Preparing for a home renovation
We have all seen HGTV, how quickly they knock down a wall and change the entire look of a house in 30 minutes, right? It looks fairly easy and of course after watching a few YouTube DIY channels you are ready to go, right? The reality is preparing for a home renovation can be daunting and a bit overwhelming without the proper tools and knowledge of where to begin. Here at Multi Lakes Handyman Services we understand that feeling, so we put together our top 5 home renovation tips to get you started.
Budget for your home renovation
Having a budget for your project is one of the most important steps in renovation planning. The first step is listing what materials you may need. Take a stroll down the lanes of your local hardware store to get an idea of what those will cost. Next you will need to make sure you have the tools for the job. If you need to rent a tool make sure you add that into your budget. And finally, you will need to budget for the unexpected such as eating dinner out during a kitchen renovation, staying in a hotel during a bedroom renovation, etc. Doing your research ahead of the project will save you money in the end.
Home renovation prep
Once you decide on starting a renovation project you will need to sit down and prepare not only your home, but your mind. All home improvement projects are disruptive, no matter how big or small. Make sure you prepare for the mess, or possibly living without the space for the duration of your project. Remove as much as possible in the space you will be working on. Think ahead for food preparation and meals. If you have animals, you may want to take them for a nice spa day to ensure they are not under foot or get upset from the loud noise. Above all else, remember that everyone makes mistakes. Learn from them but do not let them derail you. Just remember, if you begin to feel like you cannot handle the project on your own, you can always call a professional.
Consult the calendar
Creating a timeline for your project is an important step in preparing for a home renovation. Between soccer games for the kids, work, making dinner and finding time to breathe, it may seem like you never have time for anything. Take that into consideration when starting your project. Decide what time you are able to work on the project, factor in weekends and special events that might pop up. This will give you a more accurate time of when your project may be complete. Make sure you factor in a few weeks to a month of wiggle room for any delays or unknowns that may occur. Time is valuable so have an end date in mind and work backwards to get a clear picture of your timeline.
Know when to hire a contractor
Painting, flooring, trim, new fixtures are all things most of us can tackle on our own. However, there are a few things that should always be handled by a contractor. If your home renovation will require any of the following you may want to look into hiring contractors: Electrical, Plumbing, Masonry, Drywall or removal of a wall. These things could be dangerous and require a skilled and licensed professional. You may need to hire more than one type of contractor for your project, at Multi Lakes Handyman we have contractors for all your needs to get the job done!
Hire a contractor that's the right fit
Sometimes we need to call in the professionals. Finding good help is crucial. Do your research on the contractor. Make sure they have experience in the renovation you need done. Read reviews on the company website or ask friends for references. Once you have chosen a good fit, ask for a detailed contract which will help you stay in your budget and timeline. Be up front about exactly what you want and need, however also keep in mind that even contractors run into delays with materials or unknown issues, so make sure you communicate daily to make sure you're kept in the loop. Doing research and finding the right fit for you will save you headaches and heartache down the road.
Even with our home renovation tips, preparing for a home renovation can be rough. You may realize you just don't have the time to do it yourself, or you just may not feel comfortable tackling the job. That's what we are here for! Our fast, highest-quality service is performed by experienced professional employees and best in class contractors. Utilizing high quality products from leading manufacturers, our installations and repair services are top-notch. Give us a call anytime for an estimate on your next home renovation!