Preparing for a House Renovation – Our Quick Checklist
Are you Reno Ready?
Starting a renovation project is exciting, but it's easy to get so wrapped up in the details that some of the obvious preparations slip your mind. Don't worry, we've got you covered. With years of house renovation experience under our belt, we’ve compiled our quick checklist for preparing for a house renovation to ensure you are ready when your contractors arrives on demolition day!
Preparing for a House Renovation Checklist
1. Give Your Neighbours a Heads-Up
It's courteous to let your neighbours know about your proposed renovation plans. They will hopefully appreciate this acknowlegement and notice about potential noise and disruption. Plus, it’s a great way to maintain good neighbourly relations!
2. Cut Extra Keys for Your Contractor
Make sure to have extra keys cut for your contractor which should include rear/side doors and garage/shed etc. This will help them access the house easily and keep the project moving smoothly, even if you’re not around.
3. Declutter Your Home
Before the renovation starts, take the time to declutter your home. Keep only what you need and love. Not only will this make the renovation process smoother, but it will also make it easier to organize everything once the project is complete.
4. Store Your Belongings
Place your belongings in storage to protect them from dust and damage. This also gives your contractors more space to work and helps keep everything organized. Another tip is to make sure that you provide plenty of notice to your storage provider as to when you hope them to remove and return your belongings as they can be fairly busy at certain times of the year and do require a certain amount of notice.
5. Consider Moving Out
If possible, move out during the renovation. This can help speed up the process and significantly reduce your stress levels. Living in a construction zone is no fun, and moving out can make the whole experience much more manageable for you and your contractor.
6. Disconnect Your Alarm System
Make sure to advise your contractor on how you would like them to use your home alarm. As part of the renovation, if you are upgrading new windows or doors, you will need to get your current provider to disconnect your alarm system to avoid any accidental triggers during the renovation. You can give them some indication of when the works should be completed so that they can return to re-connect and install new sensors on new opening etc. This can save you and your contractors a lot of hassle.
7. Empty and Power Off Your Fridge/Freezer
If your kitchen or utility is part of the renovation or you are undergoing a rewire, be sure to empty and power off your fridge and freezer. This prevents any spoiled food and makes it easier to move these appliances if necessary.
8. Arrange for Postal Collection
Set up a temporary mail collection service or ask your contractor or neighbour to collect your post. This ensures you don’t miss any important letters while your home is being transformed.
9. Secure Important Documents
Ensure that any important documents are stored in a safe and accessible place. You don't want to be scrambling to find paperwork amidst the chaos of a renovation.
10. Inform Your Gardener
If you have a gardener, let them know about the renovation. This way, they can adjust their schedule and services as needed to accommodate the work being done on your home. Don’t forget about your existing house plants, it would be great if they could survive the chaos.
Planning is Key
As you venture into the world of home renovation, remember that planning is crucial. It helps keep stress levels down and ensures that the project runs smoothly. By taking care of these simple yet often overlooked tasks, you'll be better prepared for the exciting transformation of your home. So, take a deep breath, get organised, and get ready to watch your dream home come to life!
Get in touch for a chat!