Remodeling Preparation Checklist

Home remodeling ranks high amongst life's stressful events. And no wonder. Your home will become a worksite and a source of disruption to your daily routines for weeks or even months to come.

Things to remember when preparing for a home remodel:

• Be realistic about how long your project will take.  Unforeseen obstacles, inclement weather, material delay or the amount of time you might need to make informed decisions for various interior finishes will all add up and can impact your ideal schedule.
• Designate a room or area(s) within your home not affected by the construction for eating, watching TV, entertaining, homework, etc. to minimize the disruption to everyone’s daily activities and routines.
• Sit down with your family to discuss the remodeling timeline and how it will impact daily activities.  Discuss how newly designated areas and limited resources (e.g., bathrooms) are to be used.
• For kitchen remodels, you may want to pack and label items in clear plastic containers for easy identification later.  Make sure to keep out those items you’ll need on a daily basis (a can opener, basic eating/cooking utensils, a coffee pot, etc.).
• Be sure to plan adequate storage space for items that will need to be removed from the construction area (e.g., furniture, pictures, electronics, breakables, etc.).
• Cover furniture and carpeting in adjacent rooms to protect them from dust that will circulate as both your family and workers move between areas.  Similarly, remove fragile or heavy hanging items from neighboring walls to eliminate potential accidents.
• Communicate or post any special instructions regarding pets or areas where materials may be stored and accessed by workers.
• Try to look at your remodeling project as a process, not an imposition.  Take "before" pictures” as they will help you realize how far you’ve come when you need to be reminded.
• Upon completion of each phase, take the opportunity to celebrate at your favorite neighborhood restaurant with family or friends.
• Post your “dream-it clippings” where you can view them daily to keep your end goal in sight.  Remember there is light at the end of the tunnel.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or raise concerns with your general contractor during the remodeling process.  Things are bound to come up that could not have been anticipated and the best thing to do is to address them promptly.

With patience, communication and careful preparation, you can help ensure the remodeling process will go more smoothly for you and your family.