Are you in the process of planning a total home renovation? If so, you’re probably feeling both excited and overwhelmed at the same time. There’s a lot to do before the work begins, and if you’re not prepared, things can quickly get out of hand.

In this article, we’ll provide 6 tips on how to get ready for your home renovation.

1. Prioritise Safety

It’s vital to ensure that you, your family, and any contractors are kept safe during the entire process. This may involve having someone watch your children while you work or making sure that all electrical outlets are covered. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask when working with power tools.

Turn off the gas line before starting any work and put up barriers to prevent people from walking into areas where you’re working. You don’t want to start tearing out walls if there’s a possibility that the ceiling could collapse. If you’re not sure about something, it’s always best to consult with a professional before proceeding.

2. Keep The Area Clean And Tidy

You don’t want anyone to trip over something and get hurt, nor do you want a lot of extra dust and dirt in your home. Create a designated space for all of the renovation materials to keep the rest of your home clean and clutter-free. Also, think about responsibly disposing of your rubbish (e.g. recycling, hazardous materials, renting a dumpster).

Try to avoid using any strong cleaning products, and sweep or vacuum regularly to reduce the dust and dirt in your home. As a matter of fact, industrial vacuums on a construction site can be mandatory, whether they’re manual or feature automatic filter cleaning. Concrete dust is extremely fine so proper filter technology (HEPA) is needed to separate it from the clean air.

3. Create A Budget And Stay Within It

The first step is to calculate the expected cost of your project by getting estimates from different contractors. You’ll need to consider:

• The cost of materials
• The cost of labour
• The cost of permits
• The cost of any additional services (e.g. architects, engineers, etc.)

It may be that you need to reduce your initial plans in order to be able to afford the work. You should also create a contingency fund in case anything unexpected occurs during the renovation process. By having a budget and sticking to it, you can ensure that your project stays on track and doesn’t cost more than you can afford.

4. Choose The Right Contractor/s

You need to find someone who’s reputable, has the experience, and is within your budget. Do your research (checking their online reviews), ask for referrals, and meet with a few different contractors before deciding. Also, get everything in writing so there are no surprises later on.

It’s wise to get multiple estimates to ensure that you’re getting the best possible price for your renovation. Seek at least three, and compare them side-by-side before deciding.

5. Cover The Legal Aspects

You may need to get building approval from your homeowner’s association (if you have one). If you plan on making any changes to the structure of your home, a building permit may be mandatory. Also, check with your local zoning office to find out what is allowed on your property before you begin any renovations.

Notify your home insurance company of the renovations. Some won’t cover homes that are under construction, so you may need to get a special rider or policy. If you’re hiring contractors, make sure they’re licensed and insured as well. You don’t want to be held liable for any accidents that occur on the job site.

6. Create A Timeline

This will help you stay on schedule and ensure that all of the necessary tasks are completed by the deadline. The time your renovation will take will vary depending on the size and scope of your project. Break down the individual tasks (e.g. demolition, painting, flooring, etc.) and create a timeline for each one. Leave some cushion in your timeline in case there are delays or unforeseen problems – and make sure any contractors will be available when you need them.

These 6 tips can help you prepare for your total home renovation, and make sure that everything goes according to plan. Then you’ll be able to enjoy the process and look forward to experiencing the end results. In return for some time, effort, and money you’ll have a much-improved home – and you may have added to its value in the process.