6 Things You Need to Consider Before Starting a Renovation

So you want to start a renovation huh?! Before starting a renovation, read this article, please.

Undertaking a renovation project can be a super exciting and transformative experience for homeowners and interior design professionals like myself. Whether you’re remodelling your kitchen, redoing your bathroom, or renovating your whole home, it’s crucial to be well-prepared before starting a renovation. If you don’t pre-plan, you might find yourself in a home renovation nightmare. And, trust me, I’ve lived through many renovation nightmares and have heard many horror stories alike! Although I don’t believe any renovation can be truly blissful, by planning and hiring the right professionals the process can be more enjoyable than not. Renovations require careful planning, budgeting, and decision-making to ensure successful outcomes. To help you navigate through this journey, I have compiled a list of 6 things you need to consider before starting a renovation.

1. Define your wants and needs

Before you start any renovation project, clearly define your project’s wants and needs. Consider what aspects of your home you want to improve, whether it’s functionality, aesthetics, or both. There should be certain wants of yours that are an absolute must. For example, you may really want herringbone wood floors and black window trim. Your needs should be non-negotiable. Your wants should be elements that you like but can live without.

Creating these lists is kind of like figuring out what you want out of a partner. Go ahead and make your Mr.Perfect list but be honest and realistic with yourself. There may be things you can live without. And it’s not to say that you cant have everything that you want, it’s knowing that usually the more on your list the more it drives the budget up. So, you need to be mindful. Read How To Plan For Your Home Renovation.

2. Determine how much you can spend

Coming up with a budget is more complicated than most people think. Most people pick out an arbitrary number and run with it. If it were only that easy. 

Developing a realistic budget takes a lot of planning, research and time. For this process, I would recommend hiring a design professional to really get it right. However, the first thing you should do before you hire a design professional is determine the amount of money you can/want to spend. Then, you can work backwards with the help of a professional to determine what IS possible. The process of nailing down a budget involves planning (design, material selection) and gathering quotes from various contractors to get a clear idea of all the costs involved. It’s wise to include a contingency fund of around 10-20% of the total budget to account for any unexpected expenses that may arise because there’s always a sense of walking into the unknown in a renovation.

3. Research and hire the right professionals

Choosing the right professionals is crucial to the success of your renovation project. Take the time to research and interview many interior design professionals and contractors. This IS THEE most important factor in your renovation’s success. Do not underestimate how important it is to work with the right professionals; Read Is Hiring An Interior Designer Worth It? Make sure you feel comfortable with the professionals you’ve hired. After all, they will be in your home daily and you are entrusting them with your money, a lot of money that is. Read reviews, check credentials and trust your gut.

4. Consider the timing and delays

Renovations can disrupt your daily life, so it’s essential to consider the timing carefully. Plan your renovation during a period that causes the most minor inconvenience to your household. Account for any major events or holidays and ensure you have alternate living arrangements. And always plan for delays. 

In all my years working in the interior design industry, I have never experienced a project that was completed right on time. That says a lot. But, I account for this now. If a contractor tells me a project will take 2 months to finish, I estimate it will take 3. It’s always safe to assume that things will take longer than projected. Because, in a perfect world no renovation would not take longer than anticipated. However, when there are so many moving parts, it’s very likely that there will be a hiccup somewhere. So, I always prepare for the worst and hope for the best. 

5. Make design decisions before starting a renovation

This is an IMPORTANT point!! Before the construction begins, finalize all design decisions, such as materials, finishes, and fixtures. Making these choices in advance will prevent delays and ensure that the necessary items are available when needed. In the planning stages, you should have consulted with your designer to make informed decisions that align with your vision and budget. Every detail should be selected and ordered before the renovation starts. Trust me, you don’t want to be selecting and ordering things last minute, that’s a recipe for disaster. 

6. Protect your belongings before starting a renovation

During renovations, your home will be a construction site, which can pose risks to your belongings. Take precautions to protect your furniture, valuables, and sentimental items. Consider renting storage space or relocating fragile possessions to a safe area in your home. Cover furniture with protective sheets and remove artwork from walls to prevent damage. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Embarking on a renovation project requires careful planning and preparation. By considering these 6 factors before starting your renovation, you can set realistic expectations, minimize stress, and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Remember, research and proper planning are key to achieving your desired renovation goals. Oh, and hire the right interior design professional before starting your renovation and make it easy for yourself. Oh, look at that, I just happen to be a designer!