When it comes time to do a renovation in your home, or any major home improvement project, your first thoughts are likely about getting the work done. You’re probably thinking about the steps that need to be taken, the materials that should be used, the design choices, and much more. However, preparation is almost as important as the actual work itself. If you prepare yourself and your home properly, the renovation will be easier and there will be a lot less to deal with after the work is done.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for upcoming work in your home.

Pack Away as Many Belongings as Possible

When you’re doing a home renovation, it’s a good idea to clear as much space as possible. The first reason for this is that packing away belongings leaves more room to work. That means you’ll have an easier time doing the renovation and you won’t have to worry as much about moving things around while you’re trying to work.

Another reason for packing belongings away is that this decreases the chances of them getting damaged. During a renovation, items can get bumped, knocked, or otherwise harmed. They can also get very dusty or dirty while the work is being done. Packing them away keeps them safe for the duration of the project.

Cover your Furniture and Vents

Nearly every renovation project, from getting new windows to doing a full kitchen renovation, will create some dust and dirt in the air. The space near the renovation will likely be subjected to a lot of tools, construction debris, and foot traffic. You’ll want to protect any furniture in the area by covering it so it doesn’t get damaged.

It’s also important to cover the air vents in your home. If you don’t, they can get filled with dust and debris. Once this gets into your vents, it’s likely to move throughout your home, even into areas where no work is being done.

Move any Plants Outside

Just like you want to protect your furniture, you’ll also want to protect your plants. They can be damaged during a renovation, so it’s a good idea to get them out of the spaces where work is being done. Depending on the type of plants and the weather at the time of the project, you may want to place them outside. If this isn’t feasible, consider keeping them at the house of a friend or family member until the work is done.

Mentally Prepare and Plan your Living Arrangement

Like it or not, nearly every major project or renovation is disruptive. For instance, getting a new kitchen probably means tearing out your old kitchen, and that means you’ll spend some time without a kitchen. Before the project starts, it’s a good idea to think about what it will mean for your family and plan for how you will adjust.

If the work requires different living arrangements, such as sleeping in different rooms, eating in different places, or using a space other than your current family room to relax and unwind, for instance, these changes can have a big impact on your day-to-day life. Mentally preparing yourself can make the transition easier.

Prepare a Safe Space for Children and Pets

Children and pets need special protection during a renovation. There will likely be a lot of potential hazards in the area (tools, materials, etc.), and you’ll need to make sure to keep your little ones and furry friends safe.

Loud noise from the work being done and the overall disruption of the project can also be difficult for kids and pets to deal with. By giving them a safe, relatively quiet space, they’ll be less bothered by the work and more able to relax.

One of the most important parts of any home renovation is having the right team. At Homestyle Renovations, we have the experience and skill needed to get your project done right. For more information, or to book a consultation, please contact us online or call 519-796-5448.