Renovating your home can seem like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, a clear idea of what you want, and the right team, you can make it happen.
Whether you’re updating your kitchen, refreshing your bathroom, or giving the exterior of your home a new look, these 10 tips will help keep things on track and avoid any typical roadblocks.
1) Define Your Vision and Goals
The first step in any renovation is figuring out exactly what you want to achieve. It sounds simple, but having a clear vision from the start makes all the difference.
So, what’s your goal? Are you looking to give your home a fresh new look, maybe modernize things a bit, or boost that curb appeal?
Take the time to think about how you want your space to look and function, and consider factors like family needs, future resale value, and overall style preferences. You may find it helpful to prioritize your goals by writing down your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.”
Having a defined vision also helps when working with contractors. If you’re unsure about your goals, it can lead to miscommunication or unexpected changes that can increase costs and cause delays. The clearer your vision, the easier it will be to keep everyone on the same page.
2) Set a Realistic Home Renovation Budget
Creating a realistic budget is key to keeping your renovation stress-free. Make sure to factor in all the costs, including materials, labor, permits, and any unexpected expenses that might pop up. You’ll want to leave a little wiggle room—typically around 10-20%—for those surprises that always seem to sneak in.
Start by researching typical renovation costs in your area for the type of project you’re planning. Being upfront with your contractor about your budget from the start is important. A reputable contractor will help you manage costs, suggest affordable alternatives when needed, and avoid expensive pitfalls. Always try to get at least three different quotes or estimates for the work to be done and compare them thoroughly. Do not be afraid to ask questions or point out specifics that one estimate has that another does not. The cheapest option will not always save you the most money, and the most expensive option is not always the best.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to budget for a cleaning crew. Even the best contractors won’t leave your home completely spotless after all the dust and debris. Having a professional cleaning service come in after the renovation can save you time and ensure your home is ready to enjoy as soon as possible. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference when it comes to enjoying the results of your hard work.
3) Choose the Right Team
A successful renovation hinges on the team you hire, which is why choosing the right team is important.
We recommend that you start by asking friends or family for companies that they may have used in the past. We also suggest asking the company you are using for a reference of properties they have done work for in your area. A good company will have plenty of work done in your area that you can reference. When you are vetting a potential contractor, don’t be afraid to ask for examples of their past projects, experience with similar work, how they estimate timelines, and how they manage to stay within budget. The small details are important, such as the quality of the material, insurance, responsiveness, and installation techniques. There are sometimes multiple ways to do the same project, and each way has its advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to weigh those options when making a decision.
For example, we have provided exterior home remodeling services to over 350,000 Long Island and New York homeowners with a 99.6% customer satisfaction rating. We also have all our reviews aggregated on our website from Google, Yelp and Facebook here.
Pro Tip: Before any work begins, make sure your contractors and subcontractors are both licensed and insured. If anything goes wrong, you’re protected from liability.
4) Create a Detailed Plan and Timeline
Now that you’ve got your team, it’s time to map out a plan. The more detailed you are here, the smoother things will go—less chance of delays or surprises. This is where your contractor really shines, helping you come up with a realistic timeline and figuring out what materials and labor you’ll need along the way.
A good renovation plan includes:
- Design and Material Selections: Finalize your design choices early, so materials can be ordered and deliveries are scheduled without delays. If you’re tackling both interior and exterior remodeling, think about how the two will flow together for a cohesive look.
- Timeline: A solid project timeline will help keep everything on track. Renovations can take several weeks or months, depending on the scope of the project, so setting clear milestones—like when demolition starts, when framing is done, and when the finishing touches will be completed—is key.
You’ll also want to plan around your family’s schedule. Think about kids’ activities, vacations, or school breaks, as well as any personal time off or holidays. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of a renovation during a busy family time. Additionally, some parts of your renovation might be impacted by the season. For example, exterior work like roofing or siding should be avoided in the winter, as cold weather can cause delays or make it harder for contractors to work efficiently.
