20 Ways to Prepare Yourself for a Successful Home Remodel

Minimize the stress of navigating a home remodel with this renovations prep checklist.

Your home remodel is approaching, which means it’s time to prepare for some obstacles. These important early steps will help you navigate the changes and execute a stress-free remodeling project. 

Renovations are a Herculean endeavor. It’s a massive project that requires a lot of time, money and emotional labor. BUT it is possible to create your dream home and keep your smile intact. The stressors of a remodel are predictable and preventable and this checklist covers everything you need to be well on your way to a smooth home remodel. 

The two components of a successful launch are simple:

One: Get the house ready. 

Two: Get your heart ready.

Getting the house ready means optimizing the home for your interior designer and contractors while at the same time planning accommodations and ensuring that you have access to necessities while certain parts of your home are unavailable. Going through these steps before your interior designer and contractors arrive will allow the project to launch and continue seamlessly.

10 ways to prepare your home for renovations. 

1. Pitch It.  

Now is the time to decide what needs to go! Don’t wait until demolition has started to get rid of things you’re not keeping. I recommend setting aside 2-3 hours each weekend between now and demo-day to declutter your home. Start by dividing items into donate, sell and save piles and then make it a priority to get everything that’s not a “save” out of sight!

2. Pack it.   

Plan to pack up clothing, dishes, and items in your cabinets that are in a renovation zone. If you’re unsure, ask your interior designer what you can keep  onsite and what you need to pack.  If at-home storage isn’t an option, you’ll need to consider renting an off-site storage locker, an on-site pod, or asking a  friend or family member to store your belongings for the duration of your home remodel.

3. Keep it.  

As you’re going through your things, be sure to set aside daily necessities like toiletries, coffee maker, laptop charger, etc. Only set aside the items you keep “at your fingertips” every day. 

4. Living 

Decide where you’ll live while your home is under construction far in advance. Will you be living in a separate part of your home? A hotel? A friend’s basement? A combination of all three?  Have a few options available if one of them doesn’t work out. 

5. Dining 

Even if your kitchen is available, cooking and cleaning during renovations can be a challenge, and going out to eat for every meal can rack up a huge expense. I suggest creating and committing to a meal plan and supplementing food out as a reward. This way, you’ll stay well-fed without breaking the bank on takeout. 

6. Pets 

Fido and Felix will also be anxious and confused by all of the changes. Set them up with a place to feel comfortable eating, sleeping, and resting—especially if work will happen when they’re home alone. 

7. Access 

How do you want your interior designer and contractors to access your home? Determine if you’ll be giving them a garage code, access combination or if you’ll need to make extra copies of keys.  

8. Garage 

Clear out half of your garage for your contractor’s supplies and large deliveries.  While you are at it, cover anything and everything open in your garage. Woodcutting usually takes place in the garage, which creates a lot of dust, so cover, cover, cover! 

9. Dust 

There will be a lot and it will get everywhere. Close doors to rooms that aren’t under construction and cover furniture with extra fitted bed sheets. 

10. Possibilities

A few other things to consider for a stress-free remodel. 

1. Join a gym – a great place to get away, stay healthy, relieve stress and for kids to have fun too
2. Add a drying rack for dishes in your bathroom for easy dishwashing 
3. Roll up area rugs throughout the house to keep them clean
4.  Purchase extra fitted bed sheets to cover furniture
5. Stay on top of keeping doors closed in unused rooms

The second but equally as important component of a successful launch is getting your heart ready.

Two of the biggest stressors of relationships are moving and money.  A remodeling project touches both of those so to keep everyone happy we need to create a support system for when stressors arise. Going into a remodel with a compassionate mindset tempers stress conflicts and brings your family together.  Set yourself and your loved ones up for success with these happy heart tips.

10 ways to prepare your heart for a home remodel:

1. Commit to patience 

Patience is number one for a reason! Lower your expectations of each other because this will be a high-stress time. Take a big breath, let your family members express their frustration, and remind them that this is temporary, and soon you’ll have a beautiful home.

2. Compromise 

You’ll make a lot of big decisions during your home remodel, and It’s unrealistic to think you’ll have everything your way.  Don’t “dig your heels in” on every decision. Commit to being flexible—it’s for the best! 

3. Choose Kindness 

 Make a conscious effort to speak lovingly to each other and with kind words.

4. Give your time 

Prioritize being there for each other. If someone has a need, jump right in! Offer a listening ear and your undivided attention. 

5. Listen. 

Silent and listen are spelled with the same letters. Be slow to speak and quick to listen.

6. Anticipate Surprises.

It’s likely that some unanticipated and tough decisions will need to be made, prepare yourself now for when that time comes. 

7. Huddle. 

During renovations it will feel like all you talk about is your house, conversations can start to feel like “white noise” which can put a strain on your marriage and partner relationship. Minimize remodel talk to a weekly “house huddle.” The rest of the time house talk is off the table.  When our home was under construction my husband and I had ours on friday night after the kids went to bed.  Set a time limit of 45 minutes and stick to essential topics about remodeling projects. Keeping it short will help you fit it into your busy lives..

8. Goal 

Remember your “Why?” Encourage each other to focus on the end goal, you’ll be there soon!  Remind each other how exciting it will be to have a house that inspires ease and joy! 

9. Kids. 

Don’t forget your kid’s hearts too. If your children are two or older prepare them for what’s to come.  Sit them down and explain what will be happening, what they can expect from the renovations, and encourage them to express any questions or concerns they may have. 

10. Smile 

Humor is the secret sauce for getting through a stressful time! If you get down, remind yourself not to take things too seriously, lighten up and find a reason to smile! 

Take these important steps now so you and your family can focus on the beautiful home that you’re about to have, not the stress of a major remodeling project. 

Guiding my clients through the processes of transforming their home is my expertise. If you’re looking for a high-touch and experienced professional to help make your house your dream home, reach out to me today! Let’s talk about what I can do for you.