Home renovations can transform a boring property into the home of your dreams. Renovations require a lot of time and manpower, and it’s a well-known fact that slip-ups and mistakes are bound to happen during almost every home renovation project. Read on to discover how to manage your home renovation to make everything run smoother.
Plan Ahead
Before embarking on your home renovation journey, take the time to discover what you want and set a firm budget. Make sure you have a contingency, since renovation projects often go over budget. Having a plan and making a list of the work that needs to be done means that you can avoid simple mistakes that could be made later down the line. While making your list, you should also consider what part of the renovation takes priority. You will also need to look into licenses or building permits and planning permission, and get the building regulations approval you’ll need to get started.
Keep an Eye on the Project
It’s important that you visit the jobsite to see how things are going and to make sure that deadlines are being met. If you see something that you’re not happy with, then give the contractor your input. By going through the jobsite, you may notice things that you never would have noticed otherwise, and this will give you the chance to make any changes. While you might want to keep an eye on the project, try not to district your contractor and the other builders. Getting in the way may cause unnecessary delays to your renovation project, so be observant but trust the professionals.
Communicate with the Contractor
Don’t leave all the decisions to your contractor, because you may be left unhappy with the finished renovation work. Talk to your contractor about what you would like to achieve with this renovation. Your contactor may then give you recommendations on ways to improve your plans, so be open to their suggestions. They’ll also let you know what is feasible and what may be a better or simpler way to do things. If there’s anything you’re unsure of, ask them plenty of questions. You should also arrange weekly meetings with them, so that you are kept in the loop. If there are any changes to the renovation or if they want to use different materials or supplies, such as a new brand of paint or a different pressure transducer, they should clear it with you first. Home renovations should be a collaborative effort between you and your contractor.
Be Prepared for Setbacks
Don’t fret about setbacks, because when it comes to home renovation, setbacks are inevitable. You need to remember that some things may go wrong or some things may no turn out the way you wanted them to. Some materials or supplies may be out of stock, so you may need to wait for them to get back in stock or you may have to make the decision to change your plans. If one part of your renovation is delayed, then expect the one or more of the other parts of your renovation to face delays as well. As well as having a contingency when it comes to the budget, it’s best to overestimate the time it will take to complete the renovations, instead of rushing to meet a deadline because of setbacks—that’s how mistakes are made.
If you’re planning on doing some of the renovation yourself and it’s something you’ve not done before, it’s imperative that you learn more about what it is that you’re doing.
Don’t Stress
Your home renovations may seem like they’re taking forever, but they’ll all be worth it in the end. Going through home renovations is an investment and a commitment, so go with the flow—they’ll be over soon enough, and then you can move back into your beautiful new home that looks just the way you imagined it. Remember that moving out is only temporary. While you’re waiting in your temporary housing, take it easy. If you have all your kitchen utensils packed away in storage, order some food in. It’s as simple as typing “breakfast delivery Toronto” into a search engine.
Image Credits: Brett Jordan
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