Renovating your home can be an exciting adventure, but the prep work isn’t always fun.
According to a report from Aviva, nearly 7 million UK homeowners plan to renovate their homes, averaging £14,000 each. This underscores the importance of careful planning to ensure successful projects.
Whether you’re updating the kitchen, refreshing the living room, or changing your entire space, getting everything ready in advance is very important. This helps avoid delays and stressful situations.
We, at Silverback Handyman, can help you prepare your home for a smooth renovation. We offer services for all your pre-renovation tasks.
In this guide, we will show you the essential steps to ensure your home is ready before you start hammering or painting.
Let’s get started and see how you can make your renovation journey efficient and free of stress.
Home Renovation Prep Checklist for a Smooth Project
Here are some home renovation prep checklist for a smooth project:
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Define Your Renovation Goals
Before you start any renovations, it’s essential to plan. Decide if you’re working on one room or the entire house. Think about whether you need to hire experts like plumbers or electricians.
Next, create a timeline for your project. Be realistic about how long each step will take and add extra time for unexpected issues.
Communication is key! Ensure you and your contractor or handyman understand each other, so everyone knows what to expect and what to do.
Recent data from KBB Focus found that 60% of UK homeowners who plan to renovate this year will focus on decorating. Additionally, 49% want to do larger renovations. This figure shows that careful planning and clear communication are vital. Major investments need thoughtful consideration and coordination.
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Clear the Space: Remove Furniture and Fixtures
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when renovating is not clearing out the area first. Make sure to empty the rooms where work will take place. This will help your contractor work easily and keep your furniture and other belongings safe from damage.
If your upgrade involves ripping out old flooring, cabinets, or bulky furniture, sort the waste before your handyman arrives. ProSkips offers reliable skip hire across London, so you can keep your site clean and your project on track.
Pack away all the small items and move the furniture to a safe spot away from the work area. If it helps, label your boxes so you can easily find everything when it’s time to put it back.
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Protect Your Floors and Walls
When you renovate, floors and walls can get scratched or marked easily. To keep them looking good, protect them from the start. Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover surfaces. This will block dust, paint drips, and accidental scratches from tools.
If you’re working in busy areas of the house, use sticky floor protection film for additional security.
Also, tape off places like door frames, window ledges, and the edges of skirting boards. This will help keep those areas clean. Spending a little on protection now can save you a lot of time, hassle, and money when it’s time to clean up later.
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Communicate with Your Tradespeople
Working well with your tradespeople is crucial for a successful renovation. Talk openly about how you want the space to look and make sure everyone understands their tasks from the start.
Whether it’s the main contractor, the painter, or the plumber, each person should know what they need to do and the deadlines for their work.
Also, feel free to ask about their experience and the types of projects they have worked on before. Building a good relationship with your team will help the renovation process go smoothly and reduce stress.
If you want to freely communicate with your contractor or tradespeople, just have a look at some methods to get some practical insights during your renovation.
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Create a Clean and Safe Work Zone
A messy work area can cause delays and safety problems. It is essential to keep your space tidy and organised. Clear away clutter and separate the work area from the rest of your home to avoid accidents.
Have specific places for tools, materials, and waste. This keeps everything in order and helps everyone find what they need easily. Good lighting is also important for safety and efficiency, so ensure the work area is well-lit.
Did you know that 39% of homeowners say renovations take longer than expected due to site delays? This shows that creating a clear and safe work environment can reduce those delays and keep your project on schedule.
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Budget for Unexpected Expenses
You can plan your renovation carefully, but unexpected costs will likely arise.
For example, the plumbing might need repairs, or you could discover hidden structural problems when you open up the walls. To reduce stress, it’s smart to budget for these surprise expenses.
Most experts recommend setting aside 10% to 20% of your overall renovation budget for unexpected costs. This way, if something goes wrong, you won’t be fully unprepared.
Conclusion
Renovating your home can be easy. Follow a few simple steps: plan your project, set up a good workspace, keep your home safe, and communicate clearly. These steps will help your renovation run smoothly.
Whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring experts, we’re here to help make sure your renovation is successful from start to finish.
Ready to turn your renovation ideas into reality? Let’s get started; your dream home is closer than you think!
If you’re a landlord and have some problems related to property, a guide can help you with the methods to prepare and solve this year.