When it comes to renovating any space in your home, there are many factors that go into both the planning and designing stages — whether you’re revamping your kitchen or installing brand-new windows. Organization and thoughtful execution are essential to creating a beautiful space that is completed on time and on budget.
Renovations can feel overwhelming, but they can also be an enticing, engaging experience. With the right resources and insights, you can make decisions that not only benefit your bottom line — but that contribute to a positive renovation experience.
Follow this guide and learn how to make the most of your next home renovation.
Build a Realistic Budget
Renovations can often bring out our dreamer’s side — where we create visions for our spaces that may exceed what we’re able to spend. That doesn’t mean it’s not achievable, but it does mean you need to first establish a realistic budget to determine how luxurious or cost-conscious your renovation can afford to be.
Your budget and the scope of your project will go hand-in-hand. If, for example, you’re completely gutting your kitchen, your numbers will exceed something more cosmetic or a smaller-scale project, like renovating a half bathroom.
During the planning stages, research the materials you envision in your space against multiple suppliers to find out where you can get the best deals. When it comes to decor pieces, secondhand stores are a great alternative to spending hundreds of dollars at brand-name boutiques and home decor shops.
Be Intentional About Your Designs
A clear design vision gives you the direction you need to make swift decisions, ensures your project stays on schedule and will give the space cohesion. The first step should be creating a color pallet, either through cut-out magazine pictures or you can create an online mood board.
Once you have an understanding of the overall aesthetic of the space, you can make design choices that reflect your vision — everything from the flooring to cabinets, lighting, and throw pillows.
Even a project, such as changing out the windows in a space, requires a clear design vision. The experts at Golden Windows recommend working with a specialist and explaining your interior vision and how you want your windows to function in the home. With that insight, they can provide the recommendations that make the most sense for your space.
Prepare for Discomfort
The reality of renovations is that they often take longer than expected to be completed — no matter how prepared you are during your initial steps. Between production and shipping delays, and in some cases weather setbacks, you may be waiting weeks past your initial completion date.
The best thing you can do is to mentally and physically prepare for the discomfort ahead. Wear protective gear if you’re living in your home during the renovation, as dust will likely be circulating in that specific space. Keep any items you need accessible to you and your family, especially if they have to be moved to accommodate your renovation.
Lastly, exercise patience. We know the renovation process can be taxing, but at the end of the day, you’re going to have a space that you can cherish and experience with loved ones for years to come — and that’s worth the wait.
