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There are few things in life as exciting as undertaking a big home renovation project. Whether it’s gutting a bathroom to installing a completely new one or it’s turning your unfinished basement into a finished one, making upgrades to your home with your own hands is exhilarating.
You might be able to get by with just an idea on a small project. But, if you are planning to do a big project, you really need to do a lot of planning ahead of time. Without proper planning, there’s a solid chance you will run into a big problem at some put during the renovation.
Prepare for a Big Home Renovation Project the Right Way
Here are a few tips for making sure you get it done right the first time.
Triple Check Your Measurements
For the non-professional, a very common error during home renovations is making mistakes while making measurements. It could be any of numerous reasons why you slip up, but chances are at some put in your planning while taking measurements of walls or doors, you will screw up.
That is why it’s extremely important to not only measure and record everything carefully the first time but go through all of those measurements a second time at a later point in the day or even the following day.
Then, you should get them looked over the third time. But, instead of doing it yourself, get a second pair of eyes to take the same set of measurements. Don’t let them see yours. You want them to do everything from scratch.
Lastly, compare your findings. If there are anything discrepancies, you will need to go back and check to see who was correct.
But checking three times, you ensure your numbers will be correct and reduce the chances you make a silly and avoidable mistake.
Source Your Supplies
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not properly sourcing your supplies for your big project. When you are doing something small, chances are almost any major home improvement store will have what you need to get the job done.
But, when you have a more large-scale project, making sure the supplies are available before you begin work is of the utmost importance. Do you really want to have completely demoed the interior of your master bedroom’s bathroom only to learn later that the supplies you need are out of stock for three months?
While you are planning your renovation, physically visit the shop you’ll be getting the supplies from and make sure they actually have them on site. And, if possible, buy everything you need before you start.
Make sure you have all the finances in place for your renovation project too, which includes home improvement loans. As Mortgageable explains ensure you have a reasonable monthly budget, so you don’t miss any repayment.
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Have an Exit Strategy
Getting your hands dirty and tearing down that first piece of drywall is very satisfying. But, there’s a lot more to completing a big project than ripping everything apart.
Do you need to have a plan from A to Z. What is the best way to prepare the area for the renovation? How will you dispose of all the debris from your demolition phase? Do you know who to contact should you run into an unforeseen problem?
Most importantly, are you sure you are going to be able to finish what you start?
Having a half-finished model airplane on your desk or a half-finished project car in your garage isn’t a serious problem. However, having a half-finished renovation in a house you’re living in is.
Know exactly what you need to complete your project and do it from the beginning to the very end.
In Conclusion
Working in your home can be a really fun idea. But, actually getting your hands dirty is much different than the idea of making some upgrades.
There’s a lot of time and money that goes into home improvement projects. And, even those that seem simple can end up being a challenge for amateurs and professionals alike.
If you are going to attempt your first big home renovation project, follow the above three tips to make your chances of having a smooth experience as high as possible. But, even if you do hit a few bumps along the way, as long as learn something new, have fun, and eventually get to the end, your project was a success.
