire a trusted professional, so rely on your contractor to guide you through the process and successfully complete the renovation.
Renovations are complex, but they don’t have to be stressful. From using a home maintenance and repair app to making sure you’re clearly communicating your preferences, there are a number of strategies you can employ to make the process go much more smoothly.
ArtePatio offers inspired living through high-quality products, exclusive designs, and
contemporary style. A real support for your patio renovation.
Contact us today for more info! (305) 456-1372 or (786) 538-8633