A home renovation is always exciting, but you must consider many factors before starting your new project. Proper preparation and organization can make the difference between a smooth, stress-free project and one filled with costly delays and setbacks. We’ve put together actionable tips and advice from professionals to ensure homeowners have a safe, organized, and budget-friendly renovation.
1. Planning and preparation
It’s important to have a clear plan before starting your project. Thoughtful preparation will set the foundation for a successful and enjoyable renovation experience.
Evaluate the scope
Define the purpose of your renovation. Do you want to increase your home’s value, enhance its functionality, or update its aesthetic appeal? Understanding your goals will help you determine the scope of work needed and avoid unnecessary changes mid-project. Consider the renovation’s short-term and long-term impact to ensure it aligns with your vision.
Set priorities
Not all aspects of a renovation can be tackled at once, especially if you’re working with a limited budget or time frame. Prioritize the most critical areas—those that will have the most significant impact on your home’s livability and value. This might mean focusing on structural repairs before cosmetic updates or upgrading the kitchen and bathroom first, as these are high-value areas.
Find inspiration
Explore different design ideas by browsing websites like Pinterest and home renovation blogs. Visit local showrooms or attend home expos to see materials and designs in person. Create a mood board or digital folder to compile your favorite ideas. This collection of inspiration will serve as a reference point when making decisions about materials, colors, and styles.
Establish a realistic renovation schedule
This is a crucial step to keeping your projects on schedule and within budget. Work with your contractor to develop a timeline that includes all phases of the renovation, from planning and demolition to final touches. Break down the project into manageable stages and set clear deadlines for each. Ensure the schedule accommodates any necessary lead times for materials or permits and be prepared for potential delays. Make weekly project reviews to ensure your renovation is under schedule and adjust as needed if it’s not going as planned.
Plan for temporary living arrangements
Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need to arrange alternative accommodations. This could involve staying with friends or family, renting a short-term apartment, or setting up a temporary living area in a less-affected part of your home. Planning ahead will minimize disruption to your routine.
How can parents manage the challenges of home renovations while caring for children at home?
Managing home renovations while caring for children can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of planning and creativity, it’s entirely doable. First, set up a safe zone where kids can play, relax, and stay away from the construction chaos. Using gates and colour-coded tape can help to determine their safe zone. This might be a room far from the noise or even a corner of the backyard. Having a “safe zone” gives kids a sense of normalcy and security amid the upheaval.
Communication is key. Explain the renovation process to your children in simple terms so they know what to expect and aren’t startled by the changes. They can watch videos on YouTube (with your parental guidance) of other families doing renovations, too. Get them involved in small, safe tasks to help them feel included—like choosing paint colors or picking out new furniture.
Stick to routines as much as possible. Kids thrive on predictability, so maintaining meal times, naps, and bedtime rituals can provide comfort when the home environment is in flux.
Finally, take breaks! Spend time away from the house when you can—whether it’s a trip to the park or a playdate at a friend’s house. This not only gives your children a breather but also allows you to recharge. Balancing renovations with parenting is a juggling act, but with these strategies, you can keep the household running smoothly.
Jaide Bidwell from Stay at Home Mum
2. Budget setting
The average cost of a home renovation project varies significantly based on scope. A minor kitchen remodel averages around $12,000, while a major one can exceed $60,000. So, an average kitchen remodel costs $27,000. Keeping your priorities and budget in mind will help you stay within your plan.
Estimate renovation costs
Start with a comprehensive list of all the costs involved in your renovation. This includes materials, labor, permits, and any hiring professional fees like architects or designers. Don’t forget to account for smaller expenses like fixtures, paint, or temporary storage solutions. Be as detailed as possible to avoid unexpected costs later.
Create a financial cushion
Experts recommend setting aside 10-20% of your total renovation budget for unforeseen costs. It’s common for renovation projects to encounter unexpected expenses, whether due to discovering hidden structural issues or last-minute design changes. This will allow you to handle surprises without compromising on quality or scope.
Explore financing options
Consider how you’ll fund your renovation. If using savings, ensure that you’re not depleting your emergency fund. For larger projects, explore options like home equity loans, personal loans, or financing through a renovation lender. Compare interest rates, repayment terms, and fees to choose the best option. If you opt for credit, plan how to manage repayments to avoid long-term debt.
How can you effectively track your renovation expenses to stay within budget?
I’m a big fan of spreadsheets for tracking renovation expenses, but a budgeting app or even good ol’ pen and paper work too. The best budget is one you can update on the go and works for you.
