Homeowners generally prefer upgrading their home interiors from time to time to give it a fresh look. As enriching and exciting this process might sound, it comes with its fair share of hassles. Delayed timelines, disruption of daily functioning of the household, and incessant noise and disturbance accompany the general mess and inconvenience associated with this process. But wait! Does that mean you should compromise on the home of your dreams? Absolutely not! In this article, we will discuss some tips you can keep in mind to eliminate the hassles and make the renovation process a breeze.
See also: Debunking home renovation myths
Planning and preparation
The initial phase of home renovation involves planning and preparation. Here is what you need to keep in mind during this time:
Define your goals clearly
Have a clear vision of what you want your renovated space to look like, backed and aided by proper references and plans. Consider factors such as functionality, aesthetics and specific lifestyle needs. For a more concrete idea, you can seek references from visual aids like Pinterest boards, magazine clippings or digital sketches.
Set a realistic budget
Prepare a budget covering all relevant costs, including labour, materials, permits and unexpected expenses. Do this by researching typical costs for your type of renovation in your region and getting quotes from contractors. It is always advisable to allocate an additional 10 – 20% of your total budget expenses for unexpected contingencies like structural issues or material delays.
Create a timeline
Now that the financial aspect is under control, the next step is to have a clearer idea of the time required for the process. Start with working backward from your ideal completion date and factor in time for the design phase, securing permits, ordering materials and the actual construction. Delays are very common in elaborate, so it is recommended to have a flexible schedule.
Obtain necessary permits
Go through your local building codes thoroughly and obtain all required permits before starting work. These might include electrical, plumbing or structural changes. Failing to obtain them might result in penalties or being forced to undo completed work.
Hire professionals early
Do not leave the hiring part for the last moment. Research contractors, architects and designers well in advance by checking their reviews, portfolios and references. To ensure that they understand your vision and easy communication, it is recommended to meet them in person before making a final decision.
Organisation
Now that you have all the plans in place, let’s have a look at what can be done for a smooth and organised renovation process:
Document everything
Keep a detailed record of contracts, plans, receipts, warranties and communications in an easily accessible place. Using a project management tool or a dedicated folder, either physical or digital, to keep track of the progress and changes.
Communicate clearly
Instead of leaving it all up to the contractor, it is important to have regular check-ins to discuss the progress made and address any concerns. Provide any specific instructions clearly and make sure to confirm details in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
Prepare for disruptions
If you are staying at home during the renovation process, some disruption of daily life is inevitable. Setting up temporary spaces for cooking, working or relaxing can be beneficial. If you have a spare room or garage, you can use the space as a makeshift kitchen. You can also consider storing furniture in a rented unit to keep them out of the way while the renovation is going on.
Design choices
How smoothly your home renovation process can be carried out depends on your design choices to a great extent. Here’s what you should kep in mind regarding this:
Choose durable materials
Investing in quality materials should be your top priority. Always opt for materials that can withstand wear and tear, especially for high-traffic areas. This can be done by replacing marble with quartz for kitchen countertops or using hardwood flooring with a durable finish.
Stick to the plan
Once the construction gets going, avoid disrupting the flow with unnecessary changes that can increase costs and delay progress. Instead, resolve all matters you are dissatisfied with before the work begins and ensure that you are 100% satisfied with the plan.
Efficiency
Here’s what can be done to ensure maximum efficiency during the renovation process:
Declutter before starting
Keep the renovation clear of any furniture, decor and personal belongings. Not only does this give the workers enough room to operate efficiently, but also ensures that your belongings are away from dust exposure and damage.
Batch tasks
Do not have all the workers over at once. Strategic scheduling of different parts of the renovation is better than carrying ahead the entire project simultaneously. For example, have all the electrical work completed at the same time before moving ahead with other stuff. This minimises the associated costs and prevents overlapping schedules.
Dealing with challenges
While the renovation work is on, some unexpected challenges and contingencies are inevitable. Minimise their impact by doing the following:
Be flexible
Even with the best planning, unforeseen problems like hidden water damage or supply chain issues might arise. In such situations, the only solution is to stay calm and work with your contractor to resolve the issues without derailing the project.
Stay involved
Ensure the work aligns with your vision by paying regular visits to the site. This can also help detect issues early on, allowing for quick fixes and thereby saving time and money.
Post-renovation
Once the renovation work is complete, taking these steps can help tie some loose ends:
Inspect the work
Once the work is completed, conduct a detailed walkthrough with your contractor, keeping your original plans as reference to ensure everything is completed as decided. Make a punch list of any unfinished or incorrect items that need to be addressed.
Clean up thoroughly
The renovation process can leave behind a significant amount of mess. To get rid of this, it is advisable to hire professional cleaners who possess the technical expertise and equipment to handle deep cleaning, including removing dust from vents, windows and surfaces.
FAQ
How can I ensure my renovation stays within budget?
Set a realist budget with a contingency margin of about 10 - 20%, prioritise needs over wants, get multiple quotes and track expenses throughout to avoid overspending.
How do I choose the right contractor or professional?
Research and shortlist potential contractors by checking reviews, portfolios and references, and interviewing multiple candidates. Select someone who understands your vision and communicates effectively.
How can I minimise disruptions during a home renovation?
Set up temporary living spaces for affected areas, schedule disruptive and noisy work in the absence of household members and clearly communicate timelines with contractors.
What should I do if unexpected issues arise during the renovation?
Stay calm and flexible, address issues promptly with open communication, and use your contingency budget to handle extra costs.
How can I make sure the design meets my expectations?
lan and visualise the space with the help of design tools, mood boards or mock-ups and communicate your preferences clearly with your designer or contractor.
How long does a typical renovation take?
While small renovations might be completed in a couple of weeks, larger projects can take several months. It is important to factor time for unforeseen challenges as well.
What steps should I take before starting a renovation?
Define your goals, set a budget, create a timeline, secure all necessary permits, hire professionals and finalise all designs and material choices.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
