Home remodeling can be exciting but overwhelming and expensive. A comprehensive plan and knowing what must be done are crucial for a worry-free and stress-free home renovation.

If this is your first project, you will encounter new experiences, problems, and challenges. Knowing what must be done and having a plan can save you time and money. We put together a short guide to help you create a plan and a few tips for a successful home remodeling project.

How to Make a Home Remodeling Plan

Whether you are doing your own home remodeling or hiring a home renovation contractor, having a plan is a must. A well-thought-of plan can save you a lot of effort, money, time, and stress. Also, you will be less likely for you to miss some details of the project. Here are 5 steps to guide you through your plan-making.

1. Create a Home Remodeling Project Plan

6 to 12 months before the home remodeling project starts.

The first step is to set up clear goals. What’s the reason for your home remodeling?

• Are you increasing its resale value?
• Is your family growing?
• Preparing for your retirement?

When you have a clear goal, you can start creating a home remodeling plan. This includes:

• Sketches or blueprints of your home renovation vision.
• List of must-haves, needs, and wants.
• Identify which parts you can DIY and hire a home renovation contractor.

This step also includes identifying the regulations and laws regarding home renovation in your neighborhood and city. There are certain restrictions in home remodeling. For example, adding a garage or a new building is not always allowed in all cities. You need permits for these constructions. Knowing all the permits you need to file ahead of time can save you from a lot of stress. Also, applying and approval for renovation permits can take a while.

2. Set Up a Home Remodeling Budget

3 to 6 months before the home remodeling project starts.

The next step is identifying your budget and where to allocate it. You need a budget for the permits, materials, labor costs, home decorations, cosmetic touches, hotel accommodations (where you will stay during the remodeling), and unexpected costs.

To set up a budget, you need to decide how much you are allocating for this project. Always put aside 10% for unexpected costs. Request home remodeling estimates from different contractors and suppliers to cross-reference and identify the best option for you. And list down all the required materials and their prices.

If the home remodeling project goes beyond your budget, you can remove certain parts of the project that are not on top of your priority list.

3. Hire an Experienced Home Renovation Contractor

2 to 3 months before the home remodeling project starts.

Next is searching, interviewing, and hiring an experienced home renovation contractor or an affordable Ocala home builder. When you are interviewing a home renovation contractor, ask them about their:

• Experience
• Contracting license
• Insurance certificate/s
• Reference/s
• Payment options and schedules

Reminder, no experienced and professional home renovation contractor will not ask you for full payment upfront. It is a red flag when your home renovation contractor is asking for full payment upfront. As the one paying for the construction, it is necessary to see proof of work before closing the construction payment.

4. Make a Realistic Home Remodeling Timeline

2 to 3 months before the home remodeling project starts.

Once you have picked the home renovation contractor, identified your budget, and created a home remodeling plan, it is not time to build a timeline. You need to talk and sit down with your contractor about this.

1. When the home remodeling project starts.
2. Target completion date for certain parts of the project
3. Project completion date.

However, you should add room for adjustment. Because home remodeling construction is done outside, weather conditions will greatly affect your timeline. Also, the material delivery, cleanup, and holidays will delay the project. To avoid disappointment, add at least 2 weeks to your timeline.

5. Prepare for the Home Remodeling

2 to 3 months before the home remodeling project starts. Start packing up 1 to 2 weeks before the project starts.

Once the plan is in place, it is time to prepare your home and space. Pack up and move out of your home or away from the renovation site. If you are renovating your kitchen, make a temporary kitchen where you can prepare your meals. However, if you renovate your entire home, you need to move out temporarily. Search for places where you can stay while the home remodeling project is ongoing.

Tips for a Successful Home Remodeling Planning

Home remodeling is tiring, stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. To make it more convenient and stress-free for you, here are three tips to make your renovation easier and more comfortable.

• Make a Home Remodeling Checklist: Create a list of tasks that needs to be done, who is responsible for finishing the task/s, and the date it should be completed.
• Ask Your Home Renovation Contractor Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A professional and experienced home renovation contractor can answer all your questions regarding home remodeling.
• Create a Contingency Home Remodeling Plan: Difficulties and challenges may arise in the future. It is best to have a backup or contingency plan to avoid stress and impulse buying. This includes plumbing problems or electrical outages if you live in your home while the construction is happening.
• Build a Waste Removal Plan: There will be waste and clutter after the home remodeling, so having a waste removal plan is necessary. Include how much it will take to remove debris after the construction. Talk to your home renovation contractor before the project starts.
• Know Your Limits: If you are planning to DIY some parts of the home remodeling, it is best to take your skills into consideration. Doing some parts of the projects provide a sense of accomplishment. However, if you are unfamiliar with tools and how to do the task/s yourself, it is best to leave it to professionals to avoid problems.

Home remodeling and renovation can be stressful experience and expensive. But if you have a comprehensive project plan, an experienced home renovation contractor, and a backup plan, your home remodeling will run smoothly and be less stressful.