The key is to capture expenses as they happen. With so many decisions, it’s easy to lose track of renovation purchases. When we renovated our bathroom, it was the little purchases, like an extra box of tiles or new paint brushes, that seemed insignificant compared to the overall reno cost, but add up!
By compiling all of these expenses into one central place, you can track expenses and compare them to your initial renovation budget, reducing those panic-inducing “Wait, how much have we spent?” moments.
Here’s why I love a spreadsheet or app:
- It’s flexible – create tabs for materials, labor, and miscellaneous purchases.
- It’s accessible and shareable – update on the go with your phone.
- It’s visual – seeing the numbers add up keeps you on top of your budget.
Crunching numbers isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (personally, I’d prefer to spreadsheet than spread paint), but if you’re sticking to a budget, it’s worth tracking every expense.
Melissa Goodwin from Frugal and Thriving
What budgeting strategies do you recommend for homeowners planning a renovation?
One effective budgeting strategy for homeowners planning a renovation is to set aside a contingency fund of 10-20% of the total budget. Renovations often come with surprises—hidden structural issues, outdated wiring, or sudden increases in material costs—that can quickly escalate expenses beyond the initial estimate. A contingency fund provides a financial cushion to absorb these unexpected costs without compromising the overall project or having to make hasty, potentially costly decisions. This fund helps homeowners maintain control over their finances and avoid the pitfalls of overspending, which can lead to delays or even unfinished work.
Jason Butler from My Money Chronicles
3. Finding the right professionals
About 42% of U.S. homeowners who renovated their homes in 2023 hired a construction professional. Professionals bring specialized expertise that can prevent costly mistakes and ensure that all work meets local building codes and safety standards. They also have access to quality materials at better prices and can efficiently manage permits and inspections. Hiring a professional will help you keep your project on schedule, within budget, and stress-free.
Research, get referrals, and check credentials
Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have completed similar projects. Research potential contractors online and read reviews. Verify their credentials, including licensing, insurance, and certifications. It’s also a good idea to visit a recent project site to see their work firsthand.
Consult with designers
Studies show that homes that hire a designer sell for an average of 10% more than those without. Consider hiring a professional designer if your renovation involves significant design elements, such as reconfiguring layouts or selecting finishes. A designer can lead to better space optimization and material selection and help you avoid costly mistakes by guiding you through the decision-making process, increasing the overall satisfaction of the renovation outcome.
Get multiple quotes
Compare bids and services before making a decision. Contact multiple contractors and designers to get a range of bids. Ensure that each quote includes a detailed breakdown of costs, services, and timelines. This will help you compare options and choose the best value for your budget. Be wary of significantly lower bids than others, as they may indicate a lack of experience or potential cut corners.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when attempting DIY renovations?
One of the common issues in DIY renovations is overestimating one’s skills and abilities. While confidence is key in tackling DIY home improvement projects, overconfidence can lead to poor execution, resulting in work that doesn’t meet professional standards. Examples of areas where this is extremely important are – plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural modifications. Amateur work in these areas not only risks the safety and functionality of the home but may also violate local building codes. This can lead to additional expenses – substantially increasing the overall cost and timeline of the renovation project.
It’s important for DIY renovators to realistically self-assess their skills and knowledge before beginning work on a project. Understanding the complexity of the project and recognizing when to hire a professional can save both time and money. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but a smart decision that can ensure your project’s success. For example, you might paint walls or install cabinetry personally but leave electrical and plumbing work to licensed professionals.
By setting realistic expectations and seeking help when necessary, DIY renovators can make sure that their home improvements are both cost-effective and up to standard.
Anika Gandhi from Anika’s DIY Life
4. Organization by room
Every room in your home needs different organizational strategies. Whether you’re renovating just one room or the entire house, planning ahead is important to keep things smooth and stress-free. This will help you stay organized, minimize disruptions, and make the entire renovation process more manageable.
Bedroom
- Clear out and pack up: Before work begins, remove all personal items from the bedroom, including clothing, bedding, and decorative items. Pack these belongings carefully in labeled boxes and store them in a safe, dust-free area. This will protect them from damage and make it easier to reassemble the room after the renovation.
- Protect furniture and flooring: Cover any furniture that must remain in the room with heavy-duty plastic or drop cloths to protect it from dust and debris. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches on hardwood floors. For carpeting, use protective plastic film to prevent stains.
Bathroom
- Prep your bathroom items: Before the renovation begins, sort through your bathroom items and declutter anything you no longer need. Pack essentials like toiletries, towels, and medications in labeled boxes or bins and store them in an easily accessible spot. This will make it easier to find what you need during the renovation and streamline the process of setting up your bathroom once the project is complete.
- Manage bathroom essentials: Plan for temporary alternatives since bathrooms are used daily. Create a schedule for using alternative bathrooms in your home or arrange temporary bathroom facilities if necessary. Set up a small station with toiletries and other essentials in another bathroom or a designated area, ensuring everyone in your household can access what they need without disruption. If the renovation involves plumbing, coordinate with your contractor to minimize downtime and ensure that at least one bathroom remains functional.
Kitchen
- Set up a temporary kitchen: Renovating a kitchen can disrupt your ability to prepare meals, so it would be a good idea to set up a temporary kitchen. This might include a microwave, mini-fridge, and portable cooktop in a nearby room. Plan for easy access to essential kitchenware and supplies, and consider preparing meals in advance to reduce reliance on takeout.
- Organize kitchenware: Carefully pack away kitchen items in labeled boxes, grouping similar items together. Store these boxes in a clean, dry space to prevent damage. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to provide extra protection for delicate items like glassware and china.
Home office
- Safeguard important documents: A home office often contains sensitive documents and valuable electronics. Pack away important papers in a fireproof and waterproof safe or secure storage box. Label the contents clearly and store them safely away from the renovation area.
- Maintain productivity: If you work from home, being productive during a renovation can be challenging. Set up a temporary workspace in your home’s quiet, undisturbed area. Ensure that you have access to all necessary tools, including a computer, phone, and reliable internet connection. Consider noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions.
What common mistakes do homeowners make when organizing their space before a renovation?
Before renovating, declutter and organize the stuff you own. Waiting until the last minute to prep for a reno can lead to packing clutter into boxes, potentially storing loads of things that you don’t even want. Instead, organize into groups so you know what you have and clearly label boxes so you can access them if needed during the reno. Take measurements for storage (Do you need two shelves for towels or four?) By keeping a notebook with key dimensions handy, you can purchase or build storage options before and during the reno based on what you own and use rather than some vague idea of what you think you have.
This leads to faster and better decision-making and can save you serious money. A client recently spent weeks stressing about the “wrong” kitchen cabinets that her contractor installed. She was certain the cabinets weren’t big enough for pans, which she hadn’t purchased yet. Once she placed her pans in the cabinet, she saw that the cabinets were not only what she ordered, but were plenty big enough for her needs. Humans are terrible at guessing whether something will fit into an empty space. Measuring the space and things, and seeing things in place, is how most people (who are not designers) allocate space.
Darla DeMorrow from HeartWork Organizing
How do you suggest homeowners prioritize which areas to organize first when preparing for a renovation?
When prioritizing areas to organize when preparing for a renovation, start with your most used rooms. Think of your main living spaces–your kitchen, living room, and bathroom. In these areas, be ruthless when purging. You’ll thank yourself when you have less stuff cluttering your home. When these spaces are organized and tidy, you can function better through a renovation–whether big or small. As we’ve been upgrading and organizing spaces in our home, we went room by room and ultimately, ended up in the garage after each project to clean up any tools/leftover materials and load up the car with donations.
Kristen Jones from A Classy Fashionista
What are some effective strategies for decluttering before starting a home renovation?
Decluttering is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure a less stressful renovation. Rather than leaving decluttering tasks until the end of a renovation when it’s time to move things back into a space, homeowners should actually donate, recycle, or throw away unwanted, broken, or useless items before a single joke about #demoday has ever been made. This will make life easier during the construction process, creating fewer tripping hazards around the home, and will make the process of getting set up in the newly refreshed space so much more fun after the renovation has been completed. Instead of thinking about how things are used in a space currently, would-be renovators should envision what the space will be like and how it will be used after the renovation and only keep those items that will be appropriate for the new space.
The old advice of only keeping things that you love or that you have used in the last year is definitely appropriate for this decluttering situation, but it’s wise to take things a step further. Only keep items that you love, and that will have a home in the new space. If an item can’t be put away in the new space and won’t be used there either, it needs to find a new home in another room, or it might be time to let it go into the donation pile.
Courtenay Hartford from The Creek Line House
What are some tips for organizing tools and materials to avoid clutter during the renovation?
Renovating a home can quickly lead to chaos if not properly managed. To stay organized and avoid clutter, create a detailed plan that breaks the renovation into phases with clear timelines. This will help you prepare materials and solutions ahead of time. It’s also crucial to declutter before renovation begins by removing unnecessary items and setting up temporary storage solutions to keep belongings out of the way. Designate spaces for storing materials and tools to keep the work area orderly.
During renovation, use clearly labeled containers to make items easy to find. Establish designated zones for materials and tools and implement a daily cleanup routine to maintain order. Minimize clutter by moving large furniture and decor to safe locations or cover them if immovable.
