No question that a home remodel can boost your property’s value and enhance your daily life. But the remodeling process can be highly stressful. Even if you’re working with the best contractors in the area, undergoing a renovation requires you to prepare your home, schedule, and mind. The good news is there are practical ways to get ready for your home makeover. Keep these tips from Smart-Techer in mind as you navigate this exciting journey!  

Determine Your Goals

Your first step is to decide on your remodeling goals. Which space do you want to renovate? Does your kitchen need some work, or will you give the bathroom a makeover? Is it time to take on that basement renovation you’ve been dreaming about for years? Or perhaps you’re finally going to build the perfect home office.

If you’re taking on a kitchen remodel to prepare your home for sale, be sure to go over your budget and timeframe to keep things going smoothly from the beginning. Renovating a kitchen requires a significant upfront investment but can seriously boost your property value. Just start preparing ahead of time so you can minimize mistakes.

It’s also a very good idea to pay attention to the local housing market to discover what homes are going for and which upgrades make the most sense. Otherwise, you could be remodeling areas of your home that won’t draw potential buyers to your property.

Get a Home Inspection

Any major remodeling project is a big undertaking, both in terms of time and money. Before you begin tearing down walls or ripping up floors, it’s important to have a clear sense of what you’re getting yourself into. That’s where a home inspection comes in. Consumer Finances explains that a professional will take a close look at your house, from the foundation to the roof, and identify any potential problems. This can help you avoid making costly mistakes, like waterproofing a basement that doesn’t actually need it. Knowing that your house is in good condition before you start your remodel will allow you to focus on the fun part: designing your dream home.

Once you know that things are in good shape, you can begin to price out upgrades and renovations. Unless you have experience and training in things like construction, electrical, or plumbing, contract those projects out. However, with this estimating software for electricians, you can get a sense of the cost of particular projects to know if a contractor is treating you fairly. Just plug in what you know about the project and let the calculator do the rest.

Consider a Home Office

Adding a home office can also increase your home’s value and be helpful whether or not you work remotely full-time. That said, you must strategize your home office to get the most from it, reminds Architectural Digest. For example, consider positioning your primary workspace near a window to access more natural light and boost productivity. If that’s not an option, look into various overhead lighting solutions to help you concentrate and minimize eye strain.

Take Photos  

There are two primary reasons to take before-and-after photos of your renovation. First, it’s always good to have pictures of your home before the changes because you’re committing to a total transformation. So, you might need to reference your photos as we prepare for the remodel, and you can use them to show the investments you made when selling.

Set Up Storage

Chances are you won’t be able to keep everything in your home during the remodel. Consider renting out a self-storage unit for any items you want to hold onto but need to keep out of the way so the contractors can do their job. And instead of throwing away a bunch of food in your refrigerator and pantry, try to use everything up before the project begins.

Clarify the Details With Your Contractor

Communication is half the battle when it comes to a home remodel. You can avoid a lot of mishaps by constantly communicating with your contractor about their strategies and needs. If in doubt, remember that over-communication is better than a lack of communication. Get all the details from your contractor so you know what to expect, and remain flexible to unexpected occurrences.

Consider Security 

Unless you rarely leave home, your contractor will need to be able to access the inside of your home every day throughout the project. Come up with a plan for keeping your property secure while also providing the contractor the access they need. 

You could make a copy of your house keys or install a new security system. You could invest in a lock box to store your key that only your family and the contractor can access. You might also want to seal off specific home areas that you don’t want the renovation team to enter.

Begin the Renovation Process

Whether you’re undertaking a kitchen renovation, home office addition, or any other major home project, make sure you’re using top-tier experts, including a quality electrician. Remember to take before-and-after photos and find a self-storage unit to keep the belongings you need out of the way. Lastly, stay in constant communication with your contractor and determine how to keep your home secure throughout the remodeling process. You’ll be enjoying your new living environment in no time!