When it’s time to plan a home renovation in Red Deer, people typically browse through magazines, search the Internet and watch a few design shows. While these are all great ways to get fabulous ideas for a remodel, project organization is essential. A well-planned and properly thought out renovation will go smoother, end with better results, lower costs and cause much less stress along the way.

Make Lists

To start with, get good at making lists. Writing down each step, and what is involved in each step, of your home renovation helps you to keep thoughts organized and prevents you from forgetting those minute details that could significantly impact your end results. If you are acting as project manager for your renovation, this list needs to include who is doing what and when they are expected to arrive / the materials they are using are expected to arrive. If you are working with a professional general contractor in Red Deer, your list might not contain all of these details since that person will be responsible for managing sub-contractors, the delivery of materials and other such details. Either way, get the people you are working with get a copy of your list and commit to continued communication throughout the project so that everyone is always working on the same page.

Keep Sub-contractors on the Same Page

Speaking of working on the same page, make sure the people who are handling each step of the renovation know what the other professionals on the job are doing. This is important because one step often impacts another. For instance, your electrician needs to know when they drywall guys will have the wall open. Cabinets need to be installed before countertops can go in, and floors should be in place before cabinets are installed. If each Red Deer subcontractor knows the timing of the other person’s tasks, your job will run smoother, and you will avoid many unnecessary delays.

Divide the Renovation into Subsections

In addition to writing up a plan for the entire project, it is a good idea to break each subsection of your Red Deer home renovation into as fine-tuned details as possible. Rather than simply stating “install lights”, indicate what kind of lights you are looking for, where you want them placed and even how many lights you think you will need. Taking the time to do this before you renovate can help you to gather the most accurate quotes. It also helps to ensure that your general contractor and sub-contractors have the details they need to fully realize your vision and provide the results you are after. Finally, it reduces the need to do things over because they weren’t done right the first time, eliminating wasted time and unwanted costs.

Factor in the Unexpected

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make when planning a home renovation in Red Deer is forgetting to plan for the unexpected. Sometimes, tile or cabinets take longer than expected to be delivered. That perfect sofa might also take three weeks in the factory rather than the one week you are hoping for. Give yourself a little extra time for some unexpected delays rather than pushing everything to the exact second.

In the same way, unexpected costs sometimes arise. This can happen when your contractors open up walls or rips out carpeting and find unanticipated electrical, plumbing or sub-floor concerns. Give yourself a 10-percent contingency with any home renovation budget so that you always have room to manage any extra costs that pop up.

While choosing to manage a home renovation in Red Deer on your own certainly offers rewards, sometimes the best approach is to call in the cavalry. The ideal person to manage a home renovation is calm, cool, collected and oftentimes, has some experience under their belt. Taking on this task requires time and dedication, and it will take away your ability to focus on other beloved or important things in life. If the job isn’t for you, call in a professional. Alair Homes Red Deer general contractors can provide sound advice and a wealth of knowledge to help you renovate in a way that brings your dreams to life, reducing stress, costs and letting you know that your home renovation is in great hands.