Having a checklist before starting large-scale home renovation projects helps keep them on budget, on time, and on track. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety during the process. Jaeger Lumber offers products for your home renovation projects and free quotes for both contractors and homeowners in New Jersey. Here, we discuss planning a step-by-step home renovation checklist.
Key Steps to Include in Your Pre-Checklist
Preparing a renovation checklist keeps large-scale projects completed in a timely and accurate manner. Common pitfalls include a lack of planning, underestimating costs, and ignoring permit requirements. These issues can cause drastic delays to renovation timelines, especially during the rehabbing of a whole house or building.
Be sure to have the following on your pre-renovation checklist:
Define Your Renovation Goals
Determining the scope of work needed during your renovation planning process helps you define your goals, budget, and needs to achieve the desired outcomes. Clarifying what you require from the renovation, whether it’s an open-concept kitchen or a walk-in shower in your bathroom, will help you set your project goals clearly.
Determine a Realistic Budget
Considering the needs and goals of your project can also help you plan for a realistic budgeting goal. Researching desired materials, paints, cabinets, and flooring, for example, helps you decide what suits your budget and what doesn’t. Hiring your team and paying for permits are also expenses to consider, but getting quotes from contractors can help you determine an accurate starting point. Many experts also recommend setting aside a 10-20% contingency fund for unplanned expenses.
Declutter and Organize
The first step of any renovation process is preparing to remove furniture and valuables. Clearing out everything from the space prevents damage to your belongings. Another part of the stage is shutting off utilities before demolition and using protective coverings for floors, windows, and other items, keeping them guarded against dust, debris, and accidental impact.
Research and Hire Professionals
Creating a list of prospective contractors, including certifying their credentials and insurance, is an essential part of the process. You can get recommendations or check online reviews to choose the right team for your renovation. Make sure to give contractors as many details as possible so you receive accurate bids.
Discuss Renovation with Your Family
If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to inform your family and loved ones who live with you about your renovation plans. Gathering input and ideas from family members is a great way to consider their suggestions and preferences during the planning stage. Setting realistic expectations helps convey the timeline, budget, and potential disruptions accurately, which can help prevent stress and misunderstandings.
Create a Temporary Living Plan
Relocating to a temporary living space, either moving to a different space or to another part of your home, helps reduce bothers from noise, debris, and dust exposure. Consider a rental space or staying with another family member, if possible.
Obtain Required Permits
Researching local requirements for permits, including building regulations, is a huge part of the planning process. Preparing the necessary documents, including plans, drawings, and specifications of the work to be performed, is part of obtaining permits. Fees and inspections ensure any renovation is up to code and follows local requirements.
Keep Track of Important Contacts
Creating a list of essential contacts, such as contractors, emergency numbers, and contact information for utility companies, should be a part of your checklist. Communication between contractors and homeowners ensures projects are completed on time and accurately. Lastly, having physical and digital copies is important for easy access, and having emergency plans prevents accidents.
Plan Your Step-by-Step Home Renovation Checklist with Jaeger Lumber
Create a step-by-step home renovation checklist to reduce stress during the process. Jaeger Lumber provides a wide range of building materials and products, perfect for any DIYer or contractor seeking to finish their projects. We offer comprehensive installation services, remodeling resources, and lines of quality finishes and touches for any project. To learn more about creating your step-by-step checklist for your home renovation, contact us today.