Whether you are planning a complete overhaul or just a significant upgrade, the process can be disruptive, messy, and, at times, overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you can keep the stress to a minimum and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get your home ready for a major remodel.
Start with a Solid Plan
Before any hammers start swinging, take the time to clearly define what you want out of your remodel. Are you looking to expand your living space, update your kitchen, or maybe add an extra bathroom?
Get specific about your goals. This isn’t just about envisioning your dream home; it’s about communicating that vision clearly to your contractor so they can bring it to life. If you’re, for example, in Fort Lauderdale, it also makes sense to prefer a local contractor, like FHIA fort lauderdale, who can understand and cater to the unique needs of your area.
Budgeting
It’s crucial to set a budget that covers not just the basics but also those pesky unexpected expenses that always seem to crop up. Experts suggest setting aside an additional 10–20% of your budget for surprises. For sure, there will be surprises—like discovering that your wiring needs an upgrade or that the floor beneath your old carpet is uneven.
Choose Your Contractor Wisely
Choosing the right contractor can determine the success or failure of your project. This isn’t just about hiring someone with the right skills, though that’s obviously important. You want to find someone you can trust, who communicates well, and who understands your vision. Take your time here—check references, look at past work, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.
Get Your Home Ready for the Chaos
Remodeling is messy. Dust, debris, and a constant stream of workers moving through your space can make it feel like a war zone. Before the work begins, take some time to declutter. This is your chance to purge those items you don’t really need. For the things you want to keep, find a safe space to store them—preferably away from the construction area.
Protect What You Can’t Move
For those larger items that can’t be moved—think big furniture or appliances—take steps to protect them. Cover them with plastic sheeting or old blankets to shield them from dust and potential damage. Don’t forget to take down pictures, mirrors, or any wall-mounted items. Even if the work isn’t happening directly in that room, vibrations from the construction can cause things to fall.
Prepare for Temporary Disruption
If your kitchen is out of commission, you’ll need a temporary setup—maybe a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker in the dining room. If the bathroom is under construction, you might need to make alternate arrangements for showers and such. The key here is to plan ahead so that when the work begins, you’re not scrambling to figure things out on the fly.
Communication Is Key
You need to stay in close contact with your contractor to ensure everything is progressing as planned. Set up regular check-ins—daily or weekly, depending on the scope of the project—to discuss progress, ask questions, and make decisions as needed.
Set Expectations Early
Before the first nail is hammered, sit down with your contractor to establish some ground rules.
Discuss work hours, areas of the house that are off-limits, and how they’ll handle things like noise, parking, and cleanup. By setting these expectations upfront, you’ll avoid potential conflicts down the line and help the project run more smoothly.
Navigate the Remodeling Process
As the project gets underway, it’s essential to keep yourself organized. Keep all your contracts, receipts, and documents related to the remodel in one place—a binder, a folder, or a digital file on your computer. This will make it easier to track expenses, monitor progress, and address any issues that arise. Plus, you’ll have everything you need in one place when it’s time to wrap things up.
Be Ready for the Unexpected
Maybe it’s a delay in materials, or perhaps the contractors uncover an issue that needs immediate attention. Sometimes, these surprises will mean making quick decisions or adjusting your plans. Keep an open mind, trust your contractor, and remember that the end goal is worth a little bit of chaos.
The Final Stretch
Double-Check Everything
Once the dust has settled and the major work is done, it’s time for the final walkthrough. Don’t be shy about pointing out anything that doesn’t look right or needs a bit of touching up.
Move Back In, Slowly
Begin with a comprehensive cleaning to eliminate any remaining dust and dirt. Then, gradually bring your belongings back into the space. As you do, think about how you want to arrange and decorate your new rooms to maximize the improvements you’ve made.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the wooden crafts and 3D product design space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