5) Prepare for Unexpected Issues
As much as we wish it were true, no renovation goes perfectly. You might find hidden damage to walls or foundations, outdated wiring, or other structural problems. Sometimes, the selection you want is backordered, out of stock, or just isn’t produced anymore, and now you have to choose a different option. We know it can be upsetting, and these issues can disrupt your timeline and budget, so it’s important to prepare for the unexpected.
Having a contingency plan for these surprises is key. Keeping at least 15% of your budget aside to cover unexpected expenses can help you deal with these costs without feeling stressed. Also, be realistic about how long things may take—renovations often take longer than expected, especially when dealing with exterior work.
6) Maintain Clear Communication with Contractors and Neighbors
When you communicate openly, you reduce the chance of misunderstandings and delays. This is especially important when making decisions about materials or design changes.
Try to set up regular check-ins, whether it’s weekly meetings or just quick phone calls, to go over progress, talk about any issues, and make adjustments if needed.
A home renovation can be a big disruption for you—and your neighbors too. They’ll hear the noise and see the mess, so it’s a good idea to let them know what’s going on. You don’t need to share every detail, but giving them a rough timeline can help prevent any surprises or tension later on.
And if you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, be sure to get the necessary approvals before you start. The last thing you want is to get deep into the project only to have to stop because of unexpected HOA rules.
7) Stay Flexible and Manage Expectations
No matter how much you plan, things might not always go as expected. Delays, unexpected costs, or even small design changes can pop up. The trick is to stay flexible and roll with the punches—it’ll help keep stress levels down when things don’t go perfectly.
Setbacks are totally normal, so don’t freak out if something doesn’t go as planned. Whether it’s a weather delay or that one design element you loved being out of stock, try to go with the flow. Keep a positive mindset, and remember, the finished result will be totally worth it.
And if you’re working with a pro like Unified Home Remodeling, who’s been through it all before, you’ll have the peace of mind that they’ve got your back. They’ll keep things on track—even if the project doesn’t go exactly as planned.
8) Organize Your Belongings
Before the work kicks off, take a little time to clear out the space. Move furniture, electronics, and anything valuable out of the way to avoid any damage. If you’re doing exterior work, make sure paths, gardens, and lawns are free of debris.
Getting your things organized ahead of time not only protects your stuff from accidents but also helps the workers move around more easily and get the job done faster. Plus, having a clutter-free space will make the whole renovation process run a lot smoother for everyone.
9) Stay Involved, but Don’t Micromanage
It’s great to stay engaged throughout your renovation, but try not to micromanage every little detail—it can add stress and slow everything down. Trust your contractor to manage the day-to-day tasks—they’re the pros, after all.
Keep things stress-free during your renovation by focusing on the big stuff—like choosing designs or giving the final approvals—and let your team take care of everything else. This way, you stay in the loop without getting caught up in the small details.
10) Celebrate the Small Wins
Renovations can feel like they drag on, but celebrating the little wins along the way can keep you motivated. Whether it’s hitting a big milestone or just seeing the finishing touches come together, take a moment to appreciate the progress.
Enjoying those small victories helps keep your energy up and makes the end result even more rewarding. You might even want to snap some photos at each stage to create a fun visual timeline of your renovation journey.
Home renovations are all about making your dream space come to life, and while it might take a little time and patience, it’s totally worth it in the end. Keep an open mind, celebrate the little wins, and trust the process. With the right team by your side, you’ll be enjoying a space that feels even better than you imagined before you know it. Happy renovating!
Transform Your Home’s Exterior with Expert Help
Unified Home Remodeling supplies & installs custom-made energy-efficient windows, doors, siding, roofing, masonry, & more for Long Island and New York homeowners. From a new siding to building the deck of your dreams or giving your entire exterior a makeover, we’ve got the skills to make it happen. Ready to get started? Reach out today, and let’s bring your vision to life! Schedule a free consultation with one of our home remodeling experts by calling 888-631-2131 or filling out our online form. Our representatives will provide their expert opinion and are ready to answer any questions you have about your project.