You’ve finalized the planning and signed with a contractor for your remodeling project, but before swinging a hammer or ripping out tiles, there are a few more tasks to cover. These steps will help prepare your home and protect your sanity throughout the process.
Here are six important things to do before a home remodel.
Organize and Prepare Materials
Set yourself up for success by organizing all the building materials you’ll be using. Group tiles, fixtures, or paint supplies according to the room they belong to, and store them safely to avoid damage.
Clearly label everything so you don’t have to play a guessing game when construction picks up speed. Your contractor will appreciate being able to grab what’s needed without delays.
For instance, keeping bathroom flooring separate from kitchen backsplash tiles can prevent frustrating mix-ups. Hold on to receipts in case you need to address any returns or exchanges later.
Notify Your Neighbors
Renovations can also impact the people next door to you, so warn your neighbors ahead of time. A quick conversation about potential noise, parking challenges, and the project timeline shows consideration and creates goodwill.
Declutter and Clear Out the Remodel Area
You must prepare your space for a remodeling project by clearing everything out. This includes furniture, decor, and personal items.
If you’re short on storage, think about renting a storage unit or repurposing a guest room. Keeping the remodel area clutter-free assures a smooth workspace for your team and protects your belongings from dust, damage, or accidents.
Prepare Your Utilities
If plumbing or electrical lines require adjustments, discuss with your contractor the timing and method for temporarily shutting off services.
Plan for those disruptions by pre-filling water jugs or charging devices ahead of time. Keep your household in the loop so everyone knows what to expect.
Stockpile Everyday Essentials
Construction zones might disrupt your normal routines, so, stockpiling everyday essentials is another important thing to do before a home remodel. If your kitchen will be out of service, have a stash of easy, no-cook meals and paper plates on hand to simplify cleanup.
Bathroom remodels can leave everyone scrambling for time and space, so keep toiletries in a portable container.
Home offices might also bear the brunt of noise or dust. Gather chargers, headphones, or spare batteries to stay productive.
Take Photos
Before the chaos of remodeling takes over, snap some photos of your space. It feels satisfying to look back at where the space started and compare it to the finished product.
Those photos also come in handy if you need them for insurance purposes or any quality disputes.