Set up a living space away from the renovation, keeping essentials handy to maintain your family’s routine. Stay on top of waste management by regularly disposing of debris. Consider vertical space with shelving units and hanging organizers to keep tools and supplies off the floor. Protect non-renovation areas with barriers and limit dust spread (vital for safety!). Finally, remain flexible and address clutter immediately to prevent it from overwhelming you. By following these tips, you can ensure a more organized and stress-free renovation process.
Ashley White from Decorology
What are some creative storage solutions for small spaces that can be implemented during a renovation?
Incorporate built-in shelves, under-stair storage, and pull-out cabinets. Use vertical wall space with hanging racks or pegboards, and consider hidden storage in furniture like benches or ottomans.
Mary Beth Sharkey from The How To Home
What are some key strategies for homeowners to consider when moving an office, and how can these strategies be applied to ensure a safe and organized home renovation?
Homeowners can adopt several effective strategies to ensure a smooth transition when moving an office. First and foremost, creating a detailed moving plan is essential. This includes timelines, checklists, and assigning tasks to team members. Similarly, homeowners should develop a comprehensive plan during a home renovation that outlines the scope of work, budget, and timeline to avoid unexpected delays.
Another important aspect is to declutter and organize before the move. Homeowners should take this opportunity to sort through office items, discarding what is no longer needed. This practice can also be applied to home renovations, where decluttering the space can facilitate a more efficient remodeling process.
Additionally, ensuring that all technology and equipment are properly managed during the move can prevent disruptions. Homeowners can apply this by ensuring that any home office technology is set up correctly and safely during renovations, minimizing downtime.
Lastly, communication is key. Keeping all stakeholders informed throughout the moving process helps avoid confusion. Maintaining clear communication with contractors and family members in home renovations ensures that everyone is aligned with the project goals and timelines. By applying these office-moving strategies, homeowners can create a more organized and efficient environment during their renovations.
MillennialMagazine.com
5. Importance of up-to-date home insurance
It’s essential to review home insurance policies before starting renovations, as not having adequate coverage for renovation-related damages, can lead to significant financial losses if accidents occur.
Understand home renovation coverage
Along with planning your renovation, review your home insurance policy to understand the coverage. Home renovations can expose your property to various risks, including structural damage, theft, fire, damage caused by contractors, or accidents during construction. Ensure that your insurance policy covers these potential issues; if not, consider additional coverage. Confirm that your contractors have their liability insurance to cover damages they might cause during the renovation.
Update your policy
Contact your insurance provider before starting your renovation to discuss any necessary updates to your policy. You may need to increase your coverage limits to reflect the increased value of your home after the renovation. Provide detailed information about the renovation, including its cost and scope, for an accurate policy update.
Your insurance provider can advise on the best coverage options for your renovation. This might include adding a builder’s risk policy, which protects during the construction phase. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of any new or updated coverage.
6. Safety measures
A renovation can be hazardous, and safety comes first. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that falls, being struck by objects, and electrocutions are among the leading causes of construction-related injuries. Implement proper safety measures to reduce these risks.
Protect your home and belongings
Renovations can create dust, debris, and noise, damaging your home and belongings. Use safety barriers, such as plastic sheeting or temporary walls, to contain the renovation area and minimize dust spread. Cover floors, furniture, and other items with protective materials to prevent scratches, dents, and stains.
Ensure proper ventilation
Construction dust can lead to poor indoor air quality due to dust and fumes. Ensure that your renovation plan includes proper ventilation in the work area. Use air purifiers and regularly clean surfaces to reduce dust accumulation and maintain a healthy air quality.
Personal safety
Potential risks when remodeling a home include exposed wires, sharp tools, and uneven floors. If you constantly supervise the project and walk around the renovation areas, always wear appropriate protective gear, such as safety goggles, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Follow your contractor’s safety guidelines and avoid entering the work area without permission.
Family safety
Renovations can be dangerous for vulnerable family members, including children, seniors, and pets. Establish clear boundaries to keep them out of the construction zone. Consider creating a designated safe area in your home where they can stay comfortably away from the renovation activities. Use safety gates, locks, and clear signage to restrict access to the renovation area. If possible, schedule work when family members are not at home to minimize exposure to hazards. Communicate regularly with your contractor to stay informed about potential safety concerns.
A well-executed home renovation requires careful planning, organization, and attention to safety. By following these steps and tips from the experts, you can ensure a smooth renovation process that stays on budget and meets your expectations. Remember, the key to success is preparation—both in terms of planning your renovation and ensuring that your property coverage is adequate for the project.
