Major remodels are just that, major. How do you begin planning for something that is going to disrupt your home for months? That’s what we’re here to help you plan for. The more planning and conversations that you can have with your design-build remodeler in the beginning, the smoother the whole process will be.
Step 1. Organize & Purge
It’s no secret that most of us have a bit more stuff than we may need. Preparing for a major remodel is a great time to assess your things and determine what you regularly use, what may be seasonal, and what can be donated. For example, in a kitchen remodel, maybe you start digging through your overloaded pantry cabinet and realize there are a lot of small appliances that don’t need a permanent spot in your kitchen. Maybe you were given a bread machine years ago that is still sitting in its original, unopened box. After so much time has passed, now is a good time to consider donating that bread machine. While purging can take some time, it will allow you to go into your remodel with confidence, knowing that you will only be filling your finished space with items that you truly want and need.
When it comes to items that you plan to keep, take time to inventory what you will need during the remodel and what items can be stored until the remodel is complete. For example, if you’re putting on a second-story addition to accommodate room for a main suite bedroom in the summertime, you can store away your wool sweaters until after the project is complete. Go through your entire inventory list and pick one of three categories for each item: something you need access to, something to store during the remodel, or something to donate. Once you’ve completed your inventory, it’s time to work on your temporary space planning.
Step 2. Temporary Space Planning
Properly planning your temporary living arrangements can significantly ease the stress of a major remodel. Consider designating a space for construction documents and any essential paperwork that you might need to reference during the remodeling process. Find a secure alternative if your usual document storage or workspace is in the remodeling area.
When choosing a temporary space, prioritize storage, accessibility, and flexibility. For example, consider setting up a temporary closet in a spare room or basement if your bedroom is being remodeled. If your kitchen is undergoing renovations, plan for alternative cooking options, such as using a countertop in your mudroom for a hot plate or grill. Once you’ve considered how to set up your temporary space, you’ll want to iron out the final details of preparing for your major remodel.
Read this article, "How to Renovate a House While Living in It: Surviving Home Renovations," to learn more about setting up temporary spaces during home remodeling projects.
Step 3. Final Preparation
Once you’ve completed some organization, purging, and temporary space planning, it’s time to do your final preparation. It’s no secret that remodeling can disrupt your daily life, but these final preparations can help minimize the impact. For example, if you’re remodeling your kitchen, can you do some meal prep before starting your project? Freezer meals that can easily be warmed in a crockpot can be a lifesaver after a long day.
If you have pets and children, consider ways for them to spend some time out of the house during the remodel. For pets, find a daycare that you are comfortable with, just in case. Can you plan a weekly afternoon visit to a park for your children to run around? During the remodeling, they might not be able to play in as much of the house as usual, so finding ways to make the remodeling experience fun for them, too, can go a long way.
Lastly, you may want a break from everything at some point as well. If you’re considering going away for a few days during the project, talk to your remodeler to see if there is a point that they recommend being out of the house for a bit. If you are refinishing any hardwood floors in your home, it is recommended that you leave the house for 2-3 days because of the strong smell from the finish on the floors. Discussing your plans with your remodeling team can help make your time in and out of the home as efficient as possible.
Hopefully, some of these tips will help you prepare for your major remodel. We worked to touch on aspects of the more common remodels that we complete. However, preparation will differ for each individual project. It is best to talk to your design-build remodeling team to hear their best tips and tricks for your specific project, family, and needs.
Download the guide to learn what it takes to undergo a remodeling project, "The Ultimate Step-by-Step Home
Renovation Transformation Guide."
