Home improvement is a process that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming simultaneously. This is because there are so many factors to consider that it can become quite confusing about where to start. A checklist is an excellent tool to ensure that you are on the right track throughout the entire process of the renovation.

Use the following guidelines to help you remodel your home and get the best results out of the project:

Define your goals

When planning to enhance your home, take time and reflect on the changes you would like to make. It is essential to decide whether you are willing to change the whole outlook and shape of the house or only refresh the look with new paint or new furniture. To assist decision-making, set achievable yet meaningful objectives that can be used as reference points.

Set your budget

It is always essential to start early in order to come up with a workable budget that you will be able to stick to. When making any significant alterations, especially when it comes to the structure of a building, it is advisable to obtain several bids for cost estimates. It is recommended to cushion the budget with an allowance for extras that may be required, about 10-20%.

One should consider hiring an architect or designer for the project.

For whole house renovations, particularly those that require a complete overhaul or gutting, it might be helpful to hire an architect or designer. They can assist in making your idea more realistic and can offer tips for the creation of a home plan that would not require a lot of money to fix. They are usually expensive but worth the investment in the long run.

Choose fixtures and finishes.

Take time to choose the materials for the floor, the cabinet, the countertop, the bathroom accessories, the light, etc. Collect images of the reference and samples of the materials. Don’t rush these decisions!

Compare contractor bids

When hiring out part or all of the renovation, be sure to request bids from at least three contractors. Ensure that each of the contractors offers a bid for the same work to be done. It is recommended to compare the experience, rates, and timeframes.

Secure building permits

As for the regulation of the renovation process, you may have to apply for building permits, depending on the area you live in and the range of the renovations. This can take a lot of time, and it is best to schedule contractors with a lot of time to spare; this can take weeks off the schedule.

Schedule contractor start dates

Ensure that each contractor agrees on the start and end date of the project once permits have been issued. One of the recommendations is to adopt a shared master calendar that shows when each trade is scheduled to work on the project so that the electricians do not interfere with the work of the plumbers.

Protect existing elements

For instance, to protect other areas of the house that are not being worked on, such as the floor, countertops, and bathtub, among others, one should use plastic sheeting, cardboard, and tape. This helps to avoid damages that could be occasioned by workers moving through the area with debris.

Photograph before demolition

It is recommended that many pictures should be taken in different positions before the walls are demolished or the rooms are stripped down. This can be useful for documenting the state of the project before and after the project completion.

Stick to the schedule

Construction time can be costly, and the contractors should be made to adhere to the agreed-upon time frame. If there are occasional issues then one should be polite but if there is a consistent delay then the problem should be dealt with.

Check the work done before proceeding further

Before the walls are closed or the floor is laid, one should take time to check on underlying works such as plumbing, electricity, and framing; it is cheaper to identify any anomalies at this stage.

Do a final walkthrough

With the contractor, check all the completed works and the condition of the fixtures, switches, lights, appliances, HVAC systems, and other similar fixtures and features; do not pay the final amount until you are delighted with the work done.

Deep clean the space

All the construction dirt and grime are gone, and you can now relax in your newly renovated space. You can either employ the services of a cleaning company or clean up the entire house and scrub every surface yourself.

Style the space

The exciting part of the process is now underway! It is the moment when you bring the furniture back in, hang paintings on the walls that were painted, arrange souvenirs on the shelves, and see how your home comes alive again.

Conclusion

Home renovation is a process that is both thrilling and tiring at the same time. It is a good idea to sit down and create a detailed checklist of what needs to be done and refer to it often; this would help reduce stress and ensure that there is no omission of essential steps in the process. Make sure to prepare well, ensure that you convey your ideas properly to the contractors and look forward to enjoying your new project for the next few years.