Guide to Surviving a Home Renovation

Dealing with renovations can be tough. Renovations and interior design go hand in hand, whether it’s large or small-scale renovating. Before, after, or even during hiring an interior designer to change up your space, there are chances that you need to make some renovations to your home.

This could be something as small as changing the tiles and painting the wall, but it can even get as large as removing a wall and combining two rooms. Regardless of what your plans are for your space, we have a guide on how to survive a home renovation.

Cover Your Furniture

Use a drop cloth, old sheets, or even some tarp to cover up your furniture to prevent dust. It can be really difficult to get out any dust or dirt from certain pieces of furniture such as a couch or a chain for instance. It’s ideal to move out all of the furniture from the space that’s being renovated. Usually, (but not always) contractors will clean up after themselves, but you should always try to clean up dush and dirt as well. When renovating, there’s going to be a LOT.

True story here: I had my bathroom done with private contractors, but I painted my stairs first. The bathroom is situated upstairs so the main contractor had to cover the stairs as to not get them dirty. He used paper and tape. The tape once it was removed also removed some of my paint. He paused and then said “oh well, you will have to paint them again…” Welcome to Holland and it really was not much I could do other than paint them again, but this could have all been avoided if I did more careful planning. Bathroom first, then paint the stairs. The rule is here, be mindful of how you cover your flooring and furniture. Plan what rooms would be best to do first.

Do Room-By-Room

If you can, try and do one room at a time. Finish the room fully before you start the next room. This is the best rule to follow to be organized and it can save a lot of time, confusion, and mess. Especially if you are living in the home at the same time.

Time to renovate

Have Extra Room in Your Budget

You never know when you need to go over your budget, it can be unexpected but still necessary. Let’s say your ideal budget is $1,000, then it would be best to have an additional $400 if it’s absolutely necessary. So then your maximum is $1,400.

However, if you’re hiring contractor things can be completely different rather than doing it yourself. You can sometimes get a discount once the quote has been estimated, but there may always be an issue with something that’s beyond your control such as the plumbing for a room, or a special old piece that’s needed. For these sorts of things, and even recommendations from the contractor, it’s super important to have wiggle room for your budget.

Continue with your Daily Routine

You’ll want to stay level-headed while renovations are going on, so your daily life still needs to continue. So have your meals, naps, work, everything at the same time as you usually do. Just because there are some changes to your home doesn’t mean that everything needs to change.

Ask Questions Voice Your Opinion

It’s your house, so you are in charge. Be open to friendly communication with the contractor, they’ll usually enjoy it too, especially if you offer a cuppa. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions or voice any concerns, they’re are there to help you out and you are paying for it. Whether it’s something big or small that they’re working on, they’re going to be more than happy to communicate with you and help you out. They are working for you, after all. Also telling them your needs and changes will save you a lot of time and money later.

Have Everything You Need Before Beginning

Certain tools and items may take a while to get in, whether you’re buying from a store (and they need to special order it) or even if you’re buying online. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Be very prepared and ready with everything that you think and know that you will need before beginning the renovation. The process will be so much smoother, easier, and possibly even cheaper if you have everything prepared in advance.

Be Organized with Your Contractors

Be sure to write down all their contact info, what they’re going to be doing, as well as the prices, the times, and days they’ll be working. It’s crucial to stay very organized when hiring a contractor, especially if you’re going to be hiring more than just one. Writing everything down on a calendar or a planner will be very helpful, also set reminders.

So there you have it. I hope this little guide to surviving a home renovation will help you out. Whether you hire us for a custom plan or an instant E-Design, there are chances you’ll be making some renovations to your space. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us!