Planning a home renovation is exciting, but before the dust starts flying and the demo crew shows up, there’s a lot you can do to make the process smoother for your home and your sanity.
Getting ready the right way will help you avoid common pitfalls and set the stage for a transformation you’ll love. Here’s how to prepare your space, and yourself, for the project ahead:
1. Notify your Neighbors
Renovations can be noisy, messy, and sometimes disruptive. That’s why it’s a smart move to give your neighbors a heads-up before the work begins. Letting them know what to expect helps maintain good relationships, especially if construction will involve early morning noise, large trucks, or blocked driveways. A simple conversation can go a long way toward setting the right tone, avoiding complaints, and creating a little extra patience and understanding while your project is underway.
2. Clean out + Prepare belongings
Before the renovation work begins, it’s important to take time to clean out and declutter your space. Clearing the area not only protects your personal belongings from dust and damage, but it also helps the project move faster and more efficiently.
Start by sorting through everything into four piles. Decide what can be:
- Donated
- Thrown away
- Pack and stored safely
- Essentials you’ll need easy access to during the renovation.
Having a clear plan for where your items will go, whether that’s a temporary storage unit, a spare room, or neatly organized bins, will make the entire process far less stressful and keep your renovation running smoothly.
3. Set Up a temporary home base
One thing that can make or break your sanity during a home renovation? Having a solid plan for where and how you’ll live while the work is happening.
If you’re moving out temporarily, make sure the place you’re staying is convenient to your work, school, or family routines because no one wants to add a miserable commute on top of renovation stress.
If you’re sticking it out at home, setting up a functional “survival zone” is key. Think about the basics you’ll need: a crockpot, microwave, toaster oven, and a mini fridge can go a long way to creating a makeshift kitchen.
Keep a stash of paper plates and utensils handy to avoid daily dishwashing struggles, or plan to use an outdoor grill when the weather cooperates. Setting this up before demolition starts can help you stay comfortable, save money on takeout, and keep your day-to-day life running as smoothly as possible while your dream space is under construction.
4. Protect large Furniture
When renovation dust starts flying, it doesn’t politely stay where the work is happening, it finds its way everywhere.
That’s why it’s so important to protect your larger furniture and electronics, not just in the construction zone, but in any nearby rooms too. Items like TVs, speakers, and computers should be covered tightly in plastic to shield them from dust and debris that can cause serious (and expensive) damage.
Anything made of fabric like clothing, curtains, rugs, and bedding should be removed from the area altogether, or at minimum sealed away from the chaos.
For big furniture pieces that can’t be moved, a thick plastic drop cloth can be used to protect those items.
5. Mentally Prepare Yourself
Going through a home renovation isn’t just a physical process, it’s a mental marathon too. You’ll have workers coming and going at all hours, sometimes popping in unannounced. There will be delays you didn’t plan for, unexpected costs, and moments when it feels like your daily life is completely flipped upside down.
The constant noise, dust, and lack of privacy can be distracting and downright exhausting. Mentally preparing yourself and keeping your focus on the final result is what will carry you through.
When the dust settles (literally), you’ll be standing in a space that’s everything you envisioned and more.
Wondering if we might be able to help with your design/build project in Massachusetts?
Our projects are generally 20-30 min from Burlington, MA and meet other certain criteria. Start with filling out our project inquiry form to see if yours is a good fit!
