Home renovations can be daunting task whether it is the time commitment, the cost, or the interruption of your daily life. Renovation projects are filled with unknown variables such as repairs you didn’t know you had to address, materials you didn’t know you needed, or even things make just take longer than originally planned.
You can’t plan for unforeseen circumstances, but you can prepare to be both organized and adaptable during your home renovation. The secret to a stress-free home renovation is being flexible and ready for whatever may come your way.
Preparation
The first thing you want to think about is what are you looking for. Ask yourself these questions: Why are you renovating? Are you trying to gain space, make necessary upgrades, or increase your property value? Take some time to really think about what you want. Ask yourself what you would change if you could or needed to, and then ask yourself what renovations are nonnegotiable from a home maintenance perspective.
With your budget in hand, make a list of priorities. It is useful to prioritize the renovation projects broadly as well as within a specific project. For example, it may be more important for you to replace the flooring in the kitchen before replacing the counter tops. It is important to make sure that you are aware of what you feel you need done first. Establishing priorities will help you align your resources with the most pressing renovations and allow you to create a roadmap for all your renovations.
Deadlines & Not-So-Fast Phases
Your renovation roadmap will point you in the right direction, but it is important to remember that the time it takes vary. You should establish a timeline for completion, as it is critical to have a working deadline to keep a project on track. This is necessary whether you are doing it yourself or having someone else do it for you. It is important to be aware that home renovations don’t always go smoothly, and a rigid deadline can be delayed a little bit by unforeseen circumstances. Not to worry though because if you accounted for this into your renovation plan then you are still on track for a successful renovation.
In other words, plan for delays. It also helps to do renovations one at a time. Even thought it might be tempting to get everything done at once, forgoing multitasking and focusing your energy on one project at a time will help you keep better track of everything that is going on. This will also keep you from getting overwhelmed.
Don’t Cut Corners
Whether you’re taking on home renovations yourself or enlisting the help of a contractor, don’t be lured by shortcuts. Even if it takes longer, it pays to do the job right because often times it saves you money and time in the future. If you’re driven to cut corners because of cost savings, consider carefully if less expensive products will actually cost you money down the line. Before the renovations begin, carefully assess the current condition of your home as this will help you gauge whether you need professional expertise and give you a starting point.
Rent a Storage Unit
In any home renovation, things inevitably get damaged. Whether it’s from flying dust, an errant glass leaving a watermark, or falling lumber or tools, your furniture is subjected to a lot. To ensure your belongings stay safe throughout the renovation, consider renting a storage unit. Storage Etc. offers short-term lease options, so you can keep your items away from the madness for as long or as short a time as you need. You can also use a unit at Storage Etc. to store any excess building materials safely and easily until you need them later in the project. Contact us at Storage Etc. today, and we will help you find the perfect unit to make your home renovation even easier!