5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Renovation

Renovating your home? Transform chaos into clarity with these five pro tips that blend practicality with creativity. Whether you’re tackling a kitchen overhaul or a full-house makeover, preparation is your secret weapon for a stress-free transformation.

1. Strategic Decluttering: Your First Dance with Dust

Before swinging a sledgehammer, channel your inner Marie Kondo. Sort belongings into “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Storage” piles. Store off-season clothes, fragile décor, and bulky furniture in a secure, offsite unit to protect them from dust and damage



Pro tip: Use color-coded bins for easy access later. Label them with emojis (🎄 for holiday decor, 📚 for books) 
to add a dash of fun to the process.

2. Secure Materials Before Demolition Day

Imagine tearing down a wall only to learn your dream tiles are backordered for months. Avoid this nightmare by ordering all materials upfront

• Cabinets ✅

• Flooring ✅

• Light fixtures ✅
  

Keep a “Plan B” list for high-demand items to dodge supply-chain delays.

3. Budget Like a Pro (and Embrace the “Oops Fund”)

Set a realistic budget, then add a 10–20% buffer for surprises—like discovering outdated wiring or a hidden leak. Track expenses with apps like Notion or Google Sheets, and celebrate small wins (e.g., “Saved $200 on lighting? Coffee’s on me!”).

4. Assemble Your Renovation Dream Team

Think of contractors, designers, and architects as your Avengers squad. Vet them with:

• References and portfolios

• Proof of insurance

• A shared love of deadlines

5. Master the Renovation Timeline Tango

Follow this rhythm to avoid missteps:

• Demolish & Frame : Begin by carefully demolishing existing structures and framing new ones. This is the foundation for your renovation, so ensure everything is executed with precision.
  

• Behind-the-Walls Work (Plumbing, electrical) : Address essential plumbing and electrical updates during this phase. It’s crucial to ensure all systems are safe and up to code before moving forward.
  

• Paint & Flooring (Save spills for after sealing floors) : Once the structural work is complete, focus on painting and installing flooring. Be sure to seal floors properly to prevent any spills or damage during subsequent phases.
  

• Install Fixtures & Final Touches (Cue the confetti!) : Finally, install fixtures and add those finishing touches that bring your vision to life. This is the moment to celebrate your hard work and enjoy the transformation!

🛠️ Pre-Reno Prep Checklist

For a comprehensive pre-renovation checklist, follow the link below: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1D6Odw9d-c-FHpp7znG5inzLRxxCdupxz0grrSUxx4Ig/edit?usp=sharing

Renovations are equal parts chaos and creativity. By planning ahead and sprinkling in humor (and maybe a stress-relief piñata), you’ll navigate the mess like a pro.

Now, grab that hammer—and don’t forget to document the “before” photos for that satisfying “after” reveal! 🏡✨