How to Prepare for a Home Renovation

Here are 5 critical steps to do before a remodel so you and your contractor are ready to go.

A checklist to help prepare for your home remodel

So, you’ve hired a general contractor, determined remodel costs and finalized the remodel’s design. Now it’s time to prep for the renovation team’s arrival. For a smoother transition and less inconvenience, there are a number of tasks to consider and complete before work begins.

1. Prepare the Renovation Space

Dust and debris will happen. Luckily, there are steps to take that will help protect your home and possessions. Whether it’s a kitchen remodel, master bathroom renovation, living room expansion or another space, clear out all décor, housewares and furnishings from that room. We also recommend removing anything directly outside the room because it allows the crew easy passage and minimizes those items getting dirty.

At South Land Remodeling, we block off the job site with plastic tarps to block dust, so double-check that your contractor does the same. If not, you’ll definitely want to do that yourself.

2. Determine How to Give the Contractor Entry

Your general contractor and his/her team will be in and out of your home constantly, so you’ll want them to have easy access, even when you’re not home (should that be your plan). Pick a point of entry you’re comfortable with, whether that’s a garage code, spare key or secure keypad.

3. Create a Filing System

When work starts, there will be receipts, project updates, punch lists and more. We recommend creating a home improvement filing system – be that hard copies and/or electronically. This helps you easily track and reference whatever you need. It’ll also be wildly helpful when tax season comes around and should any of your new finishes/appliances malfunction or need repair.

4. Secure Pets

Whether its Fido or feline, have a plan to keep your pet(s) secure. It’s important from a safety perspective for both your crew and furry friend. Pets can be territorial, so you’ll want to protect the crew from possible attacks (trust us: these can happen when least expected!). You’ll also want to ensure your pet can’t escape when the remodel team is venturing in and out of the house.

5. Find Substitutions for Appliances & Facilities

Kitchen and bathroom construction projects arguably cause the most inconvenience to homeowners. This is because both rooms play key roles in our daily lives.

If you’re doing a kitchen remodel, consider the following:

• Place a microwave in another room so you can make quick and easy meals without a stove or oven

• Move your coffee maker to another room near a bathroom so you have easy access to water

• Either hook up your refrigerator in the garage or consider a mini fridge elsewhere in the home

• In lieu of a dishwasher, get a drying rack and wash dishes in the bathroom

If you’re doing a bathroom remodel, consider these tips:

• If you have only one shower, the gym is a good place to get ready

• If you have only one bath, you may want to move your toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, etc. to the kitchen so you don’t have to carry them to the sink every day

• If you have only one toilet, your contractor can ensure you have plumbing as much as possible. On occasions when you don’t, consider making arrangements with a neighbor/friend or renting a porta potty.

Looking to do a home remodel in Los Angeles? No matter the project, South Land Remodeling can help. Contact us today for a free quote.