What to Do Before Renovation Starts in Your Home?

You’ve decided to renovate your home. Exciting, right? You’re picturing new spaces, fresh paint, and stylish updates. But before the hammers start swinging, it’s important to prepare your home, and yourself for the work ahead.

Many people forget that proper prep is the key to a smooth renovation. If you skip it, you might face delays, surprise costs, or a big mess. Knowing what to do before renovation makes all the difference.

Start by decluttering your space. Pack away valuable or fragile items so they don’t get damaged. This also gives workers more room to move safely.

Next, talk to your contractors. Make sure everyone understands the plan, timeline, and your expectations. Good communication avoids mistakes later.

Also, prepare your family. If you’re living in the house during construction, think about noise, dust, and safety, especially for kids or pets.

Finally, protect parts of your home not being renovated. Cover furniture, seal off rooms, and store your window treatments safely. With the right planning, your dream renovation will feel exciting, not overwhelming.

Why Preparing for Renovation Matters

Renovating your home is exciting, but without good preparation, it can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why knowing what to do before renovation is so important.

Avoid Surprises

Planning ahead helps you avoid unexpected issues. Hidden damage, budget problems, or missing materials are common if you’re not ready. A little prep goes a long way in reducing these risks.

Save Money

Rushed decisions often cost more. When you prepare in advance, you can compare prices, choose wisely, and avoid last-minute changes that break your budget.

Stay Calm and Organized

Home renovations can be messy and loud. Being organized by making lists, setting a timeline, and preparing your space keeps the chaos under control. It helps your family know what to expect each day.

According to a 2021 survey by Houzz, 35% of homeowners run into unexpected problems during renovations. While no plan is perfect, being prepared means you can handle surprises calmly and confidently.

So, take time to plan your steps. Whether it’s packing up fragile items or speaking clearly with your contractor, knowing what to do before renovation will lead to smoother results, and a happier you.

Declutter and Secure Your Belongings

Renovations often mean dust, debris, and lots of movement in and out of your house. Protect your belongings by removing what you can from the renovation area. Here’s how to get started:

• Declutter and Organize:

Go through the items in the room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. This is your chance to clear out unused items and make room for the beautiful space you’re creating.

• Use Storage Solutions:

If possible, move furniture, decor, and fragile items to another part of your home. Alternatively, consider renting a storage unit to keep valuables safe during renovation.

• Protect What Stays:

For larger, immovable items like flooring or built-in furniture, use protective covers, blankets, or plastic sheeting to shield them from damage.

Create a Detailed Timeline and Budget

Time and money are two of the most critical factors in any renovation project. Prepare for success by setting realistic expectations.

• Work With Contractors to Set a Timeline:

Talk with your contractors about how long each phase of the project will take. Make allowances for unexpected delays (e.g., material supply issues or weather).

• Set a Contingency Budget:

Experts recommend keeping a 10%–15% contingency fund to cover unexpected costs. For example, if your total renovation budget is $30,000, earmark $3,000–$4,500 as your “just in case” fund.

• Use a Checklist or Calendar:

Map out tasks such as finalizing designs, obtaining permits, and scheduling inspections to stay on track.

Build Clear Communication with Contractors

One of the most important parts of a smooth renovation is talking clearly with your contractor. Good communication helps avoid confusion, delays, and stress. If you’re wondering what to do before renovation, start by building a strong line of communication.

Review Contracts in Detail
Before signing anything, read the contract carefully. Make sure it explains exactly what work will be done, when it will be finished, how much it will cost, and what happens if there’s a problem. If anything is unclear, ask questions until you feel confident.

Set Expectations Upfront
Talk with your contractor about work hours, how they’ll enter your home, and what areas they’ll use. If you have pets or small children, let them know. Also, talk about how loud the work might be and when it’s happening. These small talks can prevent bigger problems later.

Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Make time to speak with your contractor every few days or once a week. These quick check-ins help keep the project moving. You can talk about what’s going well, what needs fixing, and any changes to the plan. Don’t wait for problems, catch them early.

Write It Down
Always put changes in writing. If you agree to something new or different, ask for a written note or email so everyone remembers the plan.

If you’re planning a remodel and wondering what to do before renovation, remember that great results begin with great communication. Stay involved, speak up, and work together with your contractor from start to finish.

Prepare the Space for Construction

Home renovation can get messy quickly. That’s why one smart step in what to do before renovation is to get your space ready for the work ahead. A little prep now can save a lot of cleanup later.

Block Off Non-Renovation Areas:
Use plastic sheeting or temporary doors to seal off rooms not being renovated. This helps stop dust, dirt, and debris from spreading to other parts of your home. It also keeps your family safe and your belongings clean.

Create Alternate Living Arrangements:
If your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom will be out of use, make a plan. Set up a mini kitchen in another room with a microwave and small fridge. If your shower is being redone, ask a friend or neighbor if you can use theirs for a few days.

Stock Up on Tools and Supplies:
Have duct tape, brooms, trash bags, and drop cloths nearby. These items will help you handle small messes or emergencies during the project.

Preparing your space is a must on your checklist of what to do before renovation. It keeps the mess under control and helps your renovation go more smoothly from day one.

Keep Family and Pets Safe During Renovation

One important part of what to do before renovation is making sure your family and pets stay safe during the work. Construction areas can be full of hazards like tools, dust, and loud noises.

Create Safe Zones:
Pick parts of your home that will not be under renovation and make them safe places for kids and pets. If the work is loud or messy, it may be a good idea to stay at a friend’s or relative’s house during that time.

Watch Out for Dust and Noise:
Renovation dust can be bad for breathing. Use air purifiers and keep windows open when you can. Wear earplugs if the noise gets too loud.

Secure Tools and Materials:
Ask your contractor to store tools and chemicals safely after each workday.

Safety should always come first in your what to do before renovation plan.

Get Necessary Permits and Documentation

Depending on the scale of your renovation, certain permits and documentation may be required. These might include building permits, electrical permits, or plumbing permits.

• Contact your local municipality for information on the permits you’ll need.
• Ensure all paperwork is completed and approved before construction begins to avoid fines or delays.

Test Systems and Utilities Before Construction Starts

Analyze your home’s infrastructure to ensure it’s ready for renovation.

• Inspect electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems for potential issues that could interfere with the project.
• Shut off utilities in construction zones for safety purposes.

Pack Essentials for the Duration of the Renovation

Living through a renovation often involves minor inconveniences. Make it easier by packing a survival kit with:

• Toiletries
• Basic kitchenware (microwave, coffee maker)
• Important documents
• Clothes and personal items

Adjust the essentials based on your specific renovation project. For example, during a kitchen remodel, prepare for easy meals like microwave dinners or takeout.

Think About the Post-Renovation Cleanup

The end of the project doesn’t mean the end of the work. Prepare for cleanup to ensure you can enjoy your renovated space as soon as possible.

• Hire a Professional Cleaning Service:

Construction dust settles everywhere, even places you wouldn’t expect. Professionals can help ensure a thorough cleanup.

• Schedule Waste Removal Services:

Coordinate with contractors to handle construction debris and leftover materials.

Final Words

Getting ready for a home makeover doesn’t have to be stressful. The secret is simple: what to do before renovation matters more than you think. Taking small steps like cleaning up, making a timeline, setting a budget, and thinking about safety can make a big difference.

When your home is ready and the work begins, you’ll feel more in control and less overwhelmed. And once it’s done, you’ll enjoy a space that feels fresh, comfortable, and just right for you and your family.

At Onsite Drapery, we know how important it is to protect the beauty of your home, even during renovation. Don’t forget to shield your window treatments before the work begins!

Need a little help staying organized? Download our Free Renovation Preparation Checklist today and take the first step toward a smoother project. Your dream home is closer than you think!