Transforming your house is one of the most laborious, time-consuming, and money-draining projects you should never do on your own. Hiring a licensed remodeling contractor is a must to avoid compromising the existing foundation of your property. Just like any typical project, do the planning first before the execution.

It should not start by simply pulling the carpet floor out or removing pipelines. House remodeling is a massive project requiring you to look at your property if it stands still 10 to 20 years ahead.
Consider the following steps before you find a temporary place to stay and call a contractor:

1. Know Your Budget First

The remodeling project will never be successful if you do not set a budget. You’ll have to set a budget for this project. That will depend on your property’s size, the outcome you want to see after the renovations, the costs of obtaining the needed permits, the contractors you’ll hire, and the materials used.

Budgeting does not end there because you’ll also have to set aside another 10 percent of the total remodeling budget. This additional 10 percent is for unexpected expenses such as replacing damaged equipment, missing remodeling materials, or treatment for injured workers.

For your remodeling budget to be accurate, the best time to create one is three to six months before the project starts.

2. Start the Actual Remodeling Plan

Start the plan by knowing why you’re remodeling your house. This question will help you identify the goal that you want to achieve after the remodeling. List down all of your goals regardless of how complicated they are. That way, you can keep track of the project’s progress and avoid oversight.

The plan should include the sketches of the completed remodeling project, the list of your needs and wants that the contractor must deliver, and the order of which area of your house they should renovate first. You shouldn’t only focus on the aesthetics. Make sure to also think about the property’s overall functionality, especially for the kitchen. For example, installing oil-and-water-separating equipment like a grease trap in your kitchen will help you filter out grease or other solid waste before being treated at a water treatment facility.

3. Hiring Contractors

You can start looking for a remodeling contractor now that you’ve already set your goals and budget. Never hire one right away just because they offer you the lowest estimate. You both should sit down for an interview. Here are the factors you should keep in mind before making a deal with the contractor:

4. Setting the Perfect Timeline

Once you have the plan, budget, and team for your remodeling project, it’s time to set an estimated timeline. Choose a start date that is within the spring and summer seasons to avoid delays. Together with the contractor you just hired, determine the estimated lead time of the project, especially how long each phase will take.

Your timeline should include the following phases:

Confirm with the entire team if your timeline is realistic and is within the budget you allocate.

5. Look for a Temporary Place to Stay

You can either stay at home while the contractors are working on the renovations. But if you have children, you should temporarily stay at another place for everyone’s safety. In that case, you can rent a nearby apartment so that you can track the project’s progress.

Remember that remodeling takes time, so you must be patient with the process since delays happen, especially during storms. If you can already start preparing for the renovations, let these tips be your guide. These will help build the framework to bring your vision of a beautiful home to life.