Set Priorities
Decide whats most important to you.
Which rooms do you want to renovate most?
What are younotwilling to sacrifice?
Design: Amy Sheehan for The Spruce
If you want to increase natural light, windows are the priority.
To maximize the functionality of your kitchen,put layout and appliancestop of mind.
Set Your Budget
This is one of the trickiest but most crucial steps.
Design: Amy Sheehan
Regardless of their level of involvement, theyll likely stay on for the duration of the project.
it’s possible for you to avoid mistakes that could be costly down the road.
Get Inspired
No inspiration is too small.
Design: Amy Sheehan
Turn to magazines, home websites, social media platforms, and catalogs.
Dont forget to look at the spaces you already love in your own home.
Drawings are thekeyto communicating with those who are completing the labor in the house, emphasizes Gage.
Design: Amy Sheehan for The Spruce
If your designer is not capable of drafting technical documents, your project is already at a disadvantage.
The plan should be comprehensive, leaving nothing up to guesswork or improvisation.
Being intentional with placement goes a long way.
Design: Amy Sheehan for The Spruce
Builders want a plan in place too, either made by a designer or a plan designer.
I always say do what you makes you happy, regardless of who else is or isnt doing it.
Picking the items you want allows you to factor them into your design plan.
Design: Amy Sheehan for The Spruce
If you want a non-standard sized fridge, your plan has to reflect that.
Even sliding a window over one foot can disrupt the plans and change the timeline.
after you snag your plan nailed down, laminate it.
Hire Your Team
Once your plan is in place, hire someone to make it a reality.
The core of this step is hiring a contractor.
Compare the scope of a contractors completed project to the scope of yours.
Read online reviews and testimony.
Your designer can help you find contractors as well.
Find a contractor that allows you to feel comfortable when communicating with them, advises Biermeier.
), and for references (who you should definitely call!).
Some industry professionals advise getting at least three quotes, but others think theres no right number.
Dont forget to discuss, permits too.
It can often take up to 4 months to get through permitting, warns Ward.
Make It Contractual
Pick a winning bid and work out a contract with the contractor.
Heres how to prepare.
Usually the person managing the installation is who does the ordering.
(Contractors order the lumber, designers order the furnishings, etc.)
Be warned: a small mistake in the ordering can derail the entire project, notes Gage.
If everything is ordered in advance, it’s possible for you to help prevent delays.
Secure Alternative Living Arrangements
Moving outis an additional cost, but your contractor will thank you.
Put things into other rooms or rent a storage unit if you have to.
Lots of materials will be arriving, so reset the entryways, too.
Take Photos of Your Home
Photos are great for posterity, but its also good for documentation.
Communicate only with the contractor about changes and concerns, advises Biermeier.
And if your contractor calls you, attempt to answer or return their call promptly.
Document Progress and Make Payments
Stay out of the workers way, pleads Biermeier.
Instead of popping by randomly, plan to check in when you contractor asks you to.
Designers will attend walkthroughs and meetings with the tradespeople as well.
Take a deep breath and be flexible.
