How to Prepare for Renovations: Making the Right Choices for Your Home

Renovating your home is a personal journey, and the decisions you make can have a lasting impact on your living space. From setting a budget to choosing colors and finishes, preparing for renovations involves understanding your preferences and aligning them with practical considerations. Here’s a guide to help you make the right decisions for your home renovation project.

---

1. Define Your Goals and Vision

Before starting any renovation, take time to envision what you want your space to look and feel like.

• Set Your Priorities: Are you focusing on functionality, aesthetics, or both? Decide whether you’re renovating for your own comfort or to increase resale value.

• Create a Mood Board: Gather inspiration from magazines, websites, or Pinterest to narrow down your style preferences.

• Think Long-Term: Choose designs and layouts that will age well and suit your lifestyle for years to come.

---

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Determining how much you’re willing to spend is one of the most critical steps in preparing for renovations.

• Prioritize Investments: Focus on areas that provide the most value, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or energy-efficient upgrades.

  Break It Down: Divide your budget into categories like materials, labor, permits, and contingency funds (10-15% for unexpected expenses).

• Get in the loop of current costs: Ask around to your friends, family and neighbors who may have recently gotten renovations done in your area. How much did their renovations cost? What did they get done? How long ago was the work performed? Is it still holding up properly? What did they like or dislike about their contractor, and would they recommend them to you? Getting informed on modern day costs may help save from an uncomfortable sticker shock when it comes to major home renovations such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

Pro Tip: As a rule of thumb, it is always recommended that you get 3 estimates for all your projects! You are likely to experience a wide price range from one estimate to the other. Some estimates might be detailed and broken down by line-item, others might be vague with no price breakdown but rather a single subtotal cost for the project as a whole. Some estimates might be half the price of others, and some might seem ridiculously expensive. Some companies may not be licensed & insured while others are, some may be using cheaper materials to cut costs, some may offer their services at a lower rate due to a smaller set of skills and knowledge, while others may simply maintain a lower overhead cost. Ultimately it is best to get clear on what kind of contractor you wish to work with and confirming what it is you will be receiving and what is included so there are no unexpected misunderstandings.

---

3. Choose Your Color Palette

Colors set the tone of a room and can significantly impact its atmosphere. Here’s how to decide on a palette:

• Consider the Mood: Warm tones like reds and yellows create a cozy feel, while cool tones like blues and greens evoke calmness.

• Stick to a Theme: Use complementary colors that align with the overall style of your home.

• Test Before You Commit: Buy sample paint pots and try them on your walls. Observe how the colors look at different times of day. Some stores may even offer physical color samples of your color of desire for free or a small fee. Alternatively, most contractors also have a booklet of physical color samples for you to view in your home. Hold the samples against the wall and see how it appears under different lighting conditions to help confirm your selection.

---

4. Select Trims and Baseboards

Trims and baseboards are often overlooked, but they add a finishing touch that ties a room together. From the door sizes & style, to baseboards, door & window casings, crown moulding and even picture frames & chair rails, there's a lot of finish trim carpentry involved in the final look and feel of your home!

• Match the Style: Choose trims and baseboards that complement your home’s architectural style. For example, ornate trims suit traditional homes, while clean lines work well in modern spaces.

• Consider Height and Proportion: Taller baseboards can make a room feel more elegant, while simpler designs can enhance a minimalist aesthetic.

• Choose a Durable Material: Opt for materials that are high in quality like pine and oak mouldings, and avoid the use of MDF mouldings as they tend to be less durable and swell up if ever exposed to water. For these reasons they should never be installed in kitchens or bathrooms, even mud rooms and entrances! In these areas which are prone to being exposed to occasional water, it is best to use a vinyl or PVC trim, Tile trims or a solid wood trim with appropriate primer and paint to ensure water repelling and ease of cleanability.

---

5. Decide on Accent Walls

Accent walls can add personality and depth to a space, but they require thoughtful planning.

• Choose the Right Wall: Pick a wall that naturally draws attention, such as one behind a bed or sofa.

• Use Bold Colors or Patterns: Experiment with vibrant paint, wallpaper, or even textured materials like wood or stone.

• Keep It Balanced: Ensure the accent wall complements the rest of the room without overpowering it.

---

6. Select Materials and Finishes

The materials you choose can define the quality and aesthetic of your renovation.

• Balance Style and Durability: Opt for materials that look great but can withstand daily wear and tear, such as quartz countertops or engineered hardwood floors.

• Explore Options: Visit showrooms to compare textures, colors, and finishes in person.

• Stick to Your Budget: High-end materials can be tempting, but there are often budget-friendly alternatives that offer similar looks.

---

7. Plan Your Layout and Functionality

A well-thought-out layout ensures your space is not only beautiful but also functional.

• Assess Your Needs: Think about how you use each room and design accordingly. For example, a family room may need ample seating, while a home office requires storage.

• Maximize Space: Consider features like built-in shelves or multi-functional furniture to make the most of your square footage.

• Account for Traffic Flow: Ensure there’s enough space for people to move comfortably through the room.

---

8. Test Your Decisions

Before finalizing your choices, take time to evaluate how they fit together.

• Create Mockups: Use design software or sketches to visualize your plans.

• Bring Samples Home: Test flooring, fabric swatches, and paint colors in your actual space to see how they work together.

• Ask for Opinions: Get feedback from family or friends, but stay true to your personal preferences.

---

9. Prepare Your Space for Renovations

Once your decisions are finalized, it’s time to get your home ready. Proper preparation minimizes stress and helps the project go smoothly.

• Declutter and Pack: Clear out the area to be renovated. Remove furniture, decor, and personal items to protect them from dust and damage. Use labeled boxes to organize your belongings and make unpacking easier.

• Establish Temporary Spaces: If a kitchen or bathroom is being renovated, set up a temporary area for essential activities. For example, use a portable stove and microwave in another room or designate a bathroom for daily use.

• Protect Adjacent Areas: Use drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and painter’s tape to shield floors, furniture, and non-renovation spaces from debris and dust.

• Communicate with Your Household: Inform family members or roommates about the renovation timeline and any disruptions they can expect. Establish rules for safety and cleanliness during the project.

• Plan for Noise and Dust: Be prepared for the noise and mess that come with renovations. If possible, schedule work hours when they’ll have the least impact on your routine.

• Ensure Accessibility for Workers: Make sure contractors can easily access the renovation site. Clear pathways and remove obstacles to prevent delays.

• Secure Valuables: Store important documents, electronics, and fragile items in a safe location away from the construction zone.

• Confirm Utilities: If the project involves plumbing or electrical work, confirm with your contractor if utilities will be temporarily shut off. Plan around these interruptions.

• Stay Flexible: Despite thorough planning, unexpected issues may arise. Be ready to adapt and make quick decisions if needed.

---

Prepare for Renovations - Final Thoughts

Preparing for renovations is a deeply personal process that requires thoughtful decision-making. By focusing on your goals, setting a budget, and selecting finishes that reflect your style, you can create a space that’s uniquely yours. Remember, the best renovations are the ones that make your home feel more functional, beautiful, and enjoyable for years to come.