A necessary evil sometimes, the dreaded decision of a remodeling project can be exhausting just thinking about it! However, it doesn’t have to be so horrible and life-sucking if you put the right pieces into place and have the best teams working behind the scenes.
Below is an excellent place to start:
- Decide what needs to be renovated/remodeled/refurbished/restored
- Select one room at a time
- Remove all furniture from said space
- Store furniture elsewhere if you do not have extra room during the remod process
- Make a plan and budget for the renovations
- Hire a reputable and licensed contractor or company
- Schedule the renovations around your daily life
- Prepare your home for construction workers
- Prepare for an extended timeline (there is always a hiccup; you might as well plan for it!)
- If you have kids, try to plan it over summer break and take them on an adventure vacation or to the beach for the day – just try to get them out of the house as much as possible. Remember, the disruption affects children differently, so it’s important to anticipate their needs and provide them with a sense of stability and routine during the renovation process.
This above list assumes the project is a typical remod, not one as a result of some type of disaster. However, suppose it is because of a disaster, and you’re working with a contractor – particularly, a contractor that doesn’t specialize in disaster restoration – and wants to verify that his or her recommendations are on point, on budget, and in your family and home’s best interest. In that case, there are trusted restoration guides there to help.
These trusted guides’ attentive and experienced leadership teams are available to review your existing project scope and timeline. Throughout the process, they will verify that your contractor’s budget aligns with industry benchmarks.
How do I protect my furniture during a remodel?
If you do not have the resources to store your furniture or prized possessions off-site during the remodeling project, here are a few ideas that one could consider:
- Designate another room in your home for storage
If you have an extra room or space in your home, consider designating it as a temporary storage area for your furniture. Clear out the room, clean and dust it thoroughly, and place your furniture strategically to maximize the available space. Use padded covers or blankets to protect delicate surfaces from scratches or dents.
If you lack the resources or space to store furniture on-site, consider hiring professional moving labor. They have the expertise and equipment necessary to safely pack and transport your furniture to a secure storage facility. Make sure to research and choose a reputable moving company specializing in furniture storage.
- Store your things with a friend or family member
Consider asking them if they can temporarily store your furniture. Ensure you clearly communicate your expectations and provide proper instructions for handling and protecting your belongings.
- Store your most-used items front and center
Prioritize the storage of furniture that you use frequently, or that is of high value. These items should be easily accessible and adequately covered to protect during renovation. Consider placing them in an area of your home that will not directly affect the remodeling project.
- Leave a clear path between boxes
If you use boxes for storage, ensure they are correctly labeled and stacked to allow easy access. Leave clear pathways between the boxes to prevent accidents and make it easier to retrieve any necessary items during the remodeling process.
When undertaking a remodeling project, taking proper precautions to protect your furniture is essential. Storing your furniture effectively during the renovation will ensure its safety and prevent any damage or wear and tear.
9 things to know before hiring a contractor
We’ve talked about living in a home while renovating and how to store away furniture, but how do I know for sure that my contractor will be honest, dependable, and trustworthy? Earlier, we discussed restoration guides if you are remodeling after a disaster. Below is a list of considerations to address before making your final contractor selection:
- Get Multiple Estimates: To compare prices and choose the one that fits your budget best, talk to different contractors and ask them how much they would charge for the project and remember to compare “apples to apples”. Lowest price does not guarantee the best quality.
- Hire Local, Licensed Contractors Whenever Possible: It’s a good idea to hire someone who is from your local area and has a license. This means they have the proper qualifications and are allowed to do the job.
- Check Their Past Work: Look at examples of the contractor’s previous projects. This will give you an idea of the quality of their work and if it matches what you want for your project.
- Check Their Insurance and Bonding: Ask the contractor if they have insurance and bonding. This is important because it protects you financially if something goes wrong during the project.
- Get Everything in Writing: Make sure to get a written agreement or contract that includes all the details of the project, including the timeline, cost, and what work will be done. This will help avoid any misunderstandings later on.
- Understand Your Right to Cancel: Sometimes, things don’t work out as planned, and you may need to cancel the project. Make sure you understand the contractor’s cancellation policy and your rights in case you need to cancel.
- Don’t Pay Up-Front: It’s not a good idea to pay the contractor all the money before they have completed the work. Instead, agree on a payment schedule where you pay as the project progresses.
- Anticipate Delays: Projects can sometimes take longer than expected, so it’s important to be prepared for possible delays. Make sure you have a backup plan in case the project runs longer than planned.
- Keep a Job File: Keep a file with all the essential documents related to the project, such as contracts, permits, and receipts as this will help you stay organized and have everything in one place.
Remember to take your time to make a sound decision and whatever you do, do not rush into hiring a contractor; think about your options and choose someone you ultimately feel comfortable working with.
How to renovate a house while living in it
In conclusion, renovating a house while living in it can be a challenging and overwhelming process, but with careful planning and the right strategies in place, it can be manageable.
Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate the completion of each phase or milestone in the renovation process. Reward yourself and your family for enduring the challenges and embracing the journey of transforming your home.
By following these suggestions, you can successfully renovate your house with minimal disruption to your daily life.