How to Plan a Remodel in 5 Steps

Undertaking a home remodeling calls for careful planning. You should identify your goal for the renovation. Do you want to increase your home’s resale value? Or, you simply want to do a complete makeover. Whatever your reasons, you need a detailed plan on how to approach the restoration.

Put together a Comprehensive Home Improvement Project Plan

First and foremost, formulate a doable plan. This blueprint must clearly define your objectives for remodeling. Ideally, it should include the work summary, design and timelines. To explain further, a practical project planframework includes the following:

Drawings of the completed renovation
Stages of the project
List of requirements, permits, local regulations for zoning and materials

Address these concerns even before you reach out to home remodeling professionals. Start taking measurements and identify changes will de done to the existing space. Remember that good planning will help you become cost-efficient.

Set a Project Budget

This brings you to the next important step. Set a realistic budget. You need enough money to spend for this venture regardless of the scope of work. Cost-efficiency means not exceeding the budget you have in mind. Be prepared for the costs involved in a home remodel. Therefore, determine all your targets and wishes in a worksheet. After this, research quickly on how to find out standard costs.

This technique allows you to have an idea of your total expenses. Budgeting labor cost can be difficult. Here’s a tip. Labor usually accounts for 20 up to 40 percent of your entire budget. Likewise, include around 20% for contingency. However, the amount will depend on the extent and difficulty of the reconstruction.

Expect several unforeseen issues that may arise during the renovation. You need to consider damaged foundation, defective electric wiring, need for rodent control, and leaking pipes. Once you have addressed said concerns, you can now allocate funds for lighting fixtures.

Hire Competent Contractors

Your third step would be to look for experienced, honest and creative contractors. Go through the following points in hiring contractors.

If possible, get references from relatives, friends and trusted co-workers.
Examine the credentials and previous projects of the contractor. You can visit independent reviews to verify the company or person’s track record.
Focus on experience. Prioritize service providers with extensive experience than beginners in this business.
See to it that the contractor has an updated license and insurance certificate. See to it that your service provider has undergone all steps required in securing all industry certifications. Furthermore, the contractor should have liability and worker’s compensation insurance for all the types of work rendered. Confirm their status on the Better Business Bureau for assurance.
Trustworthy contractors do not ask for full payment upfront. Discuss your payment terms and conditions before the work begins. Choose someone you will feel comfortable with.

Create a Detailed Timeline

Now you have a plan, budget and remodeling expert. Next, come up with a specific time frame or schedule. Start by choosing a start date. Then, determine the completion period. Meet with the contractor to agree on how long each phase of the project will take. Discuss the details of each stage together with your desired timeline. Your schedule should have the following:

Time for cleaning out the project site
Include the shipping and delivery of all materials
Number of days that the contractor will not do any work

Consider delays as a result of unexpected concerns. Explain to the contractor that your schedule is reasonable and you need to keep within the budget.

Pack up – Get Ready for your Home Renovation

Finally, you have reached the point of starting the actual remodeling. First on your list is to prepare the space and vacate rooms for refurbishment. You may have to temporarily leave your house for major makeover. Otherwise, arrange temporary kitchen and dining area, sleeping quarters and furniture storage. Plan this step ahead of time as well. This will be the key to avoiding inconveniences to family members and unnecessary expenditures.

A Vital Concern

You should be realistic. The remodeling project will not be perfect. For sure, you will encounter certain problems and interruptions. Your answer to these possibilities would be to remain composed. Again, these situations highlight the importance of careful planning. You may want to increase your budget a bit for unanticipated outlays and delayed schedules. Just bear in mind that remodeling is not an expense but a long-term investment.