More time spent at home has changed the way we view and use our homes. Over the past several months, homeowners across the metro Atlanta area have been embracing home renovations by transforming their current spaces into ones that are more efficient for the everyday life we live today. Whether crafting a kitchen that is more open to movement, adding on productive home office spaces or making room for multigenerational living, exciting renovation projects are continuing to take place in neighborhoods all over the metro area.

Are you planning on renovating the spaces in your home? While some homeowners are taking this time to make renovations for their own personal benefit, others are making renovations with selling in mind. No matter what position you are in, our team at KNOWAtlanta is here to provide you with the tips to ensure your home renovation project is a resounding success!

1. Plan in Advance

Home renovations require a lot more initial steps than many homeowners think. When renovating, you will need to set a schedule, budget and plan in advance so materials can be bought, contractors can be booked if needed and the project can be completed in the time frame you desire. Of course, if the project is not a major overhaul and you feel confident in your abilities, you can tackle the project on your own and in your own free time.

Along with the contractor, you’ll also want to make material selections for your new space. Having these two essential steps complete will allow you to easily plan out how long the project will take and how much it will cost. When estimating costs, be sure to allow for a buffer in the financial budget in the event that an unexpected problem occurs and plans have to change.

2. Research Contractors

Even the simplest home renovation projects can be intimidating for the average homeowner. Depending on the type of renovation you’re tackling, you may want to hire a professional contractor to get the job done safely, correctly and efficiently, especially if you’re dealing with electrical, plumbing or an addition. Again, depending on the type of project you’re attempting, your options are varied. Want to add a firepit out back to enjoy during the cooler fall and winter evenings? You and a friend or family member who has tackled a similar project can probably handle it! Want to update your stained cabinets to a modern painted look? You can probably tackle that in a weekend or two. But if you’re changing layouts, adding on a home office, or redesigning your kitchen, it’s time to hire a pro!

When it comes to contractors, you get what you pay for. A little bit of research on sites such as Yelp or reading Google reviews will give you an idea of where to start. Once you’ve selected a few potential contractors, setting up virtual or in-person consultations will give you a better idea of the contractor’s personality, work ethic and price.

3. De-Clutter

It’s so much easier to be productive when your space is free of unnecessary clutter. Before any renovation work takes place, ensure the room or area is clean and clutter free. A blank slate allows you or contractors to start work without any delay. While this may not be the most exciting part of the process, it is essential to keeping everything on track.

If you’re renovating just one area of the home, make sure items within that space are removed and temporarily stored elsewhere. Identify everyday items you’ll need and make sure they are stored in a place that is easy to reach, while packing away everything else. For a kitchen renovation, think about items like utensils, plates, cups and smaller appliances. For bedroom and bathroom renovations, consider items such as toiletries, bedding and clothing essentials. Do not forget to label storage boxes or place in clear containers for easy locating!

4. Set Realistic Expectations

Once you’ve gotten this far in the process, the anticipation can be overwhelming! It is important to know that renovation projects, whether they are minor DIY changes or major whole-house renovations, take time. Depending on the scale of the project, it is important to account for a 10-20% overage on both time and budget. Setting these expectations upfront will ensure you’re not blindsided when a project takes longer than you thought or goes over budget.

While renovation projects are a big undertaking, they’re also incredibly exciting! With our needs and way of life changing so drastically in 2020, now is a great time to consider how your home could better function for you and your family. If the renovations desired seem too great, it may be a great time to contemplate buying a new home that better fits your current needs. Start your new home search today on KNOWAtlanta.com/category/find-a-home.