A Guide to Home Renovations: Before, During, and After
Your home is more than just an address; it’s a sanctuary filled with memories. Every corner tells a story, from shared dinners to your child’s first steps. As your family grows, so does the need for space. You can’t imagine moving to another home, so you decide to renovate. Where do you even start?
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or adding a covered back porch, you should feel confident about the process. While this isn’t a complete guide to home renovations, these tips will help your journey run smoothly from beginning to end and provide structure for a successful renovation project.
Before you start renovating, you should...
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Set your budget
The first thing you should do before any renovation project is create a budget. A budget will help you stick to your goals and determine your priorities early on. Although additional expenses are expected in any home improvement project, sticking to a budget will help you save money and (hopefully) prevent impulse purchases. If you don’t know where to start, search online for items, go into stores, and talk to others to get ideas of price ranges. Don’t forget to account for the cleaning supplies, small materials, and shipping costs in your budget—the little things can add up quickly.
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Determine the purpose
Setting goals for your project can act as an outline to help you stay on track. Whether the goal is creating your forever home or increasing your home’s value to put it on the market, keep your end goal in mind. Additionally, think about the long-term impact of your renovations: avoid making permanent changes to your home based on temporary life situations. For example, renovating your home to suit the needs of your toddler or young child may not be the smartest decision, as children inevitably grow up.
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Identify your non-negotiables
Before your project begins, decide which areas you aren’t willing to change or negotiate on. Knowing this before you start will give you a clear vision of what’s most important to you and will help you stay on track. If you are renovating your kitchen and a deep sink is a priority for you, you might decide to use more of your budget for the sink and save money on other areas that aren’t so important. Every homeowner will have different priorities, and if you don’t know what yours are, think about the areas you spend the most time in or items that are used the most.
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Do it yourself or hire a professional
If you plan to do the work by yourself or with the help of a friend, make sure your liability insurance coverage is up to date in case injuries occur. Do your research on the experience and tools you might need to make the job easier. Educate yourself on how to use power tools and equipment safely and correctly.
If you hire a professional, make sure they have the correct licenses and most importantly, insurance coverage. If the contractor hires subcontractors, the same goes for them. Get quotes from multiple contractors before choosing one to make sure your money is being spent wisely. Use a reputable company, get finalized plans in writing, and ask for copies of contracts and important documents.
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Prepare for a mess
If you’re staying home while renovations are in progress, your floors and furniture are likely going to get dusty and dirty, especially with contractors coming in and out repeatedly. Keep a clear space for your contractors to do their best work. Cover your home items with plastic sheeting for protection or temporarily move your furniture while renovations are underway. Be prepared for a mess throughout the duration of the project, and don’t stress about keeping things tidy until the project is complete.
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Notify your insurance agent
Before your renovations begin, it’s a good idea to give your insurance agent a call. If you have any questions about your renovations, they might have answers for you and can make sure your policy is up to date.
During your renovations, you should...
Check in with your contractors throughout the renovation process to make sure their plans still align with yours. An experienced contractor will let you know if any plans change and will give you a suggested alternative. Regularly checking in with your contractors and workers updates you on the quality of work being done, gives you an estimated timeline of the project, and allows for minor adjustments if needed.
Staying organized during renovations will help you tremendously from start to finish. Keep your important home-related documents in a secure binder, safe, or box. Always keep copies of your receipts, contracts, purchase orders, color samples, paint colors, and any other important document you may need in the future. If you prefer to store this information electronically, make folders in your email inbox or photo gallery so you can easily refer back to specific details and invoices. Keeping records of paint colors and cabinet stains is especially helpful for new potential owners if you decide to sell your home.
If you’re staying home during renovations, the full function of your home may be limited. For example, if you’re updating your kitchen, prepare to not be able to use your sink, dishwasher, countertops, etc. Prepare for these changes ahead of time, and consider renovating little by little so you can still utilize parts of your kitchen. Another factor to consider is budgeting for takeout meals if you are unable to use your kitchen. Fast food and groceries can add up quickly, especially for a family, so don’t forget to add this expense into your budget.
Clear and consistent communication with your contractors is important. Make sure they know the best way and time to reach you if they have questions. During renovations, being on the same page with everyone involved is crucial to the project’s success. Having the same vision and end goals is also key to a successful renovation. Don’t be afraid to be upfront about details, and be aware of your contractors’ schedules, plans, and processes. After your renovations, you should...
It’s important to document the changes after your project is complete. Make note of the contractors who did the work and record any other upgrades, no matter how small. If you decide to sell your home in the future, you can provide potential buyers with a list of recommended (or non-recommended) contractors. After a big upgrade, you may want to consider getting an appraisal of your home and updated blueprints.
Depending on the complexity of your renovation project, your maintenance to-do list may vary. The after-care of your newly renovated area is just as important as before. You didn’t spend all that time and money on something you don't care about, so you want your addition to last. If you got new appliances installed and aren’t sure how to maintain them properly, ask your contractor or do some research. Examples that require special care could include countertop materials, wood floors, or sink materials.
After all the hard work, decisions made, and constant communication with contractors, your new and improved space is finally complete. Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back; home renovation projects are no small feat. Take some time to celebrate your newly enhanced home! Review your insurance policyIt’s important to make sure your insurance agent knows about any changes to your home, since some home improvements may affect your insurance coverage and premium. Notify your insurance agent to make sure your home has the coverage it needs. For more information on homeowners insurance, contact your local Alfa® agent today. *This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the deductibles, coverages, conditions and exclusions. Your Alfa® agent can explain the policy and benefits and answer any questions you may have before you buy. |
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