Our Essential Home Renovation Checklist
Ready to give your home a makeover? Whether you’re gutting the kitchen to give it a trendy new look or you just want to install some storage in your bathroom, home renovations can be exciting experiences for homeowners who are ready for a fresh start without finding a new address.
The only downside to renovating your home? Staying organized during the process. Even minor renovations like pulling up the carpet in your home office can be messy when you’re not fully prepared.
If you’re thinking about renovating, cover your bases with Freedom Storage Management’s essential checklist for a home renovation!
How to Prepare Your Home for a Renovation
After some late-night scrolling through Pinterest or Better Homes & Gardens, you may be tempted to dive headfirst into your renovation project. Before you grab wallpaper for a DIY project, or start requesting quotes for a bathroom renovation, sit back and consider a few things:
- What’s your budget for your home renovation?
- How long do you think the project will take to complete?
- Will you like your new look a year, five years, or 10 years from now?
If you still want to renovate your home after answering these questions, it’s time to start preparing for the process!
Take “Before” Pictures
Taking “before” pictures of your home pre-renovation matters for several reasons; in addition to showing off improvements, you can use “before” photos when talking to potential contractors.
“Before” and “after” photos also help verify the quality of work after the project wraps up. If you find any issues with a contractor’s work, photos will support your case when talking to the contractor or your home insurance provider.
Choose the Right Contractor
Choosing the right contractor is crucial to streamlining your renovation process and avoiding hiccups and frustrations. What are your expectations for your contractor, and how do they compare to what your potential contractor expects for the renovation? Common items to discuss when choosing a contractor include:
- Years of experience
- Licenses and certifications
- References
- Average budgets for their projects
Make a Meal Plan for Your Kitchen Renovation
When you plan to renovate your kitchen, that may mean tearing out your pantry cabinets and getting rid of your old appliances.
If your refrigerator is one of those appliances, make sure you prepare your meal plan accordingly; you don’t want to go to the grocery with a huge list right before you find yourself fridge-less! In an effort to avoid fast food overload, try pressure cooker or one skillet meals while your kitchen transforms.
Let Your Neighbors Know
In the midst of your renovation project, don’t forget to be courteous to your next-door neighbors! From contractors throwing old carpeting and wood into a dumpster to endless drilling and hammering throughout the day, home renovations can get messy and noisy. Let your neighbors know ahead of time about your renovation in case they have pets or children that may be scared of the commotion.
How to Protect Belongings During a Renovation
Once you’ve taken pictures, chosen your contractor, and alerted the neighbors, it’s time to move everything out of the way! After all, the last thing you want during a renovation is a contractor bumping into your china cabinet.
Additionally, renovations entail dust, plaster, and other messes throughout your home; no one wants to vacuum plaster off the couch after renovating the living room!
Wrap Fragile Items in Bubble Wrap or Paper
If you’re renovating your kitchen cabinetry, pack your flatware, glassware, and other fragile items into boxes. Shield your flatware and glassware in bubble wrap to keep them from cracking or chipping, and stuff any empty spaces in your boxes with packing paper.
Cover Furniture in Tarps or Sheets
Tarps, sheets, and furniture bags are your best friends during a home renovation. Without something to protect your upholstered furniture, flying plaster and chunks of drywall will stick to it like cement. Save yourself from hours of spot cleaning after a renovation by properly using tarps and sheets.
Once you’ve completely wrapped your furniture, you can also wrap it in a few layers of plastic wrap to keep the cover from shifting around too much. Stop by a Freedom Storage Management-owned storage facility to grab plastic wrap, furniture covers, and more before your renovation project! We offer a wide range of moving supplies for your convenience.
Move Your Belongings to Self Storage
When you’re planning a major renovation project, covering your furniture with sheets and emptying out the pantry may help, but your contractor’s team simply can not work around your furniture. For major jobs, give your renovators the space they need by placing your belongings in a self storage unit.
Why Self Storage is Perfect for Renovations
In addition to creating more work space in your home, a storage unit ensures your furniture, easily-breakable belongings, and appliances are near your home but out of the way. Depending on the scale of your project, renovations can take months; by keeping your belongings in storage, you can avoid feeling cramped in your home while it transforms.
At Freedom Storage Management, we’re here to make your renovation project easier with our affordable, convenient storage units. Our month-to-month leases, wide selection of unit sizes, and convenient features, such as drive-up storage, are perfect for renovation projects.
When the dust settles after your renovation project, you can easily stop by your storage unit, load your belongings, and bring them home. Need tape, packing paper, or boxes for your project? Just stop by our front office for moving supplies.
Start by assessing your finances and determining how much you’re willing to spend. Break your budget into categories such as materials, labor, permits, and unexpected costs (allocate 10-20% for contingencies). Research the cost of similar projects, get multiple quotes from contractors, and focus on essential work first. Prioritize what will have the most impact and fit within your financial limits.
Begin with structural or essential repairs—anything involving plumbing, electrical, or foundational work should take precedence. Once those are done, focus on elements that improve functionality, like kitchen and bathroom upgrades, before moving on to cosmetic enhancements such as paint or decor. This ensures that the house is safe and functional before focusing on aesthetics.
Use a project management tool or app to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and budgets. Create a renovation timeline and checklist to monitor progress. Keep all receipts, contracts, and permits organized in a dedicated folder or digitally. Regularly communicate with contractors and document any changes or additional costs to stay on top of the project.
Permits are often required for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, and major renovations. Each locality has different regulations, so it’s important to check with your city or county office. Working without proper permits can lead to fines or complications when selling your home. Contractors can also help you navigate permit requirements.
Ask for recommendations from friends or family and check online reviews. Verify that the contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded. Get multiple quotes and ask for references from past clients. Always have a written contract detailing the scope of work, costs, and timeline, and avoid paying the full amount upfront—typically, a 10-15% deposit is sufficient.
Temporary storage can be incredibly useful during renovations, especially if you need to clear space for contractors. Renting a storage unit keeps your furniture, appliances, and personal items safe from dust and damage. Make sure to choose a unit that’s climate-controlled if you’re storing sensitive items, like electronics or wooden furniture, for an extended period.
The timeline depends on the scope of the renovation. Small projects like painting or installing new fixtures can take a few days to a week. Medium-sized renovations, such as kitchen or bathroom remodels, may last several weeks. Large-scale renovations, including structural changes or home additions, can take several months. Always build in extra time for unexpected delays.
Set up a designated living space that’s free from construction noise and dust. If possible, schedule work when you won’t be home, or plan short getaways to avoid the mess. Seal off rooms with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from spreading. Communicate with contractors to establish working hours that suit your schedule.
Find Your Self Storage Unit and Start Renovating Today
Streamline your renovation project with the help of self storage. Freedom Storage Management is committed to making your storage experience a breeze, whether it’s for a renovation project, moving across town, or you’re just ready to declutter the basement. Find an affordable self storage unit near you today!