How to Prepare Your Family and Home for an Upcoming Remodel

Renovations can disrupt your everyday routine. You will have workers coming in and out of your home. You might also have to stay out of certain rooms until they are entirely constructed. So, your family must have a game plan to handle the changes. Plus, you want to prevent damage to your furniture and decor during your home remodel. 

1. Take Pictures of Everything 

Making renovations changes the style of your home, so having “before” photos is a good memory. Also, you might need these images later for insurance purposes if anything is lost or damaged. You can also use them as a reference if you go for a particular style. 

When you buy new decor compare it with the items in the photo to see how the room changed overall. Show the pictures to contractors and designers. This is an excellent idea before the demo, so they know what things shouldn’t be removed.

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2. Use up All the Items in Your Fridge 

Renovations can take a long time. For example, a bathroom can take between two to three weeks. You may be living outside of your home or moving things to storage during this time. So, items in the fridge may go bad over time. Instead of letting food go to waste, use up as much as you can before the renovation starts. 

Keep in mind you also want to have a meal plan for those weeks. Suppose you’re doing a kitchen remodel. Temporarily store a mini-fridge in another room, such as the living room. You could also eat out or spend a few nights at a family member’s home. 

3. Have a Place for Everything 

Before throwing things in boxes, consider what you’ll need daily, such as toiletries. Keep these items out and easily accessible. For example, you could give each family member a labeled caddy for their bathroom items. 

You can also use transparent bins to keep other daily items, such as towels and clothing. Anything you use less often is placed in deeper storage. This could include things like decorations or extra blankets. 

4. Protect Your Furniture

Your home may rescue some wear and tear from the construction process. So, you want to minimize any damages by planning. Start by packing your stuff from the room being renovated. Take out any unnecessary items, such as smaller chairs, tables, and electronics. Also, place any valuable items in a cardboard box, such as family photos. 

You can store these in a safe location, like the basement. In addition, clear off artwork from the walls in any nearby rooms. The contractors could accidentally knock them off when hammering. For larger furniture pieces that aren’t easily moved, cover them with plastic wrap or old sheets. You want to protect your light fixtures as well. 

5. Communicate With the Contractor 

Effective communication can make any project go much smoother. Before the renovation, have your family sit down with the contractor. Learn what the plan is and which rooms they will start with. This can minimize disruption to your everyday routine. Suppose the contractor is beginning with the kitchen. 

Then grab something from the coffee shop on the way to work. Also, inquire about the cleanup schedule. Do they plan to sweep every night? This helps you determine how much responsibility you have and how to protect your floors. 

6. Tell Your Neighbors About the Renovation 

Keep in mind the renovation may be loud, and contractors may take up parking spaces. So, be respectful and let your neighbors know about the remodel. Give details about the start date and expected timeline. 

This way, the neighbors can adjust their schedules as well. For those with kids, giving them a heads up is significant. They may want to stay at a family member’s house so that the child can rest during the day. Plus, they might even offer to help you out during the renovation. 

7. Decide How Much Outside Storage You Need 

You’ll be tempted to shove everything into the garage, basements, or guest rooms. But if you have lots of stuff an outside storage unit is a good option. You can find one or your area by doing a quick google search. 

Another option is to find units online through sites like moving.com. You could also temporarily store items in friends’ or family’s houses. Make sure you are on a plan and pack early. This will give you plenty of time, so you’re not scrambling around. 

8. Consider Safety and Security 

Safety is a top concern during construction projects, especially with children. To make things safer for your kids, mark areas that are off-limits. You also should request that any power tools aren’t left lying around at the end of the workday. 

Another concern is the dust, so use fans and open windows. Along with keeping your family safe, look out for the workers. Create clear paths for them to navigate between rooms. Pick up any kid’s toys or loose clothing. Along with safety, ensure security. Consider installing a security camera to keep an eye on your home. Make a game plan for how contractors will enter the house. 

9. Know Your Budget

Before the renovation starts, come up with a budget and do your best to stick to it. Overspending can put your family in a challenging financial situation later on. To create a realistic budget, do your research beforehand. 

Look up the cost of renovations in your area and talk with multiple contractors. You can also lower your budget by skipping on high-end finishes. Also, have room in the budget for emergencies. Plus, remember to account for hidden costs like permits or hotel fees. 

10. Consider Your Pets

Your furry friends are part of the family, so make sure they’re prepared. You can ask a friend or family member to watch them for a few weeks. However, if this is not an option, you can try these other tips. 

The first step is to find a safe and isolated room for them to stay in. This can include a basement or guest room. Fill the space with toys and bedding treats to make them feel comfortable. Also, regularly check in on them and take them out for walks. You might even want to leave the television on to drown out the noise from construction tools. 

How to Get Ready for Your Remodel

Your house remodel gives your home a brand new look. Although, there are multiple things you need to do to get prepared. You want to ensure your family is safe and comfortable during the process. Plus, you want to keep your items secure and undamaged. So, follow these tips for a successful renovation. 

In case you have any architectural, structural, and MEP design including fire sprinkler design requirements, or need a remodel including structure, and HVAC design, feel free to contact us.  We provide you with the full permit set design + T24 for your request.

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Author’s Bio:

Rose is the managing editor of Renovated. She’s most interested in sharing home projects and inspiration for the most novice of DIY-ers, values she developed growing up in a family of contractors.