A full home remodel will bring plenty of joy and comfort once it’s complete. However, the preparation phase can seem daunting to those who have never experienced it. Below are some tips to help the process go smoothly for not only you and your family but also your remodeling contractor.   

Preparing Your Home for a Remodel

1. Brainstorm Designs

Whether you recently moved into an old property that requires updating or need a more streamlined space for your growing family, there are many reasons why you may decide to remodel an entire home. Keep these motivations in mind during the initial phases of the project because they will influence many of your decisions, especially those related to design.

Imagine how the new space will fit into your daily routine. Is the kitchen large enough for two adults and two kids preparing lunches in the morning? Is the bathroom accessible to older family members when they visit? Consulting a remodeling contractor during the design stage ensures the final result will accommodate the household’s unique needs.

You can also research designs online. Sites like Pinterest and HGTV, for example, are packed with inspiration. They will help you explore both classic and trending designs that you can bring to life in your home. Knowing exactly what you want the house to look like well before the start date will minimize stress and keep the project progressing smoothly.

Likewise, you should figure out what materials you want to use. Do you value style to durability? Or is affordability your main concern? Think about every area of the house—from the cabinets to the floors—and decide which woods, stones, and composites are best suited for the job.

2. Set a Budget

After establishing what you want, figure out what you can afford. Paying cash is possible, although not likely. Most homeowners take out a loan for remodels. There are three options available: cash-out refinance, home equity loan, and home equity line of credit (HELOC). Many choose the latter because it’s secured by your home equity and qualifies for a lower rate. The interest is also tax deductible. 

Once you know your budget, get a quote from a remodeling contractor. These professionals can estimate how much each room will cost. The price will vary based on your design, but bathroom remodels typically range between $6,000 and $14,000. Kitchens, on the other hand, cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.

If the contractor’s estimate is within your ability to pay, move onto the next step. If not, narrow down your wish list, prioritizing “must-haves” over “nice-to-haves.”

3. Schedule the Remodel

Now it’s time to hammer out the details of your remodel, namely the timeline. Sit down with the contractor and decide when the project will begin and end. Think about different time constraints such as their peak season, inclement weather, and your family’s school and work schedules.

Most people start to think about home improvement during the spring and summer because the weather is warm, and kids are out of school. Hence, contractors are typically busiest between May and September. Consider scheduling the remodel during the off-season to save on labor and materials. Otherwise, call the contractor at least three months in advance, if not more.

Think about planning the remodel when it is least disruptive for the household. Summer vacation is, as previously mentioned, a popular time for home improvement. If your children receive a winter break, those weeks could work, too. Save up some vacation time—if you can—before the start date in case your family needs to leave during the remodel or the contractors encounter any unforeseen delays.     

4. Relocate & Put Away Items

Once you pick a date, move all fragile or precious objects and clear rooms of any furniture or other large decor. This step will ensure that your belongings stay safe and dust-free throughout the remodeling process.

Purchase plenty of packing paper and bubble wrap. You can use them to wrap China, artwork, photos, electronics, and other like items before putting them safely in boxes. If you don’t have these materials on hand, blankets and towels also work.

Remember to keep breakable objects in small- to medium-sized boxes to keep them from shifting too much. Finally, use a marker to write “fragile” on each container, so family members and contractors know to handle them with care. Keep the boxes out of the main work zone.

If possible, move couches, armoires, and other heavy furniture into rooms that are not being remodeled. Otherwise, wrap them carefully in plastic sheets or tarps—preferably ones made for that specific piece of furniture. Cover any breakable parts such as brittle table legs or fragile bedposts with bubble wrap.  

Preparing Your Family for a Remodel

1. Find Alternative Lodging

Remodels are exciting, but they can also be hectic and messy if you’re trying to go about your daily routine while the contractors work. Therefore, if the project doesn’t line up with summer vacation or winter break, you may want to relocate temporarily. For instance, your family can go to a hotel, stay in an Airbnb, or find a nearby relative to host you.

Preferably, you should pick somewhere local in case the remodeling contractors need you to drop by. Also, try to find lodging with a flexible end date, so you can stay if the remodel runs longer than expected or leave if it is finished early.

2. Brief Your Children

A full home remodel can be a confusing time for young children. If you decide to stay at home during the project, sit down with the children and talk about construction safety. The remodelers will block off the rooms they are working on, but make sure kids know they cannot enter the work area and shouldn’t touch any power tools.

Likewise, let them know that there may be loud noises during the remodel, but they shouldn’t be afraid. It may help to introduce the kids to the remodeling contractors, too. That way they aren’t overwhelmed by strangers in their living space.

3. Make Accommodations for Pets

Heavy machinery, power tools, paint cans, and heavy foot traffic aren’t just safety risks for children—they’re also hazardous to animals. Make sure you have a safe place for any pets to stay during the remodel. Ideally, you should keep them out of the house because the noise from the construction may startle them. See if they can stay with a friend, relative, or pet sitter. Many veterinarians also offer boarding services.

If none of these options are feasible, try to keep the pet closed in a room that is as far away from the work area as possible. You may also want to keep dogs in a cage if they are crate trained.

4. Create a Temporary Kitchen

If you’re planning to stay home during the remodel, don’t expect the kitchen to be in working order. You may have to create a temporary kitchen elsewhere in your house—such as the garage—by relocating your microwave and investing in a mini-fridge. Also, plan on doing dishes in a sink other than the kitchen. Stock up on microwaveable foods, microwave-safe dishes and utensils, dish soap, sponges, paper towels, and trash bags.

Conversely, if you’re looking for temporary lodging, try to find something with a full kitchen. That way your family can still enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals throughout the remodeling process. Minimize stress even more by creating a meal plan each week, so there’s no scrambling to plan dinner.  

 

If you live in Fulton County, GA and a complete home overhaul, call Castle Painting and Remodeling at (404) 236-8949. Our remodeling contractors have the superior workmanship and high-quality materials needed to breathe new life into your home. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every project to ensure we exceed your expectations. Visit us online for more on our services and additional tips on how to prepare for a remodel. Like us on Facebook for photos of past work